Cate Blanchett's Golden Gown

The divine Cate Blanchette didn’t wear any jewelry for the premiere of her latest film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I was so disappointed. How can you share a screen with Brad Pitt and then a red carpet with the likes of Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez and not bring out at least a little bling?

Then I took a closer look at her dress, and it all made sense. The bell-shaped Steve McQueen couture frock is literally made out of metallics and gold beads! Adding anything else would have been complete overkill.

I’m not sure if I actually like the frock, but you have to give Blanchett credit for pushing the fashion envelope. The sculpted gown is made only by special order, and McQueen seamstresses require several fittings to get things just ‘sew’.

If you have $120,000 to spend, you too can light up the night with a bell-shaped McQueen gown of your own. Apparently, some red carpet-watching fashion hound already put in an order after spotting Cate at the premier, according to McQueen’s New York Store.

Stay tuned for my recap of other notable jewelry looks that made an appearance that night. Aside from A-listers like Angelina, J-Lo and Eva Longoria – there are surprising showings from style veterans, Sharon Stone, Julia Ormand (Brad’s costar in this film and, of course, Legends of the Fall. No one did unrequited love quite like those two), and Mimi Rogers. Yes, the very same “I used to be married to Tom Cruise when he was 25” Mimi Rogers!

Random red carpets are often the best red carpets.

In the meantime, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button opens in theaters on Christmas Day.

Jewelry Hits and Misses at the Kennedy Center Honors

Diamond, gold and gemstone jewelry lit up our nation’s capital, as the Kennedy Center handed out their coveted medals to six deserving performing artists last week.

This year’s honorees included The Who’s Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend, dancer/choreographer Twyla Tharp, actor Morgan Freeman, country’ music’s, George Jones, and singing sensation, Barbara Streisand (who exchanged a much-publicized awkward smooch with her favorite political punching bag, George W.)

The prestigious Kennedy Center Honors are known as the most ‘formal’ event on the award show circuit, so it’s no surprise the celebs brought their A game in the bling department.

Beyonce was the belle of the ball in a form-fitting Zuhair Murad gown and tasteful black diamond clips (It’s clear she’s no longer getting dressed by her mother. It’s about time).

Queen Latifah put the ‘ice’ in ‘ice queen’ with her stunning diamond and black pearl Y-necklace and matching diamond cuff. And look at that Linda Carter – all svelt and shimmery in a beaded navy dress with eye-popping diamond chandelier earrings. She can fight for my rights in her satin tights any day!

Unfortunately, while Babs can belt one out like no other, she has some work to do in the fashion department. The chunky gold chain doesn’t do much to help the flowy caftan look she’s been wearing since 1992. And Michelle Lee’s black gemstone choker and Nancy Pelosi's gold ensemble don’t fare much better. Sorry, Madam Speaker.

But the special night was about the art – not what the artists wore, I should be reminded.

"With their extraordinary genius and tenacity, the 2008 Honorees have redefined the way we see, hear and feel the performing arts. We will forever be thankful for the great gifts (the honorees) have shared with us," said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman.

The ceremony will be broadcast in its entirety December 30th on CBS.

Jewelry Fashion Dazzles for Emmy’s Diamond Anniversary

Diamonds dripped on the red carpet as TV’s biggest stars celebrated the Primetime Emmy Award’s diamond anniversary last night. Appropriately, the celebs (and their devoted stylists) didn’t skimp in the jewelry department. Diamond statement necklaces, diamond right hand rings and the new diamond pin trend made bold appearances along with earring looks that ranged from the traditional stud to the dangling chandelier.

Fashion winners included Sandra Oh in a stunning Oscar de la Renta retro-style black lace dress with a ribbon sash and an icey 5.5 carats of emerald cut, Bulgari diamonds on each ear. America Ferrara was anything but ugly in a dramatic Fred Leighton 19th Century diamond flower necklace, paired with 2.5-carat, old mine-cut diamond pendant earrings, a rose-cut diamond cluster bracelet and a 19th century diamond line bracelet.

Host Heidi Klum’s gorgeous diamond butterfly earrings far outshined her flat onstage performance. Brooke Shields and Nicolette Sheridan dazzled in the season’s hottest colors: fuschia and plum, and their diamond statement earrings rivaled those of Kate Walsh in Neil Lane and the always-stunning Debra Messing in 19th century diamond fan pendants from Fred Leighton.

Perhaps the most anticipated red carpet return was Cristina Applegate who didn't disappoint in gorgeous fancy colored diamond chandelier drops and a trendy asymmetrical Reem Acra gown with metallic patches.

"I think Applegate was one of the best dressed of the night," said stylist Marie Alice Stephenson. "She was glamorous, elegant and she pushed it."

And while it’s hard to make diamonds look bad, of course there were your tried-and-true fashion missteps. Actress Kat Kramer was all wrong in a yellow gown and diamond earrings so long they almost scraped her navel. Kathy Griffin – love the show, hate the gaudy metallic number, the goddess hair and the gold earrings. Ghost Whisperer, Jennifer Love Hewitt ruined a gorgeous Carolina Herrara gown with a misplaced diamond Y-neck and a slumber party-inspired updo. And actress Christina DeRosa in the white fan number? Well, words fail us here.

For a complete list of last night’s big winners, click here.