Off the Rack

Courtesy Lancome

Lancome never fails to select the most gorgeous and accomplished international stars to serve as its brand ambassadors, a list which includes American Anne Hathaway and Brits Kate Winslet and Clive Owen. And their latest choice of French actress Juliette Binoche is no exception. While the Chocolat star isn’t new to the beauty brand, having been the face of Lancome’s Poeme fragrance over a decade ago, she will now represent the luxe Lancome Renergie skincare line. And we can’t think of a more perfectly ageless beauty to be its face.

Even though not everyone took home a golden statue last night, all the nominees were given something to protect their lovely gowns in while traveling home. The Laundress, a luxe-laundry line, sent them a garment care kit which included a monogrammed garment bag ($90) with a large pocket for shoes and accessories, a bottle of Crease Release wrinkle remover ($14), a fabric refreshner ($14), stain solution pacquettes ($14 a box) for tough stains like wine, and biodegradable dryer sheets ($14). Its creators, Lindsey Wieber and Gwen Whiting who used to work at Chanel and Ralph Lauren, say their products are safe for all clothing — from jeans to cashmere to silks and designer gowns — and use only natural and organic ingredients. In other words, your gown will still look fresh, even if you’re feeling a little hungover. Hurrah!

Photo: Stan Wan Photography; Globe; David Wimsett/UPPA/ZUMA (insets)

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We’ve been spotting red lips pop up on everyone from Cameron Diaz to Beyonce, but some stars are taking the look one step further with a dark crimson. More dramatic and edgy than the old Hollywood scarlet lips, these dark reds are turning up on the mouths of trendsetters like Kate Winslet, Ashley Olsen and Gwyneth Paltrow. Not for the weak of heart or the imperfect of skin, a color this dark has to be worn carefully — try a nude lip liner underneath to keep it from creeping and a hit of blush to keep you from looking like Elvira is key. Just remember to keep eye makeup to a minimum to amp up the hit of color on your mouth.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Beauty Trends in our gallery.

Photo: Sara De Boer / Retna; Travis Farrell/WireImage; Chance Yeh/PatrickMcMullan/Sipa Press

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Nominated for Best Actress for her role in Little Children, Kate Winslet is the Minimalist of this year’s award season.

Signature Look:Solid colored gowns in simple and classic silhouettes, accented by major bling. Hair is either in long, loose waves, or pinned into a clean bun.

Favorite Designers: Who isn’t her favorite? Zac Posen, Dolce & Gabbana, Carmen Marc Valvo and Escada are just a few she’s worn in the last few months. She also likes Rodo and Roger Vivier clutches.

What Will She Wear: Because she’s such a designer butterfly, it’s tough to predict. But count on clean lines and a vibrant hue for her Oscar-night look.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Stephen Shugerman/Getty; doug peters/empics; Sara De Boer/Retna

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Designer Ben de Lisi kick-started London Fashion Week yesterday with his lovely Autumn/Winter 2007 collection. After the show, I worked my way backstage only to find the designer in a state of panic! De Lisi revealed he was dressing BAFTA nominee Kate Winslet that evening (note: It was 3.45 p.m. and red carpet arrivals started at 4 p.m.!) “I have to go dress her now, right now.” he said running towards the door. “She’s going to be Hollywood glamour.” Only minutes later, I’m standing in line to get a taxi to get to the next show, when I see a small, suited man sprinting into oncoming traffic to hail a taxi. Looks like all of his hustling was worth it — Kate hit the red carpet in a glamorous black gown, courtesy (of course) of Ben de Lisi. Tell us: What do you think of Kate’s gown? — Monique Jessen

Get more scoops on award show looks at in our Red Carpet section.

Photo: marc larkin/lfi

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In the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar, co-stars and friends Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet open up to their Holiday director Nancy Meyers on everything from their favorite undies (Cameron loves Hanky Panky) to whether they’d go under the knife. Sounds like the stars wouldn’t mind switching closets — the ever-elegant Kate wishes she could pull off “skinny jeans,” while self-described “tomboy” Cameron wants to be “a gown-wearing kind of gal. I know that people love to see their celebrities in gowns at red-carpet events, and I really want to be able to do it. But I just get so self-conscious when I wear a flowy gown.” Luckily, her favorite jeans are from William Rast , co-designed by boyfriend Justin Timberlake, so at least she doesn’t have to worry about getting another pair! On the subject of aging not-too-gracefully, Kate says “It is hard for me to talk about Botox with out getting angry,” while Cameron rues that “Botox really freaks me out. . . Believe me, I wish that I liked it. Who doesn’t hope for a little help every once in a while?” In addition her medicinal nose job, Cameron admits that “I do believe in tummy tucks and boob lifts. Just for the record.” Something to watch out for, no doubt.

Photo: Courtesy Harper’s Bazaar

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Who’s older: Kate Winslet or Cameron Diaz? If you looked at photos from last night’s New York City premiere of their film The Holiday and assumed Kate — based on her severe black Zac Posen suit and pulled-back hair — was older, you’d be wrong. At 31 years old, Kate is actually three years younger than micro-mini-wearing Cameron (also in Zac Posen). The verdict? These ladies just aren’t dressing their age. Can’t you picture Diane Sawyer in Kate’s suit and Lindsay Lohan in Cameron’s glitzy frock? From the neck down, these two could be mother and daughter! We usually love Kate’s sophisticated style and Cameron’s fun-loving ways, but maybe they should shake it up and swap closets for a while! Tell us: Do you think they are dressing appropriately for their age? Do they need to?

To get the scoop on Cameron Diaz in Off the Rack, click here.

Photo: Jackson Lee/starmax (2)

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