Mr. Blackwell’s 45th Annual Worst and Best Dressed Women Lists
“From a movie legend to television favorites to rock divas to press-hungry “it” girls, 2004 was a mind-boggling mix of The Bad, The Sad, and The Downright Ugly.”-Mr. Blackwell
Welcome to my annual merry-go-round of Wardrobe wrecks, Designer check and the women who fell under a Fashion hex–the 45th ANNUAL WORST-DRESSED WOMEN LIST. Without question, this was the year of the “Wardrobe Malfunction,” although what was considered the biggest fashion faux pas of the year – Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl peekaboo flash – was a total Tempest in a Teapot as far as I’m concerned. If you really want a stylistic scandal, look no further than the Ten Terrors “gracing” this year’s List. From a movie legend to television favorites to rock divas to press-hungry “it” girls, 2004 was a mind-boggling mix of The Bad, The Sad, and The Downright Ugly. Narrowing down the potential candidates to a manageable Ten was almost as difficult as trying to pronounce “Meet the Fockers” without offending Grandma. Next to impossible, indeed . . .
Before the fashion fatalities are revealed, let it be said that the finalists in my Society of Style-Free Shame won their place in WORST-DRESSED infamy purely on the basis of their overall wardrobe – or lack thereof. They may have talent to burn, but in this case, it’s their wardrobes that should be reduced to ashes. Of course, in this wasteland of taste, 10 Best-Dressed Women also emerged like shining stars on a rain-soaked night, hence my Fabulous Fashion Independents List, which has been celebrating glorious women for 45 years as well. Take a tip from these Divas of Design the next time you need instant inspiration.
Fashion flip-flopped all over the place in 2004. Color was back in a big way; bling-bling was bigger than ever, while retro femininity also (thankfully) figured in the fashion landscape.
Everyone wore sunglasses (sometimes even in daylight), sportswear was de rigeur, and boots, bangles and brocade brimmed to the forefront once again. 90’s minimalism was finally laid to rest, while low-slung jeans, masochistic midriffs and neo-gothic no-no’s are finally on their way out. At least we can be grateful for that!
Here’s hoping 2005 takes the ultra-feminine look to new heights. Elegance, classicism and restraint are never out of style. Neither is a good 3-way mirror. It’s obvious the 10 WORST DRESSED WOMEN of 2004 should have invested in one before they left the house. After all, in this fashion-focused world we live in, dressing well is the best revenge.
With love,
Mr. Blackwell
