SINGAPORE - The fashion parade that took place on the red carpet of the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on Sunday (Monday morning, Singapore time) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, was like Longfellow's little girl with the curl in the middle of her forehead: When she was good, she was very good indeed; but when she was bad, she was horrid.
There were many beautiful looks on the carpet, such as Gina Rodrigez in a plunging red number, Felicity Huffman in an ethereal ice-blue gown, Leslie Jones in sheer black with a thigh-high slit, and Evan Rachel Wood's untouchable white pantsuit.
Of course, there were also questionable choices, such as Zoe Kravitz's feathery ombre dress and Ariel Winter's Chun-Li costume.
But for the most part, the stars - and their stylists - pulled out all the stops, some to better effect than others. Here are the best and worst looks from the evening.
BEST DRESSED
Jessica Biel
Jessica Biel's look takes us straight up to 7th Heaven. The melded textures and expert draping of her Ralph & Russo Couture gown make her look breathlessly transcendent. If we were the red carpet beneath her feet, we would be crying tears of unworthiness.
Judith Light
We adore everything about the Transparent star's look - the sleek silhouette, the edgy neckline, the careless flaxen hair, and the on-point make-up. She even brought two accessories with her: a blue ribbon in support of the American Civil Liberties Union, and Angelina Jolie's right leg.
Uzo Aduba
Maybe it's the shock of seeing her in anything other than an inmate's sweats, but the Orange Is The New Black actress cleans up adorably well - we love the hair, the make-up and the earrings. If anyone can make sequins the new orange, she, in this Sally LaPointe number, definitely can.
Tituss Burgess
Thank you, Tituss, for daring to be an amber sunset in a sea of black tuxedos. Sure, the suit is loud, but then, so is the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt actor. At the same time, the textured patina and subtle Chinoiserie detailing of the jacket keep things classy yet interesting, bringing a touch of old-school glamour.
The boys of Stranger Things
When you are young, pretty and talented, you can get away with anything, even a shiny purple brocade dinner jacket like the one Caleb McLaughlin (right) is pulling off in a way that you never could. Of course, it helps that the young actors from Stranger Things are standing together like a miniature boyband. Can we buy the whole box set?
WORST DRESSED
Mandy Moore
Answer the multiple-choice question: Mandy Moore's dress was inspired by
(a) Pepe Le Pew
(b) An Ikea toilet brush
(c) A stack of Oreos
(d) Pepe Le Pew eating Oreos in an Ikea toilet
Julie Bowen
To have arms like these, the Modern Family star's daily workout must involve planking at the beach. Umm, Julie, have you noticed that some giant barnacles have followed you home?
Heidi Klum
Sorry, Heidi, but late 1990s Geylang called and it wants its extensions back. How many times do we have to say "Auf Wiedersehen" before you finally get the hint?
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson channelled a microwaveable burrito wrapped in tinfoil, complete with reflective clutch and shoes. It has to be hot all the way through, okay?
Keri Russell
We don't actually hate this dress - it kind of works on her - except that it reminds us of the ball of hair that gets stuck in the drain cover after a couple of showers. Or a black cat that has just suffered a rude shock. Or static electricity. Okay, maybe we do hate this dress.
