Saturday was the Los Angeles GLAAD Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. I’ve been covering this event for five years and I see bigger, better and more stylish crowds with each incarnation. Recorded for later telecast on Bravo, the awards pulled in top-name performers, like Joss Stone, and presenters, including Sharon Stone and Garry Marshall.


Attending celebs also included Ellen DeGeneres and girlfriend Portia de Rossi, Billy Baldwin, Rufus Wainwright and Janet Jackson. Tom Ford presented the Pioneer Award to the Herb Ritts Foundation, which was accepted by my all-time favorite supermodel, Cindy Crawford. She looked beyond stunning in a flowing, clingy, crimson red dress, showing plenty of leg. She talked about working with Herb on many shoots, including the legendary Vanity Fair cover, which featured her shaving k.d. lang while wearing a black, high-cut swimsuit and heels. She spoke eloquently and sincerely about her dear friend, Ritts, and the audience clearly approved with several rounds of booming applause.


I’m happy to report the fashion turned a couture corner with women wearing a range of interesting attire. The dress was black tie optional, which resulted in a mixture of traditional formal to modern hipster.

Traditional or Not

These first ladies went for the classic, low-cut, sleeveless black cocktail dress with a matching purse and heels. While I love this simple, safe look, I would not allow my date to wear such a similar outfit. At times like this, you need to discuss and coordinate. This second woman went for color and comfort. I think only the under 25 set can get away with this look. It’s fun and daring in its own way, but screams young, young, young!

Form Fitting

As I roamed through the silent auction, I found some other interesting interpretations of the attire bulletin. I love both of these gowns as they are strong in color and perfectly fitted for their bodies. The woman on the left is more curvy and has the height for the full length, while the woman on the right has the coloring to wear that intense blue and the smaller frame to pull off the bare shoulders and straight-line drape of the dress. They both have clean accessories, which include sparkling hoops and a clutch.



Off the Map

These two win for most stylish and unique ensemble. I once attended a traditional Scottish wedding where all the men wore kilts. I couldn’t stop staring at them all night as I was fixated on the anomaly of seeing my best male (straight) friend in knee highs and a plaid skirt. Anyway, I think this guy looks amazing as he went 100% with the outfit. This woman also looks old Hollywood fantastic. Notice the corseted top to the dress and fur wrap, along with her messy up-do and fresh make up. I think she pulls off the look impeccably.



Celebrity Style

Workout’s Jackie Warner opted for a chic pant option, which I think looked incredibly flattering on her more athletic build. Paired with black heels and a silky, sexy top, Warner looked fantastic. Ugly Betty’s Becki Newton channeled a Greek goddess in her off-the-shoulder, yellow silk gown with gladiator heels, an armful of gold bangles and hoop earrings. Her hair was pulled back to complete the classic Cleopatra tribute.



L is for Lovely

And I’ve saved my favorite duo for last. Radiant and charming, Laurel Holloman and Jennifer Beals presented the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. They had some friendly banter onstage about their on-show romance and teased upcoming plotlines. I love Laurel’s darker hair swept back and her flowing, jeweled dress. That magenta is an excellent color with her warmer skin tones. Never one to disappoint, Jennifer rocked a fitted, cutaway number that showed both her killer arms and lovely shape.


Overall, the fashion scene was pretty compelling at this year’s L.A. GLAAD Awards. Noticeably absent in the female fashion attendees were suits. In addition to Ellen, I counted only one and it wasn’t that exceptional in execution. I think the intense heat contributed to the gown choices, however, I’m always a sucker for a beautiful woman in a suit.