EDITH SAYLOR STYLE: December 2010

Because the red carpet is my job, I normally am too tired of it to make "best dressed" posts. On the other hand, the fashion PR thing means that I remember all the best red carpet looks and have usually compiled them into massive reports for the clients. As the year wraps up, I am still cozy on my parents' couch away from the office, reflecting calmly on the best carpet looks we saw in 2010 without Italians yelling for their Excel docs. So here is a tribute to the beauty and talent we saw on the carpet this year. (I won't be biased toward our work, promise!) What do you think-- did I miss anything the Italians should know about?

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Of course, one of 2010's most salient events in the world of fashion was the untimely death of the ingenious Alexander "Lee" McQueen. Both Sarah Jessica Parker and Anna Paquin beautifully honored the late designer in his couture creations following his passing. His is a talent and light that will be missed on earth forever.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen,

styled by Tracy Cox

Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen,

styled by Daniel Caudill and Ashley Furnival

AWARDS SEASON 2010

The Academy Awards is the most widely-watched red carpet spectacular, and the 82nd Oscars was no exception. Best Actress and Woman of the Year Sandra Bullock stunned in Marchesa, while fellow nominee Anna Kendrick launched Elie Saab's red carpet ubiquity in an ethereal off-the-shoulder gown. At the Golden Globes, Jennifer Aniston brought her signature understated classicism with a stunning Valentino gown slit to there, showing off her golden Pilates body. The SAG Awards brought us Diane Kruger's unique and lovely marigold Jason Wu. We also saw Kate Hudson's stunning Emilio Pucci gown, which perfectly embodied my obsession with long-sleeved, backless, thin silhouettes. Two of my favorite looks that did not receive as much press was Nicole Richie's unique Naeem Kahn Oscar gown and Marion Cotillard's gorgeous Christian Dior bustier and maxi skirt at the Critic's Choice Awards. Work has already begun on the 2011 Awards Season, and I can't wait to see what this year will bring!

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa,

styled by Deborah Waknin

Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab,

styled by Jodi Leesley

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino couture,

styled by Nina and Claire Hallworth

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu,

styled by herself

Kate Hudson in Emilio Pucci,

styled by Rachel Zoe

Nicole Richie in Naeem Kahn,

styled by Simone Harouche

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior,

styled by Bastien Duvall

THE HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTERS

When you think of the never-fail red carpet A-list, you immediately think Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. Both had major blockbuster films to promote this year, yielding the most fashionable press tours of 2010 (though Jennifer Lopez gave them a run for their money with her tour). In opposite camps of perfect glamour, Angelina smolders in a mohair Versace with a smoky eye, while Jennifer radiates American beauty in Donna Karan. (And no, I didn't purposely create the juxtaposition because of the Brad thing).

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace,

styled by Jen Rade

Jennifer Aniston in Donna Karan,

styled by Nina and Claire Hallworth

PARTIES AND FUN!

Despite tough times this year, there were plenty of galas and events to keep fashion lovers entertained and delighted. New to the silver screen with this year's highly anticipated TRON: Legacy, Olivia Wilde took our breath away with a sequined long skirt and long-sleeve top at the BAFTA's Britannia Awards, and stole the show in a tuxedo jacket and serious nude gown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's charity gala. LA's own style goddess Rachel Zoe stepped out in a simple yet stunningly cut Gianfranco Ferré gown for Chanel's annual party for MOCA, which she paired with a red lip, strong brow, and smart turquoise earrings. Jennifer Lopez embodied a sophisticated sense of savant in her proper ball gown for the Met Ball's tribute to American Women. Diane Kruger continued to impress at Munich's Golden Kamera Awards, pairing an intricate white lace gown with a chic fur topper. But the most chic ever to occur at one place at the same time was at the party of the year, Vogue Paris' 90th Anniversary Bal Masqué during Spring / Summer Fashion Week. Izabel Goulart was beyond in her black translucent gown and mask. And of course, we can't close a Best Dressed list without including the wildly eccentric Anna Della Russo, who stole the show in a custom Emilio Pucci gown and Julien D'Ys headpiece.

Olivia Wilde in Michael Kors,

styled by Karla Welch

Rachel Zoe in Gianfranco Ferré,

styled by herself

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad,

styled by Martina Nillson

Diane Kruger in Valentino,
styled by herself

Olivia Wilde in Monique Lhuillier,

styled by Karla Welch

Izabel Goulart

Anna Della Russo in Emilio Pucci,

styled by herself

BECAUSE I'M YOUNG AND I LOVE TO BE YOUNG

Blake Lively and Camilla Belle are two young swans who lit up the carpet this year. They bring a fresh energy and youthful approach to elegance that makes them a joy to watch. What's more, both girls style themselves! This is pretty impressive not only because it means their great taste is genuine, but because it is a lot of work to pull samples together! Extra credit to Blake for being able to pull the very first Spring / Summer Lanvin look right after the show for the SPIKE Scream Awards right in the middle of filming "Gossip Girl" and promoting The Town. I can't wait to see their style continue to evolve and surprise in 2011.

Blake Lively in Marchesa,

styled by herself

Blake Lively in Lanvin,

styled by herself

Camilla Belle in Carolina Herrera,

styled by herself

Camilla Belle in Derek Lam,

styled by herself

DOMINATING THE CARPET IN 2011

Newcomer Lea Michele finally cemented her style status when she stole the show at the Emmy Awards, landing on the cover of the next morning's Women's Wear Daily. As Red Carpet Fashion Awards put it, the gorgeous Oscar de la Renta and that hand on hip made the statement loud and clear: "I made it, b*tches!" Anne Hathaway, who will be hosting the 83rd Annual Academy Awards with James Franco, will continue to garner tons of fashion buzz. But taking the cake will be the newly engaged and pregnant Natalie Portman, who will not only be promoting her new film No Strings Attached with Ashton Kutcher and representing Dior Beauty, but, of course, she is the frontrunner for every Best Actress award for her starring role in Black Swan, which is itself scooping up every accolade possible. Whew!