What They Wore: CFDA Awards
When it comes to red carpet events, there's little we adore more than a splashy fashion fete. While the delightfully over-the-top Met Gala is the industry's biggest bash—attracting a gorgeous group of movie stars and models alike—we have a personal fondness for the slightly more serious (but still very glam) CFDA Fashion Awards. This year, the annual ceremony drew an enviable crew of attendees, who were dressed to thrill in leather, lamé, and lots of leg. Read on for our coverage of the night's best looks, as seen on style devotees such as Ashley Olsen, Diane Kruger, and Dree Hemingway.
Agyness Deyn
It's hard not to appreciate Agyness Deyn's effervescent style, especially because she always seems like she's having a blast in whatever she's wearing. This statement is particularly true in regards to her CFDA ensemble, as Deyn turned up in one of her signature insouciant looks. Rather than going for a major gown or super-high stilettos, she chose a short-and-sparkly Anna Sui dress and her favorite buckle-adorned Marc by Marc Jacobs boots. Deyn finished off her downtown-chic ensemble with another beloved piece: her pin-studded vintage biker jacket. Overall, her high-low, tough-sweet mix offers a charming and very age-appropriate evening look.
Ashley Olsen
When it comes to Ashley Olsen's party-attire, we never know what to expect. Sometimes she'll go for refined androgyny, while other times she'll show off a sophisticated sexiness. At the CFDA Awards, she surprised and delighted us once again, when she picked a covetable gown from New York Vintage. Though her selection may be retro in creation, it is entirely modern in spirit. Frankly though, it's more than just her frock. Everything about her look is spot on: the slightly exaggerated shoulders, tousled hair, simple metallic Versace sandals, and minimal jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels—all perfection. But best of all is the bold color, as the vibrant orange-red is the perfect summer shade.
Kirsten Dunst
Though Kirsten Dunst has shunned the spotlight as of late, she showed her support for the fashion world on Monday night and looked divine doing so. The actress selected a hand-marbled silk chiffon and tulle Rodarte dress in delicate shades of gray. In contrast with the feminine mini, she wore a killer pair of aggressive shoes, specifically Nicholas Kirkwood's amazing Buckle Sandals in gray patent leather. It's a study in balance: the strong heels are the perfect architectural counterpoint to the body-con dress, while Dunst's heavy black eyeliner adds edge to her faintly girly hairstyle.
Lake Bell
Whenever there's a fashion event, we can count on Lake Bell to turn up in something fantastic. For the CFDAs, she wowed in a boldly beautiful Louis Vuitton dress from the F/W 09 runway, worn with an ankle-wrap pair of platform heels from the same collection. The oversized rounded shoulders and short draped skirt is so directional and daring, we just can't get enough!
Rachel Zoe
Stylist extraordinaire Rachel Zoe also chose a Louis Vuitton frock for the CFDA festivities, though she went for a gorgeous Grecian gown in a wildly flattering pale peach hue from the luxury label's 2009 resort collection. Always one to accessorize well, Zoe accented her dress with Chanel earrings (vintage, but of course), Yossi Harari rings and bracelets, and finished the look with a simple Louis Vuitton clutch.
Diane Kruger
One of the most beloved looks of the evening came courtesy of Diane Kruger, who received loads of accolades (at least around the WhoWhatWear.com office) for her custom-designed Jason Wu mini dress. The beaded shoulder embellishments are a deft nod to the silhouette du jour, while Kruger's styling choices—slim black belt, bondage shoes, and armful of Tom Binns Pearls in Peril Bracelets—personalize the outfit nicely.
Hana Soukupova
Czech stunner Hana Soukupova debuted a futuristic femme fatale look in a silver lamé ensemble from the new line, Altuzarra. Though it looks like a dress, Soukupova's actually wearing a one-shoulder top and draped skirt, which perfectly compliments her willowy figure. (The outfit is a showstopper, so we weren't surprised to learn that the designer, Joseph Altuzarra, cut his teeth at Givenchy and Proenza Schouler.) As for the rest of her evening ensemble, she selected a strappy lace-up pair of Alexander McQueen heels, Hunting Season clutch, and vintage Versace earrings.
Blake Lively
Much like Ashley Olsen and Diane Kruger, the lithesome Blake Lively selected a vibrant shade for the CFDA Awards. The Gossip Girl star looked seasonally appropriate in her strapless Michael Kors dress, which is actually from the designer's Fall 09 collection! Since she was wearing such a notice-me color, Lively kept the rest of her look simple and opted for a classic pair of peep-toe pumps in a leg-elongating nude hue.
Dree Hemingway
Our final featured look is from one of our favorite former GOTM subjects: Dree Hemingway. The up-and-coming trendsetter modeled a custom frock, created for her by the one and only Alexander Wang. Hemingway accented this dangerously sexy leather dress with a marvelous pair of strong black heels, also created by Wang. One thing's for sure: Dree and Alex make for an amazing combination. Here's hoping we see more of this dream duo in the future…and until then, cheers to all of the nominees, honorees, and winners!
Photos of Blake Lively, Kirsten Dunst, from Getty Images.
Agyness Deyn
It's hard not to appreciate Agyness Deyn's effervescent style, especially because she always seems like she's having a blast in whatever she's wearing. This statement is particularly true in regards to her CFDA ensemble, as Deyn turned up in one of her signature insouciant looks. Rather than going for a major gown or super-high stilettos, she chose a short-and-sparkly Anna Sui dress and her favorite buckle-adorned Marc by Marc Jacobs boots. Deyn finished off her downtown-chic ensemble with another beloved piece: her pin-studded vintage biker jacket. Overall, her high-low, tough-sweet mix offers a charming and very age-appropriate evening look.
Ashley Olsen
When it comes to Ashley Olsen's party-attire, we never know what to expect. Sometimes she'll go for refined androgyny, while other times she'll show off a sophisticated sexiness. At the CFDA Awards, she surprised and delighted us once again, when she picked a covetable gown from New York Vintage. Though her selection may be retro in creation, it is entirely modern in spirit. Frankly though, it's more than just her frock. Everything about her look is spot on: the slightly exaggerated shoulders, tousled hair, simple metallic Versace sandals, and minimal jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels—all perfection. But best of all is the bold color, as the vibrant orange-red is the perfect summer shade.
Kirsten Dunst
Though Kirsten Dunst has shunned the spotlight as of late, she showed her support for the fashion world on Monday night and looked divine doing so. The actress selected a hand-marbled silk chiffon and tulle Rodarte dress in delicate shades of gray. In contrast with the feminine mini, she wore a killer pair of aggressive shoes, specifically Nicholas Kirkwood's amazing Buckle Sandals in gray patent leather. It's a study in balance: the strong heels are the perfect architectural counterpoint to the body-con dress, while Dunst's heavy black eyeliner adds edge to her faintly girly hairstyle.
Lake Bell
Whenever there's a fashion event, we can count on Lake Bell to turn up in something fantastic. For the CFDAs, she wowed in a boldly beautiful Louis Vuitton dress from the F/W 09 runway, worn with an ankle-wrap pair of platform heels from the same collection. The oversized rounded shoulders and short draped skirt is so directional and daring, we just can't get enough!
Rachel Zoe
Stylist extraordinaire Rachel Zoe also chose a Louis Vuitton frock for the CFDA festivities, though she went for a gorgeous Grecian gown in a wildly flattering pale peach hue from the luxury label's 2009 resort collection. Always one to accessorize well, Zoe accented her dress with Chanel earrings (vintage, but of course), Yossi Harari rings and bracelets, and finished the look with a simple Louis Vuitton clutch.
Diane Kruger
One of the most beloved looks of the evening came courtesy of Diane Kruger, who received loads of accolades (at least around the WhoWhatWear.com office) for her custom-designed Jason Wu mini dress. The beaded shoulder embellishments are a deft nod to the silhouette du jour, while Kruger's styling choices—slim black belt, bondage shoes, and armful of Tom Binns Pearls in Peril Bracelets—personalize the outfit nicely.
Hana Soukupova
Czech stunner Hana Soukupova debuted a futuristic femme fatale look in a silver lamé ensemble from the new line, Altuzarra. Though it looks like a dress, Soukupova's actually wearing a one-shoulder top and draped skirt, which perfectly compliments her willowy figure. (The outfit is a showstopper, so we weren't surprised to learn that the designer, Joseph Altuzarra, cut his teeth at Givenchy and Proenza Schouler.) As for the rest of her evening ensemble, she selected a strappy lace-up pair of Alexander McQueen heels, Hunting Season clutch, and vintage Versace earrings.
Blake Lively
Much like Ashley Olsen and Diane Kruger, the lithesome Blake Lively selected a vibrant shade for the CFDA Awards. The Gossip Girl star looked seasonally appropriate in her strapless Michael Kors dress, which is actually from the designer's Fall 09 collection! Since she was wearing such a notice-me color, Lively kept the rest of her look simple and opted for a classic pair of peep-toe pumps in a leg-elongating nude hue.
Dree Hemingway
Our final featured look is from one of our favorite former GOTM subjects: Dree Hemingway. The up-and-coming trendsetter modeled a custom frock, created for her by the one and only Alexander Wang. Hemingway accented this dangerously sexy leather dress with a marvelous pair of strong black heels, also created by Wang. One thing's for sure: Dree and Alex make for an amazing combination. Here's hoping we see more of this dream duo in the future…and until then, cheers to all of the nominees, honorees, and winners!
Photos of Blake Lively, Kirsten Dunst, from Getty Images.
All good, except Blake and Ashley. The color of Blake's dress is a bit much, too in-your face. And Ashley looks like she is trying to hard to achieve a "look", as usual. The shape is overwhelming for her frame, too.
Posted by: jeps | 2009-06-20 21:05:00
Kristen looks so much better than she has in a long time and Ash is stunning...love the new haircut, and I agree her skin is always glowing! I want to know her secret. lake isn't doing it for me though...
Posted by: bella | 2009-06-20 16:00:23
Both Ashley & Diane look STUNNING! Ashley's skin is her best accessory. I also like Kirsten's look.
Posted by: Gillian | 2009-06-19 08:20:11
I pretty much love all of them. I'm happy that Agyness didn't go over the top with the hair like she's been doing of late. But can someone please tell me what Lake Bell does for a living? I'm sorry if I've been living under a rock. I know she had a TV show a couple of years back, but that been hit the dust.
Posted by: Champagne | 2009-06-18 17:31:28
blake lively:absgorgeous & love love love kristen dunst's dress. rachel zoe looks flawless as usual but ifeel like ive seen this look on her many times before. hmm lakebells shoes:not feeling them . aggy deyn looks like a cute little freak as always. i dunno why everyone is loving a.olsen's outfit ? && dian, dree, and hana all look very cute but thats just my take on it:)
Posted by: teenvoguer628 | 2009-06-18 08:43:56
I usually love Dree and A Wang but she looks like she's dying and his whole fierce leather/drap back combo on her doesn't work for me. Blake looks fresh and vibrant, so what if she's not pushing boundries, simplicity is a breath of fresh air after some tragics at the Met Gala. Hate Rachael Zoe - grecian, clutch and vintage jewels - she's so predictable. Lake Bell is a pioneer without crossing the line, love the shoulders. http://thelistupdate.blogspot.com
Posted by: alex | 2009-06-18 00:53:47
Oh my. I never thought I'd say this but I love Blake Lively's dress! It looks gorgeous on her! And OMG Kirsten Dunst's shoes are TO DIE FOR!!
Posted by: Michelle | 2009-06-18 00:27:59
I'm noticing two things in common with most of these: emphasis on either the shoulder pad trend or the cutout trend. I wasn't so sure about the shoulder pad thing again, as I'm not ready for another Dynasty-esque era, but it actually looks good here! Especially Lake Bell's dress! For your fabulous fix, follow me at http://beautyandthebudget.onsugar.com !
Posted by: Valerie | 2009-06-17 23:23:27
blake looks stunning!
Posted by: cc | 2009-06-17 23:08:21
i love love love alexander wangs dress he designed. my second favorite would have to be lake bell's louis vuitton dress she always looks gorgeous.
Posted by: Sam | 2009-06-17 18:09:03
I LOOOOVE Alexander Wang, and that dress is SICKKK
Posted by: kristen | 2009-06-17 17:58:49
Dree Hemingways dress was sooo sick! www.thestylerules.com
Posted by: The Style Rules | 2009-06-17 16:16:21
wow! they really all do look amazing. All beautifully feminine in different ways!
Posted by: kristin | 2009-06-17 15:42:33
They all look terrific! Not a bad one in the bunch!
Posted by: Llew | 2009-06-17 14:13:22
rachel, diane, and dree all look so amazing! blake looks very prett, but i think her dress is slightly boring. http://fashionhedonism.blogspot.com
Posted by: Christing | 2009-06-17 13:43:42
LOVE Kirsten, Diane and Dree. Kirsten's make-up is fantastic, Diane looks amazing in that color and that A. Wang dress is OUTSTANDING.
Posted by: nicole | 2009-06-17 11:30:56
Kirsten Dunst, Ashley Olsen and Diane Kruger are my favourites. :)
Posted by: Amy | 2009-06-17 09:52:40
I find Blake L. and Rachel Z. to be incredibly boring. Everyone else looks awesome! Especially Diane K. and Ashley O.
Posted by: nicole | 2009-06-17 09:46:51
Ashley Olsen's dress is from her own collection, The Row, which was inspired by New York vintage.. it isn't actually New York vintage. She looks fabulous.
Posted by: Marissa | 2009-06-17 09:33:00
I love GG as much as the next girl, but seriously - is it just me or does Blake look one spray tan away from looking totally ridiculous? Otherwise I love her dress, obvs.
Posted by: ak | 2009-06-17 09:18:30
loveeeeee all the footwear! especially kirsten dunst....and im totally digging dree hemingway
Posted by: kainaz | 2009-06-17 08:09:04
Ashley looks great... from the neck up. Diane Kruger is perfection as always. I am just not feeling that "dominatrix in the front, Greek goddess in the back" mess Hemingway is wearing.
Posted by: MEP | 2009-06-17 07:57:42
A+ I LOVE Blake's look... Beautiful dress... I need one!
Posted by: Santana-Marie | 2009-06-17 07:06:04
lake bell and diane kruger. amazing! blake is a snooze. egotrippingatthegates.blogspot.com
Posted by: D | 2009-06-17 06:53:20
Ashley Olsen looks fabulous! That colour is amazing - you're right, it's perfect for summer. Wish I could wear a colour like that but it's not exactly ideal for a redhead! http://dreamingspiresandoldcartyres.blogspot.com/
Posted by: MJ | 2009-06-17 06:52:22
blake does look really good, ill agree. who is lake bell? she's gorgeousss
Posted by: r. | 2009-06-17 06:18:43
Ashley Olsen and Blake lively are simply glowing! I would totally wear Blake's dress :) http://thatsjustmybag.onsugar.com/
Posted by: Eva | 2009-06-17 06:09:44