z_Naked Lunch

Oscar Bow-tox

Fashion editor Bernadette Morra and shopping columnist Rita Zekas discuss the 2007 Oscar night fashions, below. Send your thoughts to nakedlunch@thestar.ca or click on the comments link below.

LUCAS JACKSON/REUTERS

Nicole Kidman matches the carpet at the 79th Annual Academy Awards.

Can we start with Nicole Kidman? What was that thing around her neck? She was bow-toxed. Remember Charlize Theron at last year’s Oscars? She looked like Xmas gift wrapping. Rita

I felt the same way when I saw Nicole on the red carpet. The red Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghesquiere was puzzling. You couldn't quite make out what that loop of red was on her shoulder. But then I realized there is a big difference between how things look on the red carpet - where the cameras are positioned quite high - and the Oscar stage. From a high angle the bow at her neck wasn’t particularly flattering. But watching her at eye-level when she was presenting the evening‘s first award, she was absolute perfection. A pure sliver of red with a swoop of silk at her jaw. I loved it. Bernadette

I liked Nicole Kidman’s hair - straight with a side part. Gwyneth Paltrow‘s hair was the same and it was great. Everyone else looked like they had pulled their hair back in a knot after gym class. Philip Seymor Hoffman looked like he was up all night chewing on his hair. Rita

And what about Reese Witherspoon with the fringed bangs and the extensions? Wow. She looked great. Her dress was extraordinary too - a cascade of plum-coloured ruffles by Olivier Theyskens, the new designer for Nina Ricci. Bernadette

Poor Meryl Streep, she looked like she’d been to Albuquerque and back with the coral beads and black dress that looked like a big wrapper. Like she forgot her dress and wore her houscoat. Rita

DANNY MOLOSHOK/AP

Penelope Cruz arrives at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar party at Morton's in West Hollywood, Calif.

But I like that on the red carpet Meryl admitted to a reporter that she is a size 14. I think that was her way of saying, 'I can’t compete with these Hollywood lollipops.' But she usually looks amazing in an Armani suit or gown. This look was very gypsy fortune teller. Bernadette

Penelope Cruz looked like the lady on top of the toilet rolls. The top of her dress (tucked panels) didn’t match the bottom (an explosion of ruffles). It was like two dresses fighting. And Jennifer Lopez's empire dress with crystal neckline had too much going on. She looked like a Pekinese. Or like she was appearing in a dinner theatre production of Cleopatra. Rita

Penelope looked much better at the Vanity Fair after party. She changed into a pearl-covered couture dress from the Chanel archive. Cameron Diaz's Oscar frock looked like she was wrapped in white serviettes. And her deflated updo was painful - like she had been trampled by the Piloboulos dance troupe. Bernadette

Gym rat hair, again. Emily Blunt looked great in that amazing blue sequinned gown from Calvin Klein. What did you think of Helen Mirren? Rita

AMY SANCETTA/AP

Jennifer Hudson and her Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

I thought the pale Christian Lacroix was very pretty and somewhat sexy with the decollete. There was lots of detailed embroidery and beading on the bodice which I can imagine would have been breathtaking in person. The dress didn't have huge impact on camera, but at least it didn't eclipse her either, which I think is a good thing. Bernadette

What happened to all the weight that Andre Leon Talley lost? He looked like the whole Blue Man Group. And someone should tell Beyonce Knowles that she doesn’t have to be Diana Ross all the time. The white beads swooping across the front of her dress looked like psoriasis.

Jennifer Hudson’s brown jersey gown by Oscar de la Renta was good but the Tin Man jacket was a problem. Of the three Dreamgirls, Anika Noni Rose was the winner in the metallic sequinned dress with plunging decollete. She was spot on glamour. Rita

REED SAXON/AP

Jodi Foster arriving for the Oscars.

I kind of liked Jennifer Hudson's full metal jacket. It covered up the spaghetti straps that looked like they could have given out at any moment. Later at the after party, she was busting out of a beige sequinned and embroidered gown. I do love that she is working those curves and that 100 per cent God-given cleavage. Although one of her breasts nearly escaped from the red gown she wore to perform in. Bernadette

Did you see Jodi Foster? She is usually very controlled in Armani. But her hair was feathered and her blue Vera Wang matched her blue eyes and her blue earrings. She looked stunning. But what about Anne Hathaway? Another bow tox. It wasn't Valentino's best night. Rita

REUTERS

Actress Anne Hathaway arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards.

Yes, but that dress with the big black bow steamrolled onto the chest will probably be "reinterpreted" by H & M, and Zara and the other knock-off retailers for the prom season. As will the other top trends of the night: shimmering metallic silks and asymmetry. And I loved the off white vs. off black tug of war. Ecru and beige gowns vs. gunmetal and navy. I also loved the multiple diamond bracelets that so many actresses wore. Some piled so many on they looked like a tangled mess of diamonds. I love it! It's a look that can easily be copied in crystals and rhinestones. Bernadette

Holt's new shoes

A Jimmy Choo shoe from the new Holt Renfrew shoe salon at 50 Bloor St. W.

The Holt Renfrew flagship at 50 Bloor St. W. has a new shoe salon. It officially opened this week with a swish cocktail party for press and the store's best customers. Fashion editor Bernadette Morra and life writer Rita Zekas were there, and discuss the city's newest shoe mecca below. Send your comments to nakedlunch@thestar.ca or click on the comments link at the end of the discussion.

It doesn't look like the footprint of the new show department has changed at all. It's in the same mezzanine location and seems to be the same dimensions. I wonder if people will notice that anything has changed. What do you think? Bernadette

If I closed my eyes, spun around three times and opened them again it would be, "I think we're still in Kansas, Toto." I agree. It looks like deja vu all over again except for the inclusion of some new brands. Rita

But I find the selection much more elegant. Now that all the Browns private label has been taken away, what is left is a much more refined point of view. I don't miss the clunky rubber soled sport shoes at all. It almost feels like a mini-Barneys designer shoe department. Am I wrong? Bernadette

No, I don't think you are wrong but they took away private label and replaced it with Kork-Ease. What is that all about? I loved that they brought in the funky Biba brand from London - a swinging '60s throwback. There was a great platform spectator pump that had nothing to do with Great Gatsby. And Tori Burch is a great addition for the ladies who lunch brigade. But with all the space still relegated to Stuart Weitzman, the Tommy Hilfiger of shoes, I can't help thinking it more a mini-Saks designer shoe department than Barney's. I thought the shoe of the night was the green faux python platform from Gil Carvalho that went for $695. One shoe-aholic who has 400 pairs of shoes was practically salivating as she was snapping them up. But who is Gil Carvalho? Rita

I was wondering the same. There are all these unknown names, along with Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Gucci. I know we need to break away from the major players and give other cobblers a chance, but shoe designers have become stars in their own right. Holt's is so conscious of having the stars of fashion, I was surprised to see so many unknown brands. On the other hand, because they are in Holt's I feel like I have to give them a chance. Holt's wouldn't carry them if they weren't cool, right? Bernadette

Exactly. The cool factor is important to Holt's and even though they stock the obligatory red soles of Louboutin, kudos to them for giving new designers a platform, so to speak. Holt's is just getting with the program, what with the advent of stores like H & M going with stunt designers like Victor & Rolf to mix it up. The era of the label whore, top to bottom with the double C's of Chanel, is over, though I did see some of it at the other night's opening party. And the price points seem to be more accessible, now that $250 shoes are becoming the norm in stores like Town Shoes and even Aldo. Or are we just jaded? Is a $680 platform reasonable? Rita

I was surprised at the prices too. There was a metallic blue thong from Prada for $350 and Manolos in the $475 range. Or maybe that was the Jimmy Choo patent flat. And I recall an amazing gold python Weitzman sandal for $225, I think. I thought I was hallucinating. I was starting to get that fashion fever feeling where I completely lose control and shop like a madwoman. Luckily the party was crowded and it was late and I was too tired to make the effort. However I am going back to try on the nude patent Manolo maryjane and the black pointy toe flat. And there were several Louboutin pumps which I loved, especially the open toe ones. I think I spent $3,000 in my head in the first 15 minutes I was there. Bernadette

Yes, there were shoes I was lusting over as well but I have vowed not to buy spring/summer shoes while there is still snow on the ground. The last time I dropped major coinage over a pair of Dolce & Gabbans slides, by the time it was warm enough to wear them, they were marked down to half price. That said, there was a healthy amount of retail happening at the party, perhaps spurred on by the lethal combination of alcohol and shoes. Credit cards and vodka don't mix. Also, didn't you love the clips of shoe-buying frenzy from Sex and the City playing in the background? Rita

Yes, it's that air of permissivenes which is so dangerous. But at least shoes are not as harmful to one's health as some other addictions. Now, how do we think Holt's new shoe salon compares to Zola. Should Zola's owner, Debra Anissimoff, be worried? Part of me thinks not, because Zola's atmosphere is so different from Holt's. More intimate. Then again, walking into Zola feels like a commitment. Holt's shoe department is so easy to float in and out of on your way to the cafe or the women's washroom. Bernadette

I don't think Zola's owner Debra Anissimoff is losing sleep over Holt's new shoe department because Zola is more niche, more boutique than department store. Holt's stocks the tried and/or tired and true while Zola prides itself with discovering the new big thing before it is the new big thing. Zola stocks more obscure designers, and though Holt's is going that way, their clientele is not as experimental. The Holt's shopper likes to be taken by the hand and assured that the $900 they are plunking down for the latest Prada/Gucci/Chanel is the dernier cri but not too far out there. The Zola shopper likes to be surprised and educated. Besides, the Zola location way up in the boonies on Avenue Rd. north of Lawrence is a real schlep. But once there, you almost feel that you should buy something given the massive trek. It's Zola's second, Yorkville location that has to be a tad nonplussed about the new lines Holt's is carrying. Is there enough distance between the two stores? Is there enough to go around? Rita

I think this city is big enough and shoe-crazed enough to support Holt's and Zola, as well as Corbo, Davids, Specchio and all the mall chains too!

On another note, should we mention Holt's measly new men's department? I don't know why they even bothered. Bernadette

Fashion File Host Hunt

Fashion editor Bernadette Morra and stylist Derick Chetty are discussing the premiere episode of Fashion File Host Hunt on CBC Newsworld. Send your thoughts now to nakedlunch@thestar.ca or click on the comments link below.

First of all, can we talk about theconcept of Fashion File Host Hunt as a whole? This reality series auditioned people from across the country, narrowing the pool down to 10 contestants. Each week they have to perform some activity upon which they will be judged, with one person eliminated each week. The one left standing gets Tim Blanks’ job. Isn’t that something of an insult to Tim? It’s making a circus out of role that Tim has brought a great deal of integrity, intelligence and journalistic ability to. Bernadette

I felt that way when I first heard about the reality show concept to look for the next host. How can they pluck someone from street and award them with this job that requires so many different skills? However, reconsidering it, I think it was a business decision. Reality shows are hugely popular right now. And this is nothing new for the fashion industry with Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. Also MuchMusic uses a similar format to find the next VJ. I think that Host Hunt actually makes the CBC look a bit hip. Derick

Judging by the first episode, this will be just as entertaining and engaging as some of the other reality series. Though I have to say it was very difficult to watch when they were critiquing the three lower-scoring contestants at the end of the show. I understand that drama makes for good television. But I felt sick at the way Manny Neubacher was treated. Did Bronwyn Cosgrave have to be so mean? She seemed to take great pleasure in telling him he was cut. Or do I feel that way because Manny is a personal acquaitance? I don’t know him well at all but our paths do cross on the local party/social scene. Bernadette

I agree the bitchiness makes for good television. I also know a few of the contestants and really felt for them! But let’s face it, that bitchiness is what will keep people tuning in. Do you think people watch American Idol for the singing??? But I think Bronwyn was probably playing a role - the cold fashionista. Also keep in mind these contestants voluntarily entered this contest. They had to have known it was going to be tough. And we both know that was nothing compared to some of the people we encounter at the shows! Better to let them know right at the start it is going to be a rough ride - especially for the person who wins the gig. Derick

Well, we are not all cold fashionistas. At least not all of the time. Anyway, do you agree that Manny should have been the first person to be eliminated? I don’t. I feel that the comedy writer should have been the first one to go. He, to use a phrase from the show, just isn’t fashion. His raggedy sweater, spotted trousers and completely inappropriate scarf was an insult to any of us who takes fashion seriously. It is evident he doesn’t know a thing about fashion. And worse he doesn’t care. I guess that is the crux of it. The person has to have some sense of reverence for the industry and the profession. Bernadette

I must say I was surprised that Manny was the first to go. I didn’t think he was the weakest. But again, what will make for good television? I think Paul - our leopard print friend - will certainly provoke strong reactions. There will certainly be those that love him and those that hate him. And that is the sort of fuel that will drive this show and make people tune in. My favourite so far is Jamey. She looked really polished, well-spoken and looked confident without being cocky. Who are you placing bets on? Derick

I like Jamey too but I wonder if her weight will be an issue. I hate to bring that up, but I think it’s an obvious point of discussion. Television presenters are generally average in size. And my guess is that the producers of Fashion File will not deviate too much in looks from the television industry standard. In fact, I have a sense that the show executives have a very strong idea of who they want for the host. I also think they want to completely change the aesthetic of the show - knock down the highbrow attitude and make it much more “real.” I think that Host Hunt is a huge clue as to what Fashion File will become post-Tim Blanks. And in that sense, this whole Host Hunt thing feels like something of an exercise with an inevitable conclusion. Bernadette

True. But they also have some insurance. The host gig is only a one year contract. This is a very serious gig - and that point is driven home with some of the tasks the contestants have to complete. I thought that first one with the focus group was very difficult. Imagine having to stand in a room alone in front of mirror - no visual clues - and deliver a monologue on why you would be perfect for the gig. Derick

I disagree completely. That was the perfect exercise to determine how a person will appear on camera. A mirror is pretty much what you see when you look into a television camera. And people who are good on TV are natural talkers. They just talk, talk, talk-it’s instinctive and unself-conscious. TV people are born, not made.

Can I just add that I do like the guy who is the buyer. I think he is quite polished and would be able to stand up to the demands of the job. I also like the actress, Mary Kitchen I think her name is. But it will remain to be seen how she does when fashion knowledge is required. I also like the young man who is just out of journalism school. Even if he doesn’t win the job, I think we’ll be seeing more of him somewhere along the way. Bernadette