Best of the 2019 Academy Awards

McKennaRishmawyA Star is Born, Academy Awards, Amy Adams, Angela Bassett, best dressed, Black Panther, BlackKklansmen, Bohemian Rhapsody, Brie Larson, Charlize Theron, Constance Wu, Crazy Rich Asians, Emma Stone, Gemma Chan, Glenn Close, Green Book, If Beale Street Could Talk, Linda Cardellini, Lucy Boynton, Lupita Nyong'O, Margot Robbie, Melissa McCarthy, Oscars, Oscars 2019, Rachel Weisz, Regina King, Roma, Shallow, The Favourite, Vice, Yalitza Aparicio Leave a comment

*Insert Kevin McAllister screaming GIF*

Wow. Wow! Color! Ruffles! Sequins! Feathers! A sea of pastels! Big risk taking tonight! I’m so impressed! This was one of the better Oscars red carpets in a long while and I’m loving most everything I’m seeing, simply for the fact that everyone jumped on board the fashion train or did something different, even if it didn’t quite pay off (I wasn’t into Charlize’s look for the time in ages, but it’s not like she looks bad because she’s still Charlize). There were a lot of “Why Not?!” moments and I’m living for it.

A note: I feel like the lighting must’ve been bad on the red carpet arrivals this year because most of the photos I’ve found either appear to be too dark and in the shadows, or overly bright and washed out. I don’t edit the photos I find (and I always credit at the bottom, by the way), so know the color and texture of the gowns may not be popping quite as much.

Here we go:

Gemma Chan in Valentino

A girl’s fantasy. I mean, really. Everybody say it with me … And it has pOcKeTs! I love how Gemma and Michelle Yeoh have spared relatively no ounce of glamour- none. Also, can you imagine how comfortable this dress probably is? No skintight thing you have to wiggle in; which, is a great look in itself, but if you have the choice, by all means go with the massive hot pink sundress that you can hide snacks or a small child in. Makeup by Monika Blunder, hair by Clariss Anya Rubinestein.

Rachel Weisz in Givenchy Couture

Get weird! Get bright red patent leather mini-cape weird! I found an up-close detail shot of the floral appliqués on Rachel’s dress and it looks beautiful, like a real work of art. The headband with the cape and color lends a sort of Red Riding Hood vibe to the look, and I can’t say I hate it. I’m also just super into Rachel’s hair and makeup lately. Her dark hair color with her brows is such a striking combination and a great makeup canvas. She’s what I like to think I look like when I’m in a really good mood and have just exfoliated or something. Makeup by Kay Montano, hair by Mark Townsend.

Yalitza Aparicio in Rodarte

Newcomer of the year here! What a beauty, and what a perfect and memorable choice as your first big ceremony dress. I’d started eyeing Yalitza a few months ago when Roma began making the rounds at different festivals and I was like ope … she’s going to be a thing. I wasn’t wrong. And I love a good seafoam green, man- especially when styled with her hair like a shiny, crystal black sheet. Whew. Makeup by Carissa Ferreri, hair by Matilde Campos.

Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton

Alright so I keep hoping for more color on this gal, but brown– or bronze? copper? – was at least a highly unexpected choice. It suits Emma’s hair and complexion beautifully. And the graphic eye makeup is like, thee thing this year. Lucy Boynton’s had graphic liner all but tattooed on her eyelids this season but I prefer a smokier look using color like we see on Emma. Also, I’m so ready for the bold shoulder looks circa Balenciaga 2008 to come back? The more Judy Jetson, the better. Makeup by Rachel Goodwin, hair by Mara Roszak.

Regina King in Oscar de la Renta

She’s already won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress as I write this, but what a perfect look to win in- classically glamorous, looking like the absolute best version of yourself. Which one of us wouldn’t mind wearing this and looking like this? I love a white gown, too; I find white gowns almost more alluring and elegant than black because there’s a striking modernity to them that black can’t quite capture. And Regina’s hair is the haircut of the era- we’ll remember the midlength bob as the definitive cut of the 2000-teens. Makeup by Ashunta Sheriff, hair by Angela Parrantes.

Linda Cardellini in Christian Siriano

I screamed when I first saw this and yelled, “THANK YOU!” This is your grand “Why Not?!” moment. I feel like “best dressed” and “worst dressed” lists aren’t even relevant here because you clearly don’t care about that- you’re in it for the fun. If it’s available to you, why not wear something this insane? Why not wear something this over the top? Who cares if you look like a cake or an exploding ribbon factory or whatever stuff people will say. You obviously know you’re not exactly going to be able to hide when you walk out in this, so own it. I love it. Also, that bun with the long center-part bangs is just the cutest. Makeup by Hinako, hair by Dave Stanwell.

And … because apparently someone had to be fashionably late and did NOT walk the red carpet … here’s a bootleg shot of Lupita Nyong’O, who surely will make my official list once the full gown appears because FEATHERS DUH:

Alright now go off: Which were your faves? Who did you miss? LMK! xo, MR

Image credits in order of appearance: Steve Granitz/WireImage, Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock, Getty Images, Steve Granitz/WireImage, Getty Images, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY, Instagram @lupitanyongo

January 27, 2019the Fashion stuff., the Hair stuff., the Makeup stuff., Uncategorized

Best of the 2019 SAG Awards

McKennaRishmawyA Quiet Place, A Star is Born, Amy Adams, Black Panther, Bohemian Rhapsody, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Constance Wu, Crazy Rich Asians, Emily Blunt, Emma Stone, GLOW, Grownish, Lady Gaga, Lucy Boynton, Lupita Nyong'O, Mandy Moore, Margot Robbie, Mary Poppins Returns, Mary Queen of Scots, Melissa McCarthy, Michelle Yeoh, Nicole Kidman, Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, SAG Awards, SAG Awards 2019, The Favourite, The Handmaid's Tale, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, This Is Us, Vice, Yara Shahidi Leave a comment

Alright, so Critics Choice didn’t have that much going on and I for sure won’t be blogging the Grammys, so SAGs it is! It’s kinda weird to see the nominations all jumbled compared to the Golden Globes and then jumbled up again with the Academy Award nominations. No Crazy Rich Asians Oscar noms? Really?! But anyhow, like I’ve said before, this is why I’m strictly here for the gowns. Things get too frustrating otherwise. So here we go!

Yara Shahidi in Fendi Couture

Is this the most fun dress … or pant thing … or just, garment in general I’ve seen in my life? Maybe. I mean, it has sparkly pants, and it has a Peter Pan collar. And like, you can take the beautiful tulle cape thingy off and still be left with an insane sequined jumpsuit. It’s just too good. And yet, it’s still young, which I love. Makeup by Emily Cheng, hair by Nai’vasha.

Lucy Boynton in Erdem

You really have to find a closeup of Lucy’s makeup- she’s got the whole graphic eyeliner thing going on, with a singular, curved black line placed just below each brow bone. And she’s doing the super bleached out hair- v trendy. Apparently her makeup artist was sponsored by Victoria’s Secret makeup? Interesting; I’ve not really been drawn to their makeup in years. I guess a sponsored post is how you get people back on the bandwagon, though. But I love the overall Victorian Goth vibe we’re doing here. Lucy’s clearly been going the FASHUN route as she’s gained more exposure, which I admit I appreciate more than the forever-playing-it-safe route a’la Amy Adams. Makeup by Jo Baker, hair by Jenny Cho.

Michelle Yeoh in Elie Saab Haute Couture

So classically beautiful and Hollywood. We don’t get nearly enough of Michelle in the States, so I’m thrilled to have her around these days thanks to Crazy Rich Asians. Michelle’s been having Daniel Martin do her makeup during this awards season, who happens to be the artist responsible for the Duchess of Sussex’s makeup on her wedding day. Gotta love an artist that insists on keeping things natural and pretty, even on days when you’d have every excuse to go over the top. Also, if you can manage to find a closeup of her earrings, they’re crazy. I’m sure they’re worth a small fortune. Makeup by Daniel Martin, hair by Bertrand Delacourt.

Emily Blunt in custom Michael Kors

I’m loving Emily in some serious color, but the style of this dress I love even more. This reminds me of a Spanish dancer- you know, the really beautiful sea slug? Watch Blue Planet if you don’t know what I’m talking about. Emily’s matched her makeup to her dress as well, which is like, a cute thing to do these days. Her makeup’s been on point these past few months. Makeup by Jenn Streicher, hair unknown.

Mandy Moore in Jason Wu

Well, this was pretty magnificent. Talk about fitting like a glove, and such drama! I’m not sure Mandy’s ever looked better (and I hate to say it but I prefer this look by a long shot to her recent wedding look, but hey- that’s not really a look up for public scrutiny anyhow). I loved Mandy’s look last year in the strappy cobalt Ralph Lauren gown, but this here is kind of like, “peak” beauty. And you know I’m a sucker for a sleek pony, so. Makeup by Kindra Mann, hair by Ashley Streicher.

Other comments include:

Margot looked beautiful as usual, but I’m longing to see her in some color. She wore so much neutral during last year’s awards season; I was bummed to see her in more white.

Constance Wu’s makeup by Patrick Ta … WOW.

I feel like we’ve seen Emma Stone do the gold and/or fancy-pant thing a couple times. I’m ready for more gowns and color.

Absolutely loved Rachel Weisz’s dress, but wasn’t too jazzed about her makeup. Seemed to be such a strong emphasis on the brow and it needed a little pop elsewhere to balance out all the dark elements of her look.

The suits these men are wearing … Henry Golding in a gold jacket, Darren Criss’s silver amazingness … might just force me to start listing men in these lineups of mine. Same with Idris’s green suit at the Golden Globes.

Tell me what you loved!!! xo, MR

Photo credits in order of appearance: Getty/Steve Granitz, Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images, John Shearer/Getty, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Rob Latour/Shutterstock

January 6, 2019the Fashion stuff., the Hair stuff., the Makeup stuff., Uncategorized

Best of the 2019 Golden Globes

McKennaRishmawyA Quiet Place, A Star is Born, Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway, best dressed, Black Panther, BlackKkKlansmen, Charlize Theron, Claire Foy, Constance Wu, Crazy Rich Asians, Danai Gurira, Destroyer, Elisabeth Moss, Emily Blunt, Emma Stone, Felicity Jones, Golden Globes, If Beale Street Could Talk, Lady Gaga, Lupita Nyong'O, Mandy Moore, Margot Robbie, Mary Poppins Returns, Mary Queen of Scots, Melissa McCarthy, Nicole Kidman, Rachel Weisz, Rosamund Pike, Sandra Oh, Saoirse Ronan, Serenity, The Favourite, Tully, Vice Leave a comment

Besides the smattering of celeb appearances that have already occurred this week – the Palm Springs Film Festival, Art of Elysium Gala, and BAFTA LA tea party – the Globes are kind of the first real REAL “back to work” moment for a lot of celeb hair/makeup artists and stylists. And I’m always keeping closer tabs on them than the celebs they work on, so cheers to a great 2019 for all the glam teams! Bang up job as always.

I’ll admit I’ve seen pretty much zero of the films and shows nominated for tonight’s awards (well, two movies and two TV shows to be exact) so in case you need any reminders, I am here for the red carpet. Here we go!

1. Anne Hathaway in Elie Saab

This was just fun to me. The print, the length- and there’s a high slit up the front that makes it super fun! And I love Anne back in a long-term relationship with her long hair. It made me sort of sad that she went through her whole special Les Misérables awards season with her short hair, but oh well- no short hair, no face-melting Fantine moment to earn an Oscar. But here we are now, doing Miranda Priestly very proud I’m sure. Makeup by Beau Nelson, hair by Lacy Redway.

2. Rosamund Pike in Givenchy

Rosamund’s grandma can officially *not* give her grief for going out without a jacket. She took a jacket with her, Grandma. She’s fine (though her hair may or may not be wet- the other reason grandmas cite as responsible for an early death). Also, love a severe look with severe brows and a severe center part. All about that. Well done. Hair by Bryce Scarlett, makeup by Mélanie Inglessis.

3. Constance Wu in Vera Wang

So unexpected! Love the nude/orange combination. I anticipate seriously great things from Constance and her team this whole awards season. The whole cast of Crazy Rich Asians, I’m sure, will knock it out of the park (I mean, Michelle Yeoh? Please. Been obsessed since Memoirs of a Geisha). The CRA press and premiere circuits were dazzling just like the film, and I imagine there will be more looks that give a nod and a wink to the movie’s over-the-time opulence. Bring it. Makeup by Molly Greenwald, hair by Marissa Marino.

4. Rachel Weisz in Céline

At first glance the dress was not my fave (and it’s now the controversial Hedi Slimane at the helm for Céline, who’s managed to justifiably raise some eyebrows with his new … “interpretation” of the brand), but it’s always in the details for me. The delicate Cartier art deco choker, the deep chocolate hair, the strong brow, the blotted lip- the dress brings the little details together in a way that makes sense. Also, it’s really hard to make Rachel Weisz look bad. Hair by Kevin Ryan, makeup unknown.

5. Danai Gurira in Rodarte

And now for something completely different. I’ve been watching Planet Earth II and I can’t help but be reminded of all the electric-hued tropical birds we see in the jungle when I behold color and texture like this. Or Danai looks like she could jump in the ocean and turn into some sort of beautiful fish. And I loved the contrast of her red-orange with Lupita’s cobalt blue gown. You know I gotta say it … Wakanda forever! Makeup by Tym Buacharern, hair by Larry Sims.

6. Charlize Theron in Dior

I mean, duh. I promise my inclusion of Charlize on all my lists is never obligatory. I really, truly look forward to her looks probably the most consistently out of anyone (besides Jennifer Connelly, who we barely see these days anyhow). Charlize is such a giant golden goddess Olympian statue that basically anything – avant gardé, classic, glamorous – is executed with perfect ease by herself and her team. I’ve yet to see anything on her (and granted, it’s mostly been Dior) that’s left a bad taste in my mouth. If anything, I’ve felt that her team could perhaps just push the envelope with her a bit (and again, that would probably mean stepping out of the Dior contract). But anyhow, all that to say, yes, I love Charlize’s look. Again. Hair by Adir Abergel, makeup by Kate Lee.

There were so many other gorgeous looks, but I was missing the Margot Robbie magic tonight. Surely we’ll see her soon. Let me know your faves! xo, MR

Photo credits in order: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock, Jon Kapoloff/Getty Images, Jon Kapoloff/Getty Images, REX/Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images