Now that Labor Day is behind us, the mass migration from movie-making epicenters like New York and Los Angeles for the Toronto International Film Festival is officially upon us. With gala after gala and party after party (after after-party!), there will no shortage of splendid red carpet fashion to gawk at. We connected with Julia Seidl, the brains and beauty behind the StyleHog.com, on a few film-fest fashion tips and tricks.
Q: What will your go-to items be for this year’s festival?
A: Heels that look hot but won’t kill my feet, a bold red lipstick, a structured mini handbag, and an amazing statement necklace to add some bling!
Leighton Meester (Image via A.H. Walker/WireImage)
Q: What are the key red carpet trends this season?
A: Dresses with cutouts, metallics, minimalist styles and colored lace, as well as interesting prints.
Q: Who do you think will be some of the best-dressed at this year’s festival?
A: I will be keeping my eyes on Blake Lively, Carey Mulligan, Kirsten Dunst, Freida Pinto, and Leighton Meester – usually these young ladies are right on the money with their red carpet choices.
Q: Do you have an all-time favorite TIFF style moment?
A: In 2008, to The Duchess premiere at TIFF, Keira Knightly wore an inky-grey, floor-grazing Alexander McQueen dress that I still dream about today.
Q: How do you transform a look from press junket to party?
A: It would be nice to say just change up your shoes, let down your hair, and add some accessories, but in reality going from event to event means you must change your complete outfit – at least, celebrities must! With every move and every minute being photographed, celebrities generally step into a new look for a party or the red carpet.
Q: What’s the ultimate TIFF-party look?
Carey Mulligan (Image via John Shearer/WireImage)
A: For 2011, I like the idea of abandoning the usual cocktail dress and opting for something longer with a thigh-high slit. Think vintage Halston or Bianca Jagger circa 1970s. Sexy in a not-so-obvious way with just a hint of something shiny and gold. And heels in mixed mediums with architectural details, because your feet require just as much attention as your dress!
Q: What are some red carpet style mistakes?
A: Dressing too young and showing too much skin.
Q: If you could style any visiting celebrity, who would it be? What would you dress them in?
A: I would love to style one of the Olsen twins, especially Mary-Kate. I wouldn’t so much style them because they definitely don’t need any help when it comes to getting dressed, but I would love to watch them put together an outfit and find out what they are inspired by, how they choose their looks, and how they shop.
For more fashion posts on what’s hot on and off the runway, check out Julia’s blog.
Above Photo: Freida Pinto (Image via Sean Gallup/WireImage)
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