At the Golden Globes, less has more impact

FORM FOLLOWS FASHION—Angelina Jolie was the style standout at the Golden Globes, bar none. Donatella Versace’s extreme restraint produced a winner. AFP

Hollywood’s first major awards night—the 69th Golden Globes—featured celebrity fashion that was truly elegant and a refusal of anything over the top. Fashion was age-appropriate, of quiet quality, glamorous and comfortable couture, which looked terrific on the red carpet.

Angelina Jolie, with a slash of red on her white sheath by Donatella Versace, was top of the list. Nicole Kidman and Salma Hayek wore the new template for discreet Art Deco beadwork. Crimson, all shades of nude and blush, plus the return of black, were the colors of choice. Chiffon, satin, charmeuse, taffeta, gazar, organza and peau de soie were fabrics deftly employed.

GRIN AND BARE IT—Best Actress Claire Danes shows her embroidered cutout back in a gown by J. Mendel. AFP

The newest jewelry trend was the sparkly headband, worn by Michelle Williams and Charlize Theron. Dangling megawatt earrings were also the jewels of choice. Small clutch bags and statement cuffs competed with big precious-stone rings.

Hair was back-combed and upswept and the makeup, ’60s movie-star style, with eyeliner, false eyelashes and pale lips seen on a sea of beautiful faces.

Suddenly it seemed stars and their stylists have finally nailed the best looks at the Golden Globes. They kept everything minimal yet stunningly singular. It was about a personalized, made-to-measure look and the actors owned it.

Winners

CHARLIZE THERON—The actress sparkles in Dior with the new accessory for evening, a sequined headband worn over soft bangs, and big diamond ring by Harry Winston. AFP

Wardrobe winners were Claire Danes in J. Mendel, Meryl Streep in Dior and Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka.

They wore memorable looks that would be remembered for their seductive simplicity and consideration for comfort.

Fashion must follow function. When the dress does not overpower the woman, it becomes memorable. In this spread, study the stars in their personalized couture and see how less has more impact.

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