
For years, I have helped create some of Hollywood's most famous fashion moments as a stylist to the stars. Often, the most memorable events happen at the Oscars.
One year, I dressed 11 Oscar attendees. Remember Salma Hayek in the tiara and a beaded nude Armani tank dress with bright blue eye shadow? That was one of my favorite Oscar moments. This year, I've decided to take on some of the nominees in the lead and supporting actress categories and pick out looks that will make them shine on the red carpet.
(And I still have a few hot numbers from Badgley Mischka, Christian Lacroix, Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein that I didn't get to use. So Miley Cyrus, Jessica Alba — I know you're presenting. Call me, I'll hook you up! And Helen Mirren and Jennifer Hudson — I know you're both due back to pass on the little gold dude to this year's winners so have no fashion fear! That's why I'm here: to accentuate your positives and keep the fashion fanatics from attacking your assets!)
So, for those who crave the fashionista's version of fantasy football, here's my go at Phillip's Fashion Fantasy. Don't forget to check in after the Oscars air Sunday for my Bloch Buster Awards and Fashion Opinions.
Blanchett is an Oscar red carpet veteran. She won a statue for her supporting role as Katharine Hepburn in "The Aviator" and was stunning in a yellow Valentino gown. Knowing God is in the details, she actually carried a pair of Katharine Hepburn's gloves.
Blanchett is an actress who immerses herself in her characters as well as her fashion choices for awards shows and premieres. She probably has her favorite designers, like John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier, both of whom she has worn to the Oscars, on speed dial. In the past, she has stayed away from too-sexy necklines and opted for plunging backs with bejeweled detailing.
As a double nominee this year — she's up for awards for her roles in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and "I'm Not There" — Blanchett faces stakes that are higher than usual. And as she chooses her Oscar dress, she must remember she is dressing for two. Because she's also eating for two — Blanchett's several months pregnant — I chose this empire waist Marchesa gown.
Cate Blanchett/Marchesa
The label's two designers, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, are Hollywood's fastest rising fashion stars. They have dressed everyone from Renee Zellweger to Jennifer Lopez (at last year's Globes and Oscars) as well as Blanchett, who was an early fan of Marchesa. I think the luscious drape of this Grecian gown will float softly across her maternal figure. Accentuated with a rich lipstick, the solid red against her soft hair and alabaster skin would create fashion magic for this style star.
At the tender age of 20, Page has become this year's It Girl. Her caustic and sarcastic dry humor is accentuated by her soft, demure feminine features in "Juno." In the film, she plays a high school teen who is clearly fashionably challenged, only sporting tees, hoodies and jeans. In real life, the actress seems equally unimpressed by designer gowns and jewels, but what Oscar nominee can resist the temptation to do it up in style on the big night?
When selecting a dress for Page, I opted for Zac Posen, a downtown, hip, edgy designer who has catapulted stars to best-dressed lists with his luxurious but cool designs. Last year, Gwyneth Paltrow was luscious and sleek in the '40s-inspired bisque color gown Posen gave her. He and I shared a great time at Elton John's sexy Oscar gala watching our hot clients strut their stuff. He is also responsible for many of the ultrachic looks of Rihanna, pop music's latest sensation.
Ellen Page/Zac Posen
I chose this Goth-inspired gown for Page because it's glamorous but not too fairy princess. It says, "I can rock this red carpet like the rest of Hollywood, but I'm going to rock it my way!" She's not wearing her mother's gown, though vintage might have been an interesting route for this Oscar fashion novice. I often see Page in black, so I felt that the color worked and she would feel comfortable. If you don't dress your star with her style personality in mind, it will never work. And even then, sometimes you miss … but at least your client felt good and, after all, that's what fashion is for!