Not the stuff you see in Animal Planet

So the nominees for this year's Big O has been released. Quite a number of expected (Natalie, Colin and Anette), snobs (Christopher Nolan, Mila Kunis and Amy Westcott who did the costumes for Black Swan) and surprise nominee (Jon Hawkes? and Hailee Steinfeld of True Grit and Jacki Weaver of Animal Kingdom) Bet, you're probably having the same "Jackie Who" And "Animal What"? reaction that I had.

According to a source (which goes by the name IMDB) Jacki Weaver is an Australian actress who shot to fame sometime in the 70's and appeared in a couple of films Down Under one of which is "Animal Kingdom". Now "Animal Kingdom" is a film about a family of criminals run by the matriarch in underground Oz (quite a plot huh?)

Now here's the trailer for "Animal Kingdom". I must say it made "All Out of Love" sound well, less cheesy.

Current Mood: "Circus-y"

I've never been to a circus. Well except for a preview, sans the tent, which I saw a month ago. I dunno how can you explain the current fascination. The "Razzle Dazzle" perhaps? That being said this made me took a few snapshots (from my magazine archive) to display my homage to the Greatest Show on Earth.

Perhaps I could use these photos as inspirations for future projects? Enjoy!

The ethereal Cate Blanchett as seen in the March 2006 issue of British Harper's Bazaar.

The cast of Friends in a Vanity Fair spread by Annie Leibovitz (December 2002)

La Dita Von Teese with milliner Stephen Jones (also from Harper's Bazaar)

.....with designer Matthew Wiliamson

.....with Christopher Bailey.

Dutch beauty Mini Anden in a spread for Jane magazine (March 2000).

Red Carpet Daydreaming

Let me begin my post with "Happy New Year!" (again, its better late than NEVER.)

Awards season (in the US at least) has begun with the Golden Globes happening within a couple of days and for people who follow the ceremony (myself included) its a feast for the eyes as to what celeberities will wear. While some managed to wear outfits which could turn heads, others prefer to wear outfits which could make you shake your head and ask: "what are they thinking?" But then, I applaud those who veer from wearing the usual red carpet get-ups and go the opposite direction. As Zandra Rhodes once said: "Fashion should be about becoming a peacock."

For this year's Golden Globes, I'm happy that a couple of my favorite actresses got nominated and to dress at least one of these actresses for the red carpet is a dream of mine. Although I'm still lightyears away in achieving that, let me start by showing a rundown of what I would design for them.

And now, let's play dress-up.

1. Amy Adams

Saw her in 'Junebug" and loved her ever since. Nominated this year as Best Supporting Actress for "The Fighter". I would love to dress her in a simple draped jersey dress in a color which complements her hair: RED.

Photo from 2007

2. Natalie Portman

I've been a fan of her the moment I saw her made-up as Queen Amidala in the Panthom Menace poster. The face, the brain and her kinda fragile personality and her bravery in taking risks in wearing outfits which may not work for some (bald hair anyone?) are just some of of the things I like about her. So for Natalie, I came up with two looks from my archives which I think suts her for the red carpet.

A black lace dress (from 2008) which fits her pint-sized figure and reminiscent of her Black Swan character.

A strapless gown with draped bodice (also from 2007). (Could also be in black or gray.)

3. Mila Kunis

I remember watching her as Jackie Burkhart in That 70's Show. Like Natalie Portman, I was drawn with her eyes, not to mention her lady-like yet edgy persona.

For Mila Kunis, I thought of dressing her in a black one-shoulder dress (black for that hint of darkness and edginess) while at the same time being toned down by the flower detail for a little sweetness.

4. Claire Danes

For reasons unknown, I just love her. For Ms. Danes, who's nominated for the role of Temple Grandin, I chose a simple jersey dress with a chain detail as accent which will complement her height and svelte figure.

5. Laura Linney

Is there anything not to like about Laura Linney? Apart from the pretty face, she's a great actress (I personally think that she's one of the"chameleons" in Hollywood in recent years). For Ms. Linney, I came up with a simple black jersey dress, with asymmetrical detail.

Photo from 2005

And there goes my Red Carpet Daydreaming for this Sunday's Golden Globes. As to when will I be able to dress the ones in my wishlist...well, I don't know. But then, a guy can always dream right?

Prosit* to 2011.

*An Austrian greeting meaning "cheers".