There was a tipping point as I watched the 2013 Golden Globe Awards. Anne Hathaway was gushing as she accepted her award for best actress in a musical. She couldn't believe it was happening to her. After the apparent humiliation of starting out playing the Princess of Genovia. And all I could think was, "but I loved you as the Princess of Genovia!" And I did. But now all I see is a girl who thinks she is so much better than that. And by inference, so much better that we who loved that. With her new-found earnest smugness (very similar to that of Natalie Portman and Gwyneth Paltrow as they prepared for — and won — their Oscars), I couldn't help but ask, "why can't they be more like Claire Danes?"

Claire is arguably the most intelligent of these young actresses. She too is politically motivated, educated, smart and does well for the world. And yet when she goes up to accept her award she calls the other women in her category 'bad asses' and makes me instantly want to have a drink with her. She doesn't take it all so damn seriously. She certainly doesn't think that being an award winning actress makes her better than anyone, or better qualified to have an opinion, or have more gravitas. In fact, she appears to have a good dollop of self deprecating humour and the good sense to see it all for what it is, although still being appreciative and hard working. Maybe it's the gorgeous British husband. Maybe it is just that she is a bad ass chick herself.
And what has this all to do with fashion? Well, it makes me more appreciative. Claire has a ONE MONTH old son. Yes, she gave birth one month ago. And the style of the Versace red dress was perfect for a new mum. Flattering, sexy, comfortable, and also accommodating her usual figure quirks — lengthening her legs and providing shape to her torso. Perfect. She looked sensational and substantial. Unlike Anne in white Chanel. Who, to my mind, was bland. Never let it be said that personality doesn't do everything for a dress. And without it, a dress is dead. Even if it is Chanel.