Starting at #10 we have Nicole Kidman in Lanvin at the 2012 Cannes Festival, after a few mishaps on other award show red carpets it was nice to see Nicole in this fabulous one-shoulder gown.  We have watched  Kristen Stewart go from funky cocktail dresses to couture gowns on the red carpet and our favorite just has to be the nude and gold  corset Zuhair Murad gown she wore to the Breaking Dawn Part 2 premiere in Hollywood.  This gown was all sex and just little bit of sass and was just the red carpet moment Ms. Stewart needed to make to signal the last Twilight Saga film.

Ginnifer Goodwin was somehow always managed to pull-off the unusual dress/gown choice when hitting the red carpet, but for the Emmy’s she hit it out of the park with our #8 pick, a bright red/orange graphic print gown from Monique Lhuillier was the breathe of fresh air the Emmy’s red carpet needed.  We’ll admit to having a slight love-affair with Ashley Greene, the girl knows her fashion and has yet to look good on a red carpet. Our #7 pick is her custom made Donna Karan Atelier blush slik gown that we wore to the Breaking Dawn Part 2 premiere.  The color and fit were perfect for both Ms. Greene and the event.

The Oscars always prove to show the best of the best in both awards and fashion, but when Gwyneth Paltrow hit the carpet in our #6 look, a  fresh-off-the-runway Tom Ford Fall 2012 white dress and cape all our mouths did a gasp, this looks was pure perfection and was all the buzz on Twitter.  Our #5 look can be summed up in three words: Charlize Theron (in) Dior.

Emma Stone had a big summer with the premiere of The Amazing Spider-Man, she had so many red carpet and photo call looks we dedicated a whole best dressed article to her, but our hands down favorite and #4 look is the black Elie Saab jumpsuit she wore to the London Premiere.  The Met Gala is what is billed as the Oscars for Fashion and while their were plenty of outstanding looks we once again tip our hats off to Ms. Donna Karan whose custom Donna Karan Atelier gown on actress Nina Dobrev looked like liquid metal and fit like a glove, it was so amazing we gave it our #3 spot.

Jessica Chastain has had a big year with several films, an Oscar Nomination and a play on Broadway so it is almost fitting that she get our #2 spot for the gold and nude Gucci gown she wore to the Cannes Film Festival.

It should go with our saying that our #1 look goes to Angelina Jolie, she cemented herself at the top of this list when she kicked out her right leg in that black velvet Atelier Versace dress at the Oscars.  Her right leg was so popular it spawned it’s own Twitter account, thousands of meme’s, and even Jim Rash (who took the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay) spoofed the pose during his acceptance speech.

Some of the trends we saw on the red carpet included bold, bright colors like purple, orange, and red.  We also saw bold prints, lace, and beautiful draping.  So who made our best dressed list?  We’ll start off with our favorite gown of the evening, a beautiful nude and red gown by Moniuqe Lhuillier on Once Upon A Time actress Ginnifer Goodwin.  Kelly Osbourne has really stepped up in the gown department and we loved this purple gown by Zac Posen.  Tina Fey is also one the really stepped up her game this year, after a few misses she hit the bullseye in this beautiful deep purple Vivienne Westwood gown.  Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss wowed in a bold foral printed gown by Dolce & Gabbana, while VEEP star Anna Chlumsky looked very chic in a black and lace Christian Siriano gown.

Also in Christian Siriano was Mad Men star Christina Hendricks, who wore a strapless, belted silver gown paired with bold lips did a modern take on the ‘old hollywood’ style.  Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi looked a vision in bright orange Monique Lhuillier, the color choice was great against her darker skin.  Nashville star Hayden Panettiere wore a stunning blue and gold draped Marchesa gown that looked fabulous both in the front and in the back.  Going custom, New Girl start and Emmy nominee Zooey Deschanel wore a custom gown by Reem Acra, the color is said to match her eyes.   We also fell in love with Mad Men star Kiernan Shipka’s (who is quite a stylish young women) custom Zac Posen dress. Normally for child-pre-teen girls, stylists will just get a dress off the runway and have the length cut down.  In this case Posen actually custom made this dress not only to fit Kiernan but also to be age appropriate.

You can see all our best dressed looks below.

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“I’ve always wanted to dress women from head to toe,” said Monique Lhuillier, who continues to say “I wanted them [the shoes] to be sexy, feminine and glamorous. What I learned about the shoe business and the shoe process is that it takes a lot longer than making a soft garment.”

The new shoe collection will feature exotic skins and lace, retailing between between $595 and $1,195. The new Monique Lhuillier shoe collection will be stocked in her own stores including her first New York location, which is set to open in this September.

Nicole Kidman was fierce in Versace, while Charlize Theron was ethereal in Dior Couture. Stealing the show, Elle Macpherson donned a nude Zac Posen gown. Many leading ladies wore Reem Acra on the red carpet, but Diane Lane’s choice stood out from the rest. Kate Beckinsale wore a fitted, strapless, Roberto Cavalli gown that fishtailed lightly down to the red carpet.

Angelina Jolie went for a classic, streamlined Versace gown, with a touch of sultry red. Lea Michele took a departure from her usual princess look for an edgy, body hugging, Marchesa gown. Paula Patton makes the list, for her bold, yellow, Monique Lhuillier gown. Jessica Alba was a beauty in Gucci, jeweled in Bulgari. Last, but certainly not least, Sofia Vergara wore a custom Vera Wang gown and sparkled in $5 million worth of Harry Winston jewels.

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Who were your favorites? Sound off in the comments!

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week continues to put the world’s leading fashion designers and brands center stage” says Peter Levy, SVP and Managing Director, IMG Fashion Worldwide. “Each season the event evolves as a showcase for established and up-and-coming designers. We are excited about this season’s lineup and are eagerly looking forward to welcoming all of our guests.”

The preliminary lineup of designers this season includes: Nicholas K, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Kaelen, Richard Chai, Honor, Tadashi Shoji, Candela, Chadwick Bell, PARKCHOONMOO, Concept Korea, General Idea, Rebecca Taylor, Brandon Sun, Rebecca Minkoff, Nicole Miller, Katya Leonovich, Charlotte Ronson, Academy of Art University, Ruffian, Lacoste, Porter Grey, Jill Stuart, Son Jung Wan, Mara Hoffman, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Vantan Tokyo, Vivienne Tam, Monique Lhuillier, L.A.M.B., Venexiana, Lorena Sarbu, Lela Rose, DKNY, Tracy Reese, Joy Cioci, Custo Barcelona, Diane von Furstenberg, Y-3, Carmen Marc Valvo, Mathieu Mirano, Timo Weiland, Jenny Packham, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Zang Toi, Emilio Cavallini, Donna Karan New York, Reem Acra, Norman Ambrose, Betsey Johnson, Leather Japan 2012, J.Crew, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Bibhu Mohapatra, Fotini, Naeem Khan, Dennis Basso, Pamella Roland, Tibi, Haus Alkire, Narciso Rodriguez, EMERSON, Whitney Eve, Michael Kors, Rochambeau, Nanette Lepore, Joanna Mastroianni, J. Mendel, Suzanne Rae, Milly by Michelle Smith, Farah Angsana, Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein Collection.

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York is internationally recognized as the premier industry event to showcase cutting-edge fashion,” said Lisa Holladay, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “The excitement is building in anticipation of what will hit the runways from many talented and well-known designers showing this season.”

Consider us excited and at the ready!

See the full schedule here.

Photo credit: Luexpic.com

Standing out from the rest in a brilliant red Donna Karan gown, was The Vampire Diaries’ Nina Dobrev. Also on our best-dressed list is Sofia Vergara, who looked stunning as usual in a one shoulder, coral Vera Wang gown. Julie Bowen told the cameras that it was her dream to wear Oscar de la Renta and tonight her dreams came true, as she glowed in a black and silver dress by said designer. Cat Deeley went neutral in Monique Lhuillier, while Claire Danes went for a black and blue, geometric sequins Oscar de la Renta gown.

Some of the leading ladies who went for red included (from left to right): Angela Kinsey, Giuliana Rancic, Lea Michele, Kate Winslet and Nancy O’Dell (in Lorena Sarbu).

Photo credit: WireImage

Jennifer Hudson glowed in a persimmon Versace gown, while Sandra Bullock made a statement in a luscious red Vera Wang. Anne Hathaway wore vintage Valentino, hand in hand with the designer himself. Keeping with the costume designer’s of her nominated role in Black Swan, Natalie Portman chose Rodarte, while co-star Mila Kunis sizzled in Elie Saab.

Shimmering in silver, Hilary Swank donned a Gucci sequin and feather number. Halle Berry and Hailee Steinfeld also went for sequins, paired with tulle by Marchesa. Gwyneth Paltrow looked sleek in Calvin Klein Collection and Mandy Moore wore Monique Lhuillier.

[images via WireImage]

The darling of the Red Carpet that rarely disappoints in a fashion show, Monique Lhuillier sent out romance, dark and sultry, in a runway filled with lace, tulle, feathers and plenty of glittery glam. Starting with structured suits softened with frayed edging details and layers of lace, she went quickly to evening cocktails, complete with dresses seemingly made entirely of feathers. Crystal shoulder details, ball gowns of epic proportions covered in chiffon flowers in scarlet red and blush and one shoulder trumpet gowns of tulle embroidered with gold stardust left attendees breathless. There was a wonderful use of animal print in both sheaths and ball gowns that had a soft, rather than urban, edge. The final ball gown with massive train was made from midnight black Chantilly lace, embroidered tulle, and a skirt covered in ostrich feathers. The effect was astounding and this gown will no doubt be on the Oscars Red Carpet.

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[images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week]

The Red Dress Collection is part of The Heart Truth’s campaign to raise awareness for Women’s heart health and has been a part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week since 2003.
This year, celebrities like Matthew McConaughey, Susan Sarandon, Matt Czuchry (“Gilmore Girls”, “The Good Wife”), Kat Deluna, and designer Zang Toi were all seated front row, as 20 fashionable women walked the runway to show support for The Heart Truth’s message of heart health.

Wednesday night’s show also gave a special salute to Lucille Ball, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday in 2011. Her personal story underscores the importance of taking preventive action against heart disease.

Walking in this year’s show were:
Alison Sweeney (“Days of our Lives”) in Tadashi Shoji
Ann Curry (NBC’s “Today”) in Carmen Marc Valvo
Archie Panjabi (“The Good Wife”) in J. Mendel
Audrina Patridge (“The Hills”) in Badgley Mischka
Camila Alves (designer of MUXO by Camila Alves) in Kaufmanfranco
Cat Deeley (host “So You Think You Can Dance”) in Alberta Ferretti
Dania Ramirez (“Entourage”) in Catherine Malandrino
Denise Richards in Matthew Williamson
Dita Von Teese (Queen of Burlesque) in Zac Posen
Eva Amurri (“Californication”) in Chris Benz
EVE in David Meister
Garcelle Beauvais (“Franklin & Bash”) in Monique Lhuillier
Gayle King (Editor-in-Chief “O” magazine) in Donna Karan
Giuliana Rancic (co-host E! News) in Notte by Marchesa
Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”) in Swarovski
Katrina Bowden (“30 Rock”) in Oscar de la Renta
Laila Ali in A Pea in the Pod
Linda Gray (“Dallas”) in Pamella Roland
Natasha Bedingfield (Grammy nominated singer/songwriter) in Nicole Miller*
Patti LaBelle (Grammy winning singer) in Zang Toi
Suzanne Somers (“Three’s Company”) in Ina Soltani
Taraji P. Henson (“Hustle & Flow”) in Naeem Khan

A selection of dresses that were worn on the runway will be auctioned off at www.clothesoffourback.org through March 4th. Proceeds from the auction along with The Heart Truth’s online auction, featuring one-of-a-kind items seen during the runway show and backstage will benefit the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health to support awareness and research of women’s heart health.

Shoes for the Red Dress Collection 2011 were provided by Manolo Blahnik, Casadei, and Guiseppe Zanotti. Pattie Yankee of Dashing Diva Professional set the nail trend with colors like “The Big Apple”, “Debutante”, “57th & 5th”, “Park Avenue Mistress”, “Celebrity Circuit”, “In a New York Minute”, “Red Carpet”, “Remember My Name” and “New York Slice”.

For more information about The Hearth Truth and women’s heart health visit www.hearttruth.gov

*Natasha Bedingfield gave a special performance of her hit single “Strip Me” during the show, made possible by Diet Coke, who is a presenting sponsor for the 2011 Red Dress Collection. You can visit DietCoke.com/HeartTruth to learn how Diet Coke is helping to raise awareness in women’s heart health.

1. Mila Kunis – Mila is our number one best-dressed lady on the red carpet. Her strapless, belted, Alexander McQueen gown was perfect for her body and the occasion. It’s tough to pull off red on a red carpet, but Mila did it and did it well, finishing her look with Cartier jewels.

2. Angie Harmon – As soon as we caught a glimpse of Angie Harmon, we knew this look would make it onto our best-dressed list. She made a soft, yet eye-catching statement in a light pink, plumed Monique Lhuillier gown. Heavenly.

3. Claire Danes – Belted and strapless was a major trend for the ladies this evening. Claire Danes went for a Louis Vuitton gown by Marc Jacobs, in an aqua color combination that complemented her eyes beautifully. This look had just the right amount of ruffle and pattern.

4. Lea Michele – Oscar de la Renta did her well at the Golden Globes and yet again at the SAG Awards. Lea Michele looked elegant and angelic in this shimmering, slivery gown.

5. Heather Morris – Since the Britney Spears episode of Glee, Heather Morris has been on our radar. This red carpet look just goes to prove our point. Heather was glamorous, but not overdone in her peach tone gown by Romona Keveza. Another successful feathered look as well.

MEN

1. John Krasinski – Our best-dressed man award goes to John Krasinski. The all-black look was popular amongst the guys on the red carpet, but John’s Prada suit distinguished him from the rest.

2. Chris Colfer – Glee’s Kurt is making all kinds of strides in menswear. Chris Colfer looked effortlessly chic in his Dior Homme suit. The cropped, slim fit jacket and skinny tie were current and age appropriate.

3. Justin Timberlake – Kudos have to be given for choosing an emerging designer. JT went for a look by up-and-comer Simon Spurr and rocked it. But it is no surprise that JT understands fashion on another level, as a designer himself for his line William Rast.

4. Josh Duhamel – A classic black tuxedo look, Josh Duhamel wore Calvin Klein Collection. And how can you deny the clean cut of Calvin Klein?

5. Armie Hammer – Armie in Armani. At 6’5”, the Social Network star was hard to miss in his sharp tuxedo with bow tie.