Best Dressed of 2011--Actresses, Singers, Models, A Sister of a Duchess...and a First Lady!

Fashion Divas of 2011:

It's the end of the year kids and well, that means time to recap my Top Fashion Moments of this last year, a "Nick Best Dressed List" of 2011, if you like. Now, naturally there were A LOT of well-dressed celebs but here are some that really stood out for me. I'm sure I've left out some of your favorites (or not?). Let me know which ones you would have also added to this list--if let's say, I had lots and lots more room on this little ol' blog of mine...

Let's begin with my Favorite "Red Carpet Diva" for 2011:

Cate Blanchett in a lilac silk Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Spring 2011 Haute Couture-- Blanchett wore this gown--with incredible Swarovski lilac and yellow crystal applique torso "body armor"-- to the 2011 Academy Awards. I was covering the Countdown to the Academy Awards Red Carpet as well as the Live Red Carpet for TV Guide Network, and when I saw her walk onto the Kodak Theater red carpet in this, I was like "done and done" ladies...you can all go home now!"

My Second Choice:

Mila Kunis in a deep lilac silk and lace draped Elie Saab Spring 2011 Haute Couture gown, also from the 2011 Academy Awards: Now, here's one actress I'm happy didn't leave after seeing Blanchett: Mila Kunis. Once again, I recognized this gown immediately from the Paris Spring/Summer Haute Couture Runway Shows. It was from Elie Saab and his "Miss Havisham"-dubbed collection. Kunis looked nothing like a "Miss Havisham" on Oscar night, that's for sure. Simply Stunning.

The young actress Ashley Greene makes my list in this sparklingly, beautiful Donna Karan strapless gown, which she wore to the 2011 Met Ball. This gown is so un-Donna Karan (Miss Donna is more known for her liquid jersey dresses and Zen-like "Intellectual Fashionista" looks that she sends down her NY Fashion Week runways). I love that Ashley went there and glam-ed it up and in the end, looked like an ethereal princess.

The Top Ladies In Red:

Since we're on Donna Karan lovefest, let's add actress Nina Dobrev, who showed up to the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards in this structured red "mermaid"-style strapless gown, from Donna Karan. It was gorgeous, entrance-making and was very "Miss Universe Pageant Evening Gown Competition", which as you know, I LUV.

Giselle Bundchen in Alexander McQueen, 2011 Met Ball: strapless, silk taffeta, GISELLE GORGEOUS!

Julianna Marguiles in Yves Saint Laurent strapless gown with draped-and-gathered detail, 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards: she looked so elegant, and perfect--from her center-front parted chignon, simple diamond oval earrings to the delicate intricacy of her gown.

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci by Frida Giannini Fall/Winter 2011, 2011 Met Ball--Yes, it's fuschia-esque, but I'll include her anyhow. This was A DRESS kids!!! And only Miss Lopez could work it like the Rent was Due!

My last "Lady In Red" is the US First Lady Michelle Obama in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011. She wore this red-and-black printed asymmetrically draped silk duchesse satin gown at the White House State Dinner Honoring the Chinese President. One word: AMAZING.

Best In White 2011:

Pippa Middleton in Alexander McQueen, William and Kate Royal Wedding: the Maid-of-Honor Who Stole The Wedding Show. Simple silhouette, bias-cut cowl-draped front gown with dropped shoulder cap sleeves. Yes, Miss Catherine looked like a Disney Princess in her Wedding Gown, but Pippa...Oh Pippa...You were the Runner Up Star (if not the unofficial Star!).

Fan Bingbing in Elie Saab Fall/Winter 2009 Haute Couture, 2011 Cannes Film Festival: how do you say "You Go Girl" in Chinese? Yes, that necklace might have been a bit too much, but that silk crepe Haute Couture Gown with attached lace "shawl"? Let me remind you kids, a gown like this, from Elie Saab Haute Couture --if you were to order it--can set you back about $100,000. Recession Who?

Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine, in YSL by Stefano Pilati, 2011 Met Ball: a Gay Man's Best Friend. She is vibing Studio 54, Bianca Jagger and a 1930's Hollywood Starlet...all at once. Welch is also a Designer's Muse For the Millennium.

Sequined Starlets 2011:

Another favorite of the year for me which makes my Top List is Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab Fall 2011, at the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards. She was probably--hands-down--the Best Dressed of that night in this all-over sequined black gown featuring capped sleeves and a fabulously exaggerated train. People overuse the "Old Hollywood Glamour" description but on Evan Rachel Wood, it fits to a "T".

Annette Bening in a sparkling Tony Ward Couture gown, 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Bening looked so modern and stylish in this golden metallic, all-over paillette gown from Rome, Italy-based Tony Ward Couture. She sure showed a lot of her younger--and less stylish--counterparts--how Red Carpet Dressing Should Be Done.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace, 2011 Golden Globe Awards: one of the best for 2011, Jolie looked unbearably stunning in this emerald green all-over sequin Atelier Versace blouson gown. It was very 1940's, very chic, and still oh-so-directional. Covered: yes. Sexy: totally!!! Angelina + Donatella + her stylist Jen Rade = Magic. Finally, Since It Is MY Blog...A Minute of Self-Indulgence:

Katy Perry wearing NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 hand-beaded sequin one-shoulder dress. This dress--designed by my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul and I--featured hand-beaded lilac-colored sequins on top of silk chiffon, a front cowl-draped design, and a built-in silk duchesse satin inner bustier. Katy wore it to launch her PURR Perfume in Mexico City this past year. And yes, I LOVED it and at least here on my blog, she deserves a Best Dressed of 2011!!! xoxo