Golden Globes Fashion 2012 | A Touch of Historical Perspective

Hollywood is one odd town. Riddled with narcissism and blatant self-promotion, it makes everyone forget its dark side once a red carpet event comes along. On those big, celebratory nights it’s all beautiful and glamorous.

One well-chosen fashion look, good or bad, can guarantee global exposure. Unlike the golden age of Hollywood, when studio publicity teams stepped in to dress and style their stars in order to manage and protect their images, today it is up to the stars themselves, their PR teams and their stylists. It’s game on as everyone works to make a proper, but individual statement.

Golden Globes Fashion 2012 - A Touch of Historical Perspective

Sarah Michelle Gellar trying too hard - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Madonna - why the finger-less gloves? - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Elle Macpherson - beauty conquers all (2 dresses in 1) - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Debra Messing - fallen from Grace - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Tinseltown knows a thing or two about throwing a good show and flaunting beauties in the process. Seriously, these gals are just too pretty; it’s not fair.

Jessica Alba - elegance personified - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Charlize Theron - updated classic Christian Dior - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

The Golden Globes are often referred to as the Oscars’ blueprint. So, what to expect next month? From the look of it, a well-polished group of ladies channeling 1950s fashions. Yes, ladylike seems to be on the menu and it’s a relief!

In this image released by NBC, Thomas Langmann, at microphone, accepts the award for Best Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical for "The Artist" during the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 in Los Angeles. At rear, from left, are Ludovic Bource, James Cromwell, Uggie the dog, Jean Dujardin, Missy Pyle, Penelope Ann Miller, Michel Hazanavicius and Berenice Bejo. (AP Photo/NBC, Paul Drinkwater)

Think Grace Kelly or Marilyn Monroe, it’s all about the bustier gown. The great thing about this look is that it is quasi-universally considered chic and apropos when it comes to red carpet looks.

Grace Kelly in 'Rear Window' (1954, Paramount)

Reese Witherspoon - a little 1950s Charles James touch - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Paula Patton - working the body and skin tone to perfection. Only a necklace is missing - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Sofia Vergara - learn from the pros youngsters - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

The 1930s are also always a favorite era when it comes to red carpet Hollywood affairs. Referencing its golden age is not only a safe bet, but a wise one as the silhouette is both elegant and somewhat forgiving to most body types. Of course, the svelte-set always looks best in it. An elongated body is a camera’s best friend.

Evan Rachel Wood - 1930s redux - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Diane Lane - dressed like a pro - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

A few actors actually took risks, made the right choice and looked great in the process. Being modern is a double-edged sword on the red carpet circuit. Few are willing to try it… and even fewer succeed. Let’s not forget that what is deemed fashionable requires more than simply what a self-proclaimed stylist or celebrity thinks should work.

Tilda Swinton - modernity par excellence - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Zooey Deschanel - pushing the envelope without rocking the boat - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Rooney Mara - modern perfection, works on every level - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

There were also a few historical twists that appealed more to the sartorially inclined history buffs than the average red carpet enthusiast including the popular Grecian columnar look.

Viola Davis - referencing Madame Grès - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Dresses from Madame Grès on display at the Musée Bourdelle in Paris | The NY Times

Amy Poehler - references Mariano Fortuny's Delphos gowns - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Mariano Fortuny 'Delphos' gowns

Missi Pyle - wearing a 1950s bustier gown with a 1920s Robe de Style touch - Golden Globes Fashion 2012

Jeanne Lanvin, 1920 - Overall view and detail of 'Marjolaine,' the quintessential robe de style (Apple green silk taffetas changeant is used to create an off-the-shoulder-drop-waist, full-skirted silhouette)

PS: The real trend this past Golden Globes was the hair color. Check out your local hair-dye shelf, because Hollywood is going Ginger… from Venetian blond to Auburn, there was lots of amber smoldering on that red carpet.