Dan's Papers - September 26, 2008

Watching the pre-show is usually the highlight of any award show. While a walk down the red carpet can be unnerving for many, some celebrities love to take it all in and seize the moment.

It's hard to believe that this was the first Emmy appearance for "Lipstick Jungle" star, Brooke Shields. She looked absolutely elegant in an eye-popping, bright fuchsia strapless gown designed by Badgley Mischika. Next up was the star of "Ghost Whisperer," Jennifer Love Hewitt, wearing Carolina Herrera - one of my favorite designers. But Hewitt's white flowing gown adorned with braided black piping was not a hit on the red carpet among the "fashion critics." (Perhaps it was the black and white that didn't go over well?) To each her own. I think Hewitt evoked a classic elegance.

Simple elegance is always a safe bet and Glenn Close looked fabulous in a classic black Armani gown paired with a knit shawl. Calvin Klein chose a stunning shade of green that perfectly matched Cynthia Nixon's hair and eye coloring. Julia Louis-Dreyfus looked radiant in a vibrant coral dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez. Her mermaid-style dress with beading at the top was an extremely flattering choice.

Vanessa Williams can make anything look good. However, once again a few of the "fashion critics" did not care for her black and white gown (with ruching at the waist) created by designer Kevan Hall. I think she looked amazing.

And kudos to all the women over 40 who still look as in shape as they did 20 years ago. Staying with that thought, star of "Desperate Housewives" Nicolette Sheridan (who some of us remember first seeing on the famous '80s series, "Knots Landing") was a knockout in a regal purple ruffled gown by Angel Sanchez.

Showtime series star of "Weeds," Mary Louise Parker, could have made a better choice. Although known for designing sexy dresses, Roberto Cavalli's strangely colored blue gown was not flattering on this slender star. Recovering well from her surgery and battle with breast cancer, Christina Applegate was a hit on the red carpet, wearing a Rema Acra blue ice metallic gown.

Eva Langoria Parker (star of "Desperate Housewives") chose a flapper style short fringe design. Hmm...mixed reviews from the critics, but she always looks beautiful. "Grey's Anatomy" star Sandra Oh wore a classic Oscar de la Renta black gown, once again confirming that simple elegance works best!

Overall, there were more fashion hits than misses and we didn't see anything too crazy. Oh wait ... what in the world was that horrible red sheer lace dress with a matching red headband worn by Phoebe Price? Who is Phoebe Price? I guess she got our attention, at least.

Most stars wore their hair down with only a few striving for that classic up do. The trend for make-up appeared to be subdued and not overdone. And as for shoes, there were many strappy heels by Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik walking down that red carpet.