Tis the season

Hello everyone, and happy new year! Mid-summer’s a treat for many reasons, such as seeing our little corner of the world catching wedding fever. For the bride-to-be it spells a smorgasbord of ideas to steal, and as awards season kicks into gear, it’s couture on parade in Tinseltown, too. Last week’s Golden Globes saw the stars come out to play and, my, did they bring it. Gowns fell to the floor and nude fabrics took top honours as the trend to watch, while on the beauty front elaborate updos were ousted in favour of simply styled, touchable tresses; farewelling the hairsprayed helmets that are de rigueur at such soirees. Below, a breakdown for your ideas book or inspiration board.

Jennifer Garner worked the girl next door angle to stunning effect, going for the good old half-up hairdo that saw a cascade of curls caressing her toned back, artfully exposed courtesy of her Versace sheath. Note the earrings – a sophisticated accent that didn’t detract from her on-trend asymmetrical neckline.

Drew Barrymore won an award and our hearts for her champagne Atelier Versace gown. Again with the asymmetrical, and that ruched waist and beautiful beading would not look out of place on a wedding gown. We’ll drink to her simple chignon, too.

We stifled a yawn over Julia Roberts’ lacklustre vintage YSL dress but, no matter, as her loose honey-coloured waves had us at hello. This is a look brides-to-be with long, healthy locks should definitely short-list; best served with a plunging neckline.

Nicole Kidman came over all screen goddess, selecting a satin crème brûlée Nina Ricci befitting her statuesque form. Love the nod to a bygone era with the covered buttons. Her elegantly sideswept hair proved even the frizziest of manes can be coaxed into submission when the need arises – file this under ‘glamour’.

Kate Hudson raised the topic of wedding cakes in our minds. Swathed in layers of satin and tulle – the icing on top (or bottom) was those hot ivory platforms!     

Christina Aguilera’s blunt bob was fierce and surely a serious contender for bride-to-be fans of a structured look. We weren’t enamoured with her gown’s metallic detail, but in all other respects her peach Versace gown was a triumph, successfully making a fuss of her deliciously bare décolletage.

Calling all short-haired stylistas! Ginnifer Goodwin’s chocolate crop with its saucy feathered fringe is definitely a look to consider – it framed her face and highlighted her enviable cheekbones.

But the New Zealand Weddings Award for Sartorial Excellence goes to Emily Blunt. Who cares that she won a Golden Globe for her turn in The Young Victoria? For us the feat that deserves recognition is her wardrobe selection – her dusky pink Dolce & Gabbana gown was all romantic layers of chiffon, chaperoned by not one but two silver cuffs. Captivating.