BAFTAS 2008: Red Carpet Commentary

Like many people, when it comes to my own clothes, I’m a big fan of the colour black. It’s slimming so can be very sexy and it’s practical because it hides a multitude of sins (including dinner spillages) - but, at red carpet events, it’s also usually really boring. The women in black blend into the sea of men in tuxedos and the dresses tend to be frustratingly safe. The women in sparkles or gorgeous, shimmering colours steal the day every time.

But what’s this? Sexy and stylish black dresses on the red carpet!

Sienna’s gown is a strange combination of structure and floatiness but it really works - and that neckline couldn’t get any sexier if it tried. But my most favourite thing about it is the beadwork on the plunging back. She obviously like showing off her flesh back there - she had a similarly open dress for the BAFTAs last year too - but the beadwork pumps up the glam and stops it just being a repeat of the expanse of flesh from last year.

And the similarly blonde Jessica Biel? Safe yes, but oh so sexy. The shape - admittedly probably helped by her figure - is divine and the small train takes it up a glamour and interest level. But the best bit is how, unlike most strapless dresses at award shows, she doesn’t look like she’ll be yanking it up all night. It looks like there is some structuring support around the waist and it fits her as it should fit her. Such a novelty.

Thandie Newton and Jools Oliver also wowed in black. Both went for slim shapes but Jools’ dress was more forgiving of imperfections, with a similar neckline to Sienna’s gown. Thandie looks very sleek though - from the hair down to the fab black satin shoes - and her bright pink belt adds a fun element to the whole look.

At the other end of the colour spectrum, Keira Knighley and La Vie En Rose’s Marion Cotillard went for silvery sparkles. Keira looked fab and shapely for once, with the combination of the bandage bodice and tiered skirt giving her both a waist and hips (gosh!) while Marion went the other way, with her great figure mostly disguised by her sparkling cocktail dress with … strange white cape wing things. Yeah… They’re weird but I think she pulls it off. I think she could have done more for her hair and make-up but it could easily have become too much so perhaps less is more.

Kate Hudson went for warmer sparkles. The colour - which is more gold when it’s not reflecting camera flashes - looks great with her skin and hair but the vertical panels of the gown make her look strangely flat at the front. Conversely, Emily Blunt’s lovely pale green dress managed to give The Devil Wears Prada actress flattering curves when viewed front on - and a spectacular shape when viewed from the side.

Few people went for bright colours for the ceremony but Myleene Klass went for this season’s purple for her presenting duties. I’ve surprised myself by liking the ruffled neckline since I usually detest fussiness but I think it works well with the structure of the rest of the gown. It would have been interesting to see Naomie Harris’ dress with a little more structure around the bodice (it looks saggy and creased) but I think the simplicity of the design works well with the strong colour, and the skirt falls beautifully.

Now traditionally on these reviews, this is the point where we go “UUUUGGH!” at some hideous creation and I was tempted to feature Tilda Swinton’s mustard spider coat but I’m starting to think she’s a bit of a genius I don’t understand so I’ll lay off the criticisms until I’ve made my mind up for sure. But Julie Christie - I’ve made my mind up about her outfit. Last month at the SAG Awards, she looked wonderfully different and chic in a jacket and trouser combo - a woman, in trousers, on a formal red carpet? novelty! - but I’m less impressed with her choice for last night. She looks great, the jacket is … ok but the trousers? UUUUGGH! Leopardskin-ish prints are also a big, giant, flashing NO!! in my world but check out Juno screenwriter Diabo Cody. I think her tattoos and black bob take it from being tacky to being fabulously alternative, and she looks wonderfully relaxed and comfortable. Bravo that woman.