Red Carpet Green Dress Contest

Thanks to a contest launched 3 years ago by Suzy Amis Cameron – environmental maven and wife of actor James Cameron - you can have the the chance to win a trip to the Oscars and have your dress worn on the red carpet by a yet-to-be-named surprise actress. The challenge is to create an Oscar worthy dress made entirely of sustainable materials.  The selected winner will be paired with an established designer to help you get your dress ready for the occasion.

Pictured here is the winning design from 2 years ago by Jillian Granz that was worn on the red carpet by Suzy Amis Cameron.  Be inspired and happy sketching :)

What: There is a $65 to enter but each designer can enter up to 5 designs.
When: Contest closes January 16, 2012. Winner will be announced on January 20, 2012.
Where: Click here for more info and to enter.

Best of the Red Carpet

Kate Winslet, in Yves Saint Laurent, with Chopard jewels.

Marisa Tomei in Versace gown and jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Miley Cyrus, in Zuhair Murad, with Neil Lane jewels.

Here are 3 of my fave looks from last nights Oscars! Usually Oscar style is a little too traditional and boring for my personal taste, but these ladies stepped it up with some unique looks. I'm actually kind of stunned by Marisa Tomei and Miley Cyrus making my top 3! Full re-cap to come

Red Carpet Dead?

According to WWD, "to heighten the drama and boost viewership that fell to an all-time low of 32 million last year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is keeping the names of some celebrity presenters secret, which means they can choose not to walk the gauntlet of photographers, camera crews and reporters outside the Kodak Theatre on Feb. 22."

Watching what people wear in the 2 hour long pre-show is half the reason people watch the show! Many designers are concerned that this may have detrimental impact to an already ailing industry. As many of the high profile celebrities are truly the best advertisement for any designer, established or up-and-coming.

I think that the Academy should focus on making the awards show itself more exciting, and not just suspenseful. I do love that the Oscars are a great showcase of style, but the ceremony itself usually drags for too many hours into the night. Maybe if they shortened it and didn't have so many formalities, it would increase viewership?