Oscar Fashions 2013

The 85th Annual Academy Awards were held on February 24th, 2013.  This is a show I usually never miss, but this year I only caught the tail end of them; just in time to see Ben Affleck take home Best Picture for Argo.  While I missed most of the celebrity action, I was indulging in a little limelight myself; I was out on the catwalk modeling two bridal party wear collections at the Exclusive Bridal Show.  Yes, on Oscar night I was busy having my hair and makeup done, putting on beautiful gowns and having lots of photos taken as I strolled down the (black) carpet.  I like to think of it as practicing for the real thing.  ;)

Here’s my list of this year’s best dressed ladies on the red carpet (in random order).  Be sure to vote for your favorites in the poll below.  You can choose as many as you like.

1.  Jessica Chastain

Best Actress nominee Jessica Chastain said she was going for an old-Hollywood glamour feel, and I think she hit the nail right on the head with her look, including this beautiful gown from Armani Prive.

2.  Amy Adams

Speaking of glamorous, check out Amy Adams!  Some people criticized the Best Supporting Actress nominee’s dress choice for being “too much,”  but really, where else are you going to wear this dress, if not to the Oscars?  Perhaps we should ask her designer, Oscar De La Renta, what he thinks.

3.  Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner had this violet gown custom made for her by Gucci.  I have lovingly named  it “The Mullet Dress” for it is all business in the front, and all party in the back.  Still, it works for her.  :)

4.  Amanda Seyfried

Swinging in next, we have Amanda Seyfried in the dress that caused all the controversy.  This dress was too similar to the one that Best Supporting Actress winner Anne Hathaway had planned on wearing, and upon discovering Amanda’s choice, Anne opted to change dresses at the eleventh hour.  Anne ended up on the worst dressed list in her second choice Prada gown.  It’s a shame since I liked her original Valentino pick even better than I like Amanda’s Alexander McQueen.

5.  Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is one curvy lady who knows how to work her assets.  Like last year, she’s wearing another Tadashi Shoji gown.  These two have a good thing going on.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

6.  Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts hit it out of the park with this gorgeous blue velvet Marc Bouwer creation.  Robin’s inclusion in the list is a bit of an unusual choice, as she was there to cover the Oscars for ABC News, as opposed to participating in the event, but credit where credit is due.  She looked fabulous.  Check out those pipes!  And this only days after returning to work following a long recovery from a bone marrow transplant.

7.  Jennifer Lawrence

A much more obvious choice was Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence in this unbelievable Dior Haute Couture masterpiece.  Seriously, who did not love this dress?  I’m attempting to recreate this the next time I play toilet paper bride.

8.  Naomi Watts

Best Actress nominee Naomi Watts dazzled the crowd in her glittery Armani Prive dress.  She gets major sexy points for that sleek shape and crafty neckline.

9.  Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston looked lovely in her Valentino Couture gown.  The saturated red was a fresh pop of colour on a somewhat subdued red carpet this year, and gave her skin a nice glow.

10.  Alicia Vikander

I’m enamored with the delicate look of this Elie Saab dress chosen by Alicia Vikander.  The Anna Karenina actress was stunning and statuesque covered in modern vintage lace and sequins.

Honourable Mentions

I usually keep this trim, but I’ve got a few this year.

1. Quvenzhane Wallis

Anyone who can rock a purse like that on the red carpet gets confidence props from me.  In fact, the youngest-ever Best Actress nominee has been spotted wearing her trademark puppy purses all over the place.  A different one for every occasion.

2. Aparna Danna

This one is a shout out to the hometown crowd.  Aparna Danna is the wife of Canadian film composer, and newly minted Oscar winner, Mychael Danna, who took home the trophy for Best Original Score for Life of Pi.  Aparna arrived on the carpet in bright purple sari custom designed for the occasion by Toronto-based fashion designer Dinesh Ramsay.

3.  Samantha Bark’s necklace

There were better dresses, but I thought this was perhaps the best statement jewelry piece of the night.  It’s a House of Waris for Forevermark pendant necklace.  It’s crafted from 18k yellow gold, and you’re looking at a 14.67 carat Oval Forevermark Diamond.

4.  Holly Sarchfield (moi!)

Okay, so I wasn’t actually at the Oscars, but this is what I was wearing on Oscar night, and hey, it’s my list.  It’s a beautiful navy B&A design from Ashter Fashions that I modeled on the runway.  This gorgeous gown would have fit right in on the red carpet, and I’ve lovingly dubbed it my Oscar dress.

So, what did you think of my picks?  Who couldn’t you get enough of at the Academy Awards?  Vote for your favourites below (you can choose more than one), and let’s see who the big winners are in the court of public opinion.

Fashion Show Modelling

Eri Watanabe, Ashley Sawh, Julia Cosby, Anita Chan, and Holly Sarchfield
Gowns by Ashter Fashions
Photo by Bobby Ramlagan

As the new year rolled over, I was itching to do some modelling.  With my fingers crossed, I submitted to a casting call looking for runway models for an upcoming bridal show.  A few days later, they replied.  I was offered a spot walking in the Lady Tais fashion show, one of three runway showcases at the Exclusive Bridal Show.  I happily accepted.

I was asked to come in for a fitting at the designer’s studio.  The Lady Tais collection was a combination of original bridal gowns and evening wear.   I tried on a few dresses and we selected our favorite, a beautiful evening gown with a looong train.  It fit in all the right places, and we even made plans on doing a spring photo shoot with me in the dress.  Everyone was excited.

A couple of weeks later we had a rehearsal at the venue.  This is where I learned that I might have a problem.  I quickly discovered that my walk was not up to the standard that the choreographer had in mind.  I sailed down the catwalk and hit my mark.  ”Have you ever done this before?” she asks as I turn at the end of the runway.  ”Yes,” I reply sheepishly.  ”Well I don’t have time to teach you now.  Just do what you can do,” she says, as I head back up the runway trying to figure out what I’m doing wrong. I enjoy modelling, but it’s never come as naturally to me as acting has, and this was certainly no vote of confidence.  Nerves start to take hold as I try and appear more relaxed.  Not an easy fight.

As I continue taking turns practicing with the other models, we are stopped and asked if we’d be interested in working with another fashion collection, Ashter Fashions, as well.  Their show is scheduled at the same event right after, and they need some additional girls.  Of course, we say yes (how do you say no to an opportunity like that?).   They have us try on a bunch of gorgeous bridesmaid dresses  and evening gowns that they’ve brought from their boutique.

We do a practice walk in one of the dresses with our heels.  My first pass was graceful.  The second one goes less smoothly.  The dress is a little  longer than I am tall, and as I make my last turn at the back of the stage, my toe gets stuck in the bottom of the fabric.  I stumble sideways and manage to catch myself just short of falling over.  I pop back up and fall into the proper pose I should have hit.  No one saw that, right?  ”Are you alright?” the boutique owner asks.  ”Yes, I’m good,” I reply with a knowing smile, horrified that my nightmare of falling on the runway almost actually happened.  ”Don’t worry, I won’t do that in the show, ” I say comically, trying to inject some humor into the scene.  She laughs.  (YES!)  ”No, I hope not,” she says with a forgiving smile.  I change into some higher heels that make me longer than the dress, and I do another walk without incident.  Phew!

Then I find out what the future has in store…

The next week I am put through two hours of runway boot camp with our choreographer.  With her thick Russian accent and no-nonsense attitude, I feel like I’m training for the Olympics.  She breaks all of the movements and poses down for us, and I’m feeling much more confident.  As we stop for a break, I go to her and thank her for the coaching and tell her it’s really helping.  She beams back at me and tells me that I’m picking it up very well.  I’ve always been a quick study, and often joke that I missed my calling as a dancer.  Those skills are certainly helping me here.  By the end of the night she asks if I will open the show and be the first girl to walk.  Amazing!

The bridal show itself was so much fun, and everyone did a wonderful job.  The Lady Tais show had a dramatic flair, and the Ashter Fashions show was flirty and fun.  A lot of work goes into an event like this.  Designers and boutique shops, hair and makeup artists, runway choreographers, photographers, event planners, hosts, models, assistants and stage hands, just to name a few.  Everyone I worked with was incredibly helpful and friendly, and I’m so grateful for the experience.  Here are a couple of photos of me working my runway magic.  Aren’t those dresses unbelievable?!

Dress by Lady Tais
Hair by Kyana l Bridal Hair Artistry
Makeup by Katerina Mazurtsova
Photo by JDS DIGITAL

Dress by Ashter Fashions
Hair by Kyana l Bridal Hair Artistry
Makeup by Katerina Mazurtsova
Photo by Bunny’s Photo

Life is one big crazy adventure.  Go after what you want.  If you fall down (or stumble), change what’s not working (your shoes) and practice, practice, practice (go to boot camp).  Then shine on.  We’re all made of stardust.  :)

Darkest Times Web Series

2013 has been very good for me.  I wanted to update you all on what I’ve been working on.  This February I had the incredible opportunity to play a starring role in a new sci-fi / post-Apocalypse web series called Darkest Times.  It was a bit of a roller coaster ride, and definitely an experience I’ll never forget.  It was a LOT of hard work and dedication by a number of talented and creative cast and crew members.  It was not an easy shoot, but nothing good comes easily.  :)

Written, directed and produced by Simon Winterson of Digital Canaries, Darkest Times chronicles the saga of a group of survivors five years after an Apocalyptic event.  While they have little idea as to what is happening, or why, most of the Earth’s population has been wiped out, the outdoors is in a constant state of dusk, and entities known only as the “Lightbeams” have taken over the world and threaten the few that remain.  Our group has taken up shelter in an abandoned, dilapidated building and struggles to survive with limited resources all while trying to figure out exactly what’s going on, and avoiding the ever present threat of the Lightbeams.  Of course, being stuck for so long, living in tight quarters with people you wouldn’t necessarily choose to also takes a toll…  With little light outside, and fading hope inside, these are definitely our Darkest Times.

We have a diverse cast of actors that include, from left to right, Agata Waclawska, Emma Sutherland, Danny F. Santos, Vanessa Tavares, Dennis Barham, Allan Michael Brunet, and Holly Sarchfield (myself).  Not present in the photo are actors Patrice Henry, David Walpole, Madelyn Rogers, and Janine Short.

My character is Lane.  She is one of the leaders of the group along with Steel.  She’s tough as nails, practical, and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty when she needs to.  She doesn’t trust easily, but she’s very loyal and protective of those she cares for.  Those skills have helped her stay alive to this point, even if they sometimes rub people the wrong way.  With a survival instinct so strong, some in the group question how far she might go, and if she’d even be willing to sacrifice some of their own, to save herself.

Here’s the teaser trailer to give you an idea of what’s in store.

Darkest Times is slated for an April 2 release date.  Stay tuned for some behind the scenes photos and buzz from our recent Comicon appearance!

Golden Globes 2013 Fashion Recap

Every year I compile a best dressed list from the Oscars.  This year I thought I’d see what the stars of the screen, big and small, adorned themselves with at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards.  This year’s carpet was a sea of red and white, with a touch of gold.

Team Red

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture

Winner – Best Actress, Musical or Comedy (Film) – “Silver Linings Playbook”

 

Clare Danes in Atelier Versace

Winner – Best Actress, Drama (Television) – Homeland

 

Jennifer Garner in Vivienne Westwood

Presenter

 

Team White

Anne Hathaway in Chanel Couture

Winner – Best Supporting Actress – “Les Miserables”

 

Hayden Panettiere in Roberto Cavalli

Nominee – Best Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie (Television) – Nashville

 

Amanda Seyfried in Givency

Presenter

 

Team Gold

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

Presenter

 

Michelle Dockery in Alexandre Vauthier

Nominee – Best Actress, Drama (Television) – Downton Abbey

 

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors

Nominee – Best Actress, Musical or Comedy (Film) – Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

 

Red, white, and gold:  three of the trendiest colours on the red carpet.  Which team is your favorite?

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the Kick!

Aside from presents, and too many sweet treats to eat, I received two wonderful gifts while at home over the holidays.  The first was an abundance of love and family, and the second was a kick in the butt from several of you asking where the blogs posts had gone and how the career was going.  It was a happy reminder that you’re all out there reading, and that you care.  It’s been a few months since I’ve written on here.  After that refreshing  encouragement, I’ll get back at ‘er more frequently.  Look for upcoming posts on my 2012 year in review,  a sound recording session from the feature film Twice, shooting a Sam Roberts music video, my 2013 Oscar fashion report and more!

I hope you all had wonderful holidays surrounded by the people you love.  May your 2013 be all that you dream!

We Have a Winner!

Well, that only took a month longer than I thought, lol!  Congratulations Trang! You are the lucky winner of our 10 000 hits contest!  A $10 Shoppers gift card is coming your way!  Inbox me the address you’d like it sent to and I’ll get it out straight away.  Thanks to everyone who entered.  They’ll be more to come!  :)

Adventures in TIFFing

The plan was simple.  My shift ended at 8pm, the party started at 8pm, and the venue was only a couple of blocks away from work.  Punch out, throw on a dress, touch up my makeup, and make it to the 16th Annual Young Filmmakers Party just fashionably late.  Seems simple enough, right?  I’m sure you know where this is going…

The Toronto International Film Festival (lovingly known as TIFF) blows into town with the fall-like weather every September.  The Young Filmmakers Party is an annual event that kicks off the ten day festival.  Last year was my first time attending, and I wasn’t going to miss this year’s networking opportunities that it provides.

8pm rolls around.  Closing has run late, and everyone is in a hurry to get out of there.  I run into the bathroom, change, freshen up, and a few minutes later I head for the door.  I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I’m on my way, and open the stairwell door.

BEEEEEEEEP!    BEEEEEEEEP!   BEEEEEEEEEP!  BEEEEEEEEEP!

What in the world?!  BEEEEEEEEP!  BEEEEEEEEEP!

I’ve set off the security alarm.  Amazing.  Everyone had left the building ahead of me, and thinking everyone was gone, they’d set the alarm behind them.  Another sigh as I realize I’m not getting to the party anytime soon.  Feeling a mixture of resignation, humour, and panic that only a loudly screaming security alarm can cause, I descend the stairs quickly and head to the entrance to wait for security to arrive.  Rather than have them search the whole building, I do the responsible thing and stay to tell them it was me, and not some international thief on a Tom Cruise style impossible mission.

I arrive about a half an hour later than I had anticipated, only slightly worse for wear.  I’ve learned you’ve just got to roll with the punches, brush it off, put a smile on and step up to the camera.

Arriving at the 16th Annual Young Filmmakers Party.