And you thought I’d forgotten! No, here I am, once again fashion blogging an awards show.
I like the Tony Awards for a few reasons: they come during a real awards dry spell – June, when the award season for films and television is long since past – or not yet begun; they give us the opportunity to see other faces, and not just frickin’ overexposed Eva Longoria Parker and Anne Hathaway; these people, clearly, see themselves as artistes – not just pawns to their movie contractor – and they tend to, umm, dress as such.
But frankly, this year’s fashion was pretty bland. I can tell you how many dresses I looked at, simply to respond with a shrug and a “meh.”
However, there were a few sparkling gems. Let’s start with . . .
BEST DRESSED
1. Laura Benanti – She won the Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for Gypsy, and she also won the best dress of the night. How cool is this beautiful, wine colored, shimmering delight? Understated design, gorgeous, flattering color. Perfect.
2. Idina Menzel – Well, the Fug Girls couldn’t decide, but I love this. I really do. The member of Broadway royalty is wearing two of my favorite colors – rich brown and moss green. The design of the dress is flattering, and I think the necklace thing really works – it adds a spark of color on a woman whose hair and eyes are similar to the color of the dress. (Doesn’t hurt that she got to bring some tasty arm candy as well.)
3. Mary McCormack – I’d only ever heard of this woman after seeing commercials for her new USA Network vehicle In Plain Sight while watching Law and Order marathons. Apparently, she’s a stage actress as well, having been nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Play for the revival of Boeing Boeing. But I really like this dress – beautiful colors, intricate beading work. The hair and makeup are understated and really let the dress stand out. Well done.
4. Marissa Tomei – There was a disappointing lack of drama in the clothing at this year’s ceremony – I really expected more from this dramatic bunch. However, Tomei pulled out at least a few of the stops and wore this beautiful red and black number – red and black can be over-the-top and bit Carmen-esque, but the black flowers on the dress keep it sunnier and less vampy.
WORST DRESSED
1. Leigh Ann Larkin – This young woman made her Broadway debut opposite Patti LuPone in Gypsy – not too shabby. But – notice I said “young woman?” Believe it or not, Larkin is only 28 years old and is already sporting the over-bleached mom hair. Compare that photo to her head shot. See what I mean? Perhaps it’s for the role, I don’t know. Top the overfried hair off with my least favorite adornment – the ridiculous, oversized bow, and this whole thing flops.
2. Kristen Chenoweth – GAH. The Eva Longoria Parker of Broadway. This woman shows up everywhere, for everything. You’d think that she’d honor her old stomping grounds with a dress that isn’t the most boring dress ever made, but you’d be wrong. And the hair just says local news anchor lady all over it. Zzzzz.
3. Kathryn Hahn – I really only remember this woman from her run in Crossing Jordan and a tiny part in Anchorman, but apparently she’s also in the cast of Boeing Boeing. And apparently, she hates her figure. I will only forgive her for this shapeless, over-frilled dress if she’s 8 months pregnant. Otherwise, no. Top-heavy. Odd.
4. Laura Bell Bundy – This 27-year-old sprite is playing the lead in Legally Blonde: The Musical on Broadway. I tell you what: this outfit should be illegal! (Ba dum ching) What is even going on here? Is that bodice . . . somehow speckled? With red leopard print? Is she really wearing blue jewelry with it? Or is it green? And what is with that purse? The only thing it matches is the non-matching jewelry she’s wearing. Just . . . no.
A few notes on the men:
Adam Duritz – As if he hadn’t proved already that he is actually Sideshow Bob with that hair, has decided to dress like him as well. Also, why is he even there?
Mandy Patinkin – OMG, what even HAPPENED to him?! He’s only 57! Shave it, gramps!
Rufus Sewell – Yummy yummy. He always appears slightly evil, but look at those eyes! Lunchtime.
You. What’s your take?
