While watching the pictures from a red carpet, have you ever had the feeling you’re witnessing the result of a time warp? A time warp leading to a parallel world where celebrities are always the same, dressed the same, year after year, red carpet after red carpet, endlessly showing their trademark style.

For me this would be the equivalent of a nightmare, but this was the sensation I had when I started selecting the outfits I liked best from the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala.

It was quite hard to write my best-dressed list down, not because I had too many to choose from but quite the contrary.

In the end I opted for those who were brave enough to step out of the trite sequined dress canon. On top of my list there’s Giovanna Battaglia, who dazzled on the red carpet channelling her inner Elizabeth Taylor.



How awesome is this hot pink caftan with silver and gold embroideries and beaded decorations? This is something I would definitely wear myself; I would look not as statuesque as Giovanna, though I love everything about this outfit – the nod to Northern Africa traditions, the reference to Taylor and the jet set members who loved wearing traditional garments, the flawless accessorizing.

Giovanna has often been in my best-dressed list at amfAR galas thanks to her original choices, but this time she really outdid herself.



All her accessories were gold – the sandals, the croc clutch, the leaf-shaped hand ornaments by Ana Khouri. The most notable piece of jewellery she wore was a stunning Monete collar necklace by Bulgari, another homage to Elizabeth Taylor, who loved the designs of the Italian brand.

This necklace is made of six Tubogas two-colour gold necklaces and is decorated with three antique coins (two of them have the silhouette of Athena, one has the flying horse Pegasus).

Giovanna dazzled for her elegance and eccentricity, but a few others tried to distinguish themselves.



Jessica Chastain wore a custom-made ruby red Saint Laurent number. The line of the silk dress is extremely simple but the result is pure chic.

I like the draped bands on the bodice and the subtle cut-out on it and I love how the colour compliments Jessica’s hair and fair complexion.

The actress kept the make-up simple and opted for a fantastic piece by Bulgari – a Serpenti bracelet made of gold and diamonds.



Julia Restoin Roitfeld opted for a quirky black outfit, which included wide-cut silk pants with ribbon belt and a beaded top with cut-outs.

She accessorized them with a patent leather clutch and a smile, thus proving you don’t need much to look beautiful.

Ok, she’s beautiful in any case, but I appreciate her simple approach to fashion.



Dita Von Teese gave a new Gothic twist to her bombshell beauty with a black velvet number by Russian designer Ulyana Sergeenko.

The 50s-inspired line of the dress (full skirt, puffy sleeves and chinched waist) is perfect for Dita, who added a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti satin ankle-strap peep-toe pumps, a Swarovski clutch and Chopard pearl earrings.

Perfectly styled raven locks and the glamourous red lip-red nail combo completed her look.



I’m not a fan of Bianca Balti, but she was one of the best dressed of the evening.

She chose a tiered numberby Alberta Ferretti from the fall 2013 collection and has the bodice decorated with asymmetrical tulle drapings and lace inserts.

She completed the look with a nice side-parted hairstyle, sparkly earrings and a box clutch.



The award for the most fashion-forward guest of the event goes to Ulyana Sergeenko herself, who wore aprinted dress from her Haute Couture spring 2013 collection.

I greatly admire her for her romantic and dark style and for the movie references she puts in her designs. This dress has a beautiful contrast of materials – black satin with lace trims and wallpaper-print taffeta – enhanced by draped hips and puffy sleeves. She wore it with so much grace! Her cropped hairstyle and Bulgari diamond bracelets perfectly completed her dramatic look.

In my opinion, this was a disappointing event (style-wise), but I’m glad I was able to find my pearls in the rough.

What do you think of my choices?

Do you agree or do you think the best-dressed list should include other celebrities, too?

Share your thoughts in the comments.