School of frock - Gown heaven... and hell

This week's couture offerings are so on point, I died and went to gown heaven, says Jeanmarie Tan.​

Creations from Westwood, Marchesa and Naeem Khan lit up the red carpets around the globe.

The outfits from Chanel and Aexander McQueen, less so.

Elsewhere, Heidi Klum is hitting a rich seam of fashion...

NATALIE DORMER (A)

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 premiere in Los Angeles

Gown: Vivienne Westwood

The queen of resting b-faces is completely unrecognisable here, in the best way possible. This is the sort of breathtaking fairy-tale tulle ballgown that ought to be leading lady Jennifer Lawrence's uniform throughout the Mockingjay - Part 2 farewell tour, but good for supporting actress Dormer for getting her hands on it first. You snooze, you lose.

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RITA ORA (A-)

Bambi Awards in Berlin

Gown: Marchesa

Here is another dreamy Cinderella moment from the most unlikely "princess". Ora takes a break from her skanky wardrobe and the results are magical. Admittedly, it looks like a few ostriches had to die for that gigantic ombre skirt, but I am living for the exquisite glittery sheer bodice.

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HILARY SWANK (A-)

Bambi Awards in Berlin

Gown: Naeem Khan

Also making me swoon is Swank, who turns up the glam factor with this glitzy, regal silver-and-black fantasy. I truly need a moment to take in all the details.

DIANE KRUGER (C+)

Museum of Modern Art's Film Benefit honouring Cate Blanchett in New York City

Dress: Chanel

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti

I have been changing my mind every few hours about this white-and-blue chiffon piece that looks like it has been ripped to shreds. Is it genius? Is it a joke? Is she basically wearing a swan carcass? Why did she forget to do her hair? Oh, I am also resigned to the fact that these questions may never be answered in my lifetime.

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ROONEY MARA (D)

Governors Awards in Los Angeles

Top and skirt: Alexander McQueen

There is no black, lace, leather or goth make-up for once. But there is also no logic to be had, pairing a military-style jacket with a ruffled petticoat to create an explosion of such unacceptable weirdness.

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CATE BLANCHETT (F)

Museum of Modern Art's Film Benefit honouring Cate Blanchett in New York City

Dress: Chanel

An event honouring you and you pick THIS? A craft project made out of a moth-eaten shower curtain? Blanchett has some nerve thinking she can pull off stuff from Chanel's ugly pile, because - news flash! - it ain't happening.

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WHO WORE IT BETTER?

JAIMIE ALEXANDER

Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept 20

Gown: Armani Prive

ELIZABETH BANKS

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 premiere in Los Angeles, Nov 16

Gown: Dolce & Gabbana

It is pretty evident by now that nobody can hold a candle to Effie Trinket. Alexander's jewel-toned striped sequined long-sleeve column gown is great, but Banks' even more colourful and dazzling version is in a league of its own. It makes me think of year-end parties and instantly puts me in a holiday mood. There is no contest in the hair department either. Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept 20

 

MOST IMPROVED

HEIDI KLUM

Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept 20

Dress: Atelier Versace

Bambi Awards in Berlin

Gown: Zac Posen

When it comes to Klum, whose recent lows include being named worst-dressed at the Emmys and transforming herself into a grotesque Jessica Rabbit for Halloween, the only way is up. Just when you think the classy lady in her is lost forever, she resurrects her inner diva from dormancy and is absolutely radiant in a royal purple ballgown. Better late than never.

 

SPECIAL MAN-TION

JOSH HUTCHERSON

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 premiere in Los Angeles

Suit: Z Zegna

If Jennifer Lawrence is the "girl on fire" in the movies, then Hutcherson is the guy on fire when it comes to the premieres. Togged out in iridescent burgundy, the spiffy underdog is way more adventurous than boring ol' Liam Hemsworth. It's Team Peeta for the (fashion) win.