Red hot, Hollywood inspired hipsters at DC Oscar Night

The Red Cross rolled out the carpet in their signature color, red, on Sunday night at the Hard Rock Café, treating guests to an official Oscar viewing party.

Who could concentrate on the screens and the presenters in the annual, ultimate one line and “winner is” contest of actors’ actors with such a well executed party going on? Even the most strident Slumdog Millionaire supporters, and there were many, thought Tivo don’t fail me now.

A who’s who of DC host committee lead by Pamela Sorensen and David Marra engineered a creative balance between full blown night out and down to earth atmosphere.  Without a Joan Rivers, there was a people watching and wardrobe dissecting void to be filled and the assembly of local fashion, charity and entertainment media were on point to dish and be dished about.

The fashion ranged from glammed up and glitzed out to elegant and almost understated, all with a nod to the Hollywood icons walking the authentic red carpet at the Kodak Theatre.  Many ladies opted for long and sleek interpretations in best actress caliber fabrics like silk satin. Fluid and shirred takes on chiffon and asymmetrical ruffles ranging from my dark raspberry to DC Girls in the Know‘s Chris Jacob in a sage dress edged towards spring and a more modern take on a softer red carpet look.  Those with furs were grateful during entrance and exit in the whipping wind. 

As DC‘s stylish set hoof it from black tie to cocktail party to reception and also work, trampling the previous geographic reputation as one of the least fashionable cities on the east coast, no one can make arguments that practical concerns overrule extravagant footwear.  Discriminating eyes recognized those hot, gold Manolo Blahniks. Fresh pedicures and strappy shoes looked and felt nearly sandal ready, liberating otherwise snuggly and impossibly neglected toes much more likely to be tucked into Uggs on a winter Sunday.

 Red Cross CEO Linda Mathes mixed and mingled expertly with the interesting crowd of young philanthropists. Her dazzling crystal pin was not only beautiful but also the perfect star studded accessory to remind guests of the great needs of her organization.  In crisis, our community turns to the Red Cross, which faces the same financial challenges as families in this rocky economy. Times are tough and money is tight, but disasters, both natural and man-made don’t cut back in times of trouble.  If you would like to express your support with sparkle, the crystal red cross pin available exclusively through the American Red Cross of Central Alabama is beautiful, bargain bling priced at only $25 with a vintage if not family heirloom appeal. Your grandmother could have been a bandage roller. Wink, wink.  Linda rocked those stones.

Guests munched on the classic American fare you would expect to find at a Hard Rock, sliders included.  Special guest Arch Campbell looked healthy and handsome in a stand out black hat while enjoying a dressed up hot dog.  Party goers couldn’t resist rubbing elbows with such a revered friendly, local celebrity.  Some sought their fifteen minutes of fame during ABC’s live shots.  Most were tempted but resisted a paparazzi like approach to snapping a photo with the entertainment guru.

The auction of a Gibson guitar signed by local success story O.A.R. and robust silent auction benefited the Red Cross of the National Capital Area. VIP tickets sold out two weeks in advance. Official numbers were not released just yet, but the giving looked better than good on paper.

Leaving with swag bags chock full of loot from local sponsors and an official 81st Annual Academy Awards program, everyone was a winner.  Exactly what you would expect from a Michael Saylor sponsored party.

Can’t get enough red carpet commentary? Visit Digital Kicks for a full gallery of DC’s red carpet worthy looks and dish your own.

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