"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
Dear All-
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
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