How Charlize Theron is raising eyebrows for the Oscars. Why Naomi Watts will be all aglow on the red carpet. And why the nominees will be “curiously strong.” All that and more Academy Awards style buzz from “Today” contributor and celebrity-fashion expert Steven Cojocaru.
Putting your best face forward: Kinara Nighttime Skin Quencher
In preparation for a big awards show, the first and most important matter to tend to is your canvas (Cojo-speak for "face"!). Stars spend long, tiresome hours at the spa pampering themselves so that their skin can achieve that unique and amazing glow. Naomi Watts went to Kinara Skincare Clinic in L.A. last Friday as she began her preparation process. She received the Red Carpet Facial, created by Olga, Kinara spa owner and facial guru to stars such as Halle Berry, specifically for big events like the Oscars. The facial included the Kinara Nighttime Skin Quencher, a richly hydrating product with exfoliating benefits. This type of treatment is key for this type of event: Women (and men too!) traveling into town for the ceremony are usually dehydrated from the flight and lack of sleep. The Kinara Nighttime Skin Quencher is $55 and available at www.kinaraspa.com.
Giving those Oscar eyebrows a lift: Anastasia Diamond Tweezers
Affectionately referred to as the "Queen of Eyebrows" and "Star Plucker" by her elite Hollywood clientele, Anastasia (yes, another one-name wonder!) has achieved icon status as the master of the perfectly arched eyebrow. (Anastasia's loyal celebrity following includes: Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Julia Roberts, Marcia Gay Harden, Lara Flynn Boyle, Naomi Campbell, Kim Cattrall, Cindy Crawford, Faith Hill, Heidi Klum, Lucy Liu, Debra Messing, Rene Zellweger, Kelly Preston, Claudia Schiffer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sharon Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner and Oprah Winfrey.) This year, Anastasia and jeweler Chopard have joined together to create the ultimate luxury: personalized diamond tweezers. An 18kt white gold chain and heart-shaped diamond dangles from Anastasia's signature pink tweezers. Personalized, engraved versions of the pricey pluckers, valued at $2,000 a piece, will be given to each of the Best Actress nominees, and each actress will be given the opportunity to donate the tweezers to be auctioned off for charity at a later date. Those not lucky enough to bag a Best Actress nod can check them out at www.anastasia.net.
Oscar never smelled so sweet: Limited-edition, crystalized Altoids mints tins
Fresh breath is part of any acceptance speech! And malodorous mouths shouldn’t be a problem for the winning (or losing) actors because all Oscar nominees in the acting category will be some of the first to receive a limited edition tin of the “curiously strong” British Altoids mints. The tins, encrusted with crystals by Sarah Gold of NYC Peach, will be limited to a total of 40. Each tin, which takes up to 10 hours to create, will be numbered. Sarah Jessica Parker was the first to receive one of the Crystal Altoids tins. In addition, Amanda Bynes and Lindsay Lohan are also toting them around town. Recently, one of the Crystal Altoids Tins was auctioned at the MusiCares Person of the Year Benefit, which honored Sting. The winning bid was more than $700.00US. For details go to www.altoids.com.
Diamonds are a hairstyle’s best friend: Van Cleef & Arpels hair clips
Hair clips are going to be the big accessory on Oscar red carpet this Sunday. But these are not the metal and plastic version available at Walmart! We saw a preview of this trend at the Golden Golbes: Uma Thurman wore a beautiful rose-shaped Van Cleef and Arpels hair clip in white gold and diamonds ($23,800). Also from the if-you-want-to-know-the-price-you-probably-can’t-afford-it jeweler is the Daphnee Clip ($34,400, also white gold and diamonds). Available at Van Cleef & Arpels, New York, Beverly Hills and Chicago. 1-800-VCA-5797)
Forget the dress, what about the shoes? Oscar footwear predications
The editors at STYLE.COM (the website for Vogue magazine) have picked 11 pairs of shoes they predict will be seen on the red carpet on Sunday night. Ranging in price from $500-$5,805 (and with several available only by special order) you can check them out on the site. Here are a couple of outrageous highlights:.
- Snakeskin and bead sandal from Christian Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano. Possible celeb-wearer: Gwen Stefani. She's a character and these shoes have character to burn. Price upon request. By special order at Christian Dior Paris, (011) 33-1-4073-5444.
- Gold leather and jeweled T-strap by Valentino Haute Couture.Possible celeb-wearer: Renee Zellweger. She's so feminine, so poised, she loves fashion, and she's so much fun to watch on the red carpet. This is the kind of polished, classic look that she does so well. Price upon request. By special order at Valentino, Paris (011) 33-1-55-35-16-22.
- Green satin with Lesage crystal embroidery, by Roger Vivier. Possible celeb wearer: Nicole Kidman. Remember what she did with that chartreuse satin Dior couture dress a few years ago? Price: $5,805. Available at Roger Vivier, Paris, (011) 33-1-53-43-00-00.
Useful for statuette storage? Manolo Blahnik My Shoes for the Weekend bag
Footwear king Manolo Blahnik has partnered with Estée Lauder to bring the ultimate in celebrity-chic to the Estée Lauder gift bag being handed out at the Oscars. In addition to providing men's and women's "pedal" suede slides for the gift, Manolo Blahnik has designed the first-ever Manolo Blahnik travel bag. Dubbed "My Shoes for the Weekend" bag by Manolo, the bag, lined in suede, holds just enough for a weekend away with pouches sized perfectly for three pairs of your favorite Manolos. The bag, made exclusively for this event, will only be available via special order through Manolo Blahnik's retail stores or by calling 212-582-3007. It’ll set you back $3,195.