Robin Dresses for a Night With the Academy
Thousands already answered, but what do you think Robin should wear?
Feb. 19, 2009 — -- "Good Morning America" asked its viewers Wednesday to weigh in on Robin's Oscar dress choices and we were overwhelmed by the response. More than 7,000 of you lent your opinion for or against one of Robin's final three dresses.
But the decision still has not been made and Robin still needs your help. Check out the dresses below and click "comments" to read what other viewers have written. Then, tell us what you think.
Becoming the Belle of the Ball
Picking a dress for a special event is never easy, and when the special event is Oscar night, the task is that much harder.
That's the dilemma facing Robin Roberts: She will be shoulder to shoulder with Hollywood's most famous and beautiful, so she'll need to look her best.
Check out some exclusive, behind-the-scenes photos and footage of Robin's private Oscar fashion experience.
Since Robin's not a clotheshorse -- though she definitely knows what she likes -- she decided to enlist one of her favorite fashionistas, Suze Yalof Schwartz, executive fashion editor at large of Glamour magazine, to guide her on the perfect look.
Suze set up appointments with three of New York's top designers: Reem Acra; Gilles Mendel of J. Mendel; and Jenna Lyons, creative director of J. Crew.
What they came up with blew her away. There were so many gorgeous options, and yet sadly, Robin can only wear one. And even though Suze guided this process, Robin needs your help, too.
Below are Robin's top three choices. Use the comment board at the bottom of the page to let her know what you think and check Robin out on the Oscars red carpet this Sunday, to see what she finally chooses.
Classic Look in Reem Acra's Cobalt Blue Goddess Dress
A New York based designer since 1997, Reem Acra creates dresses that are among the most coveted and glamorous for red carpets, weddings or other special events. She's famous for dressing stars like Eva Longoria Parker (Golden Globes 2009), Angelina Jolie ("Changeling" Cannes Premiere 2008), Kate Beckinsale (Grammy Awards 2009) and Christina Applegate (Emmy Awards 2008), among others.
When Robin went to the dress fitting, she asked, "Somebody at home, what should they look for? It's their Oscar night! What should they look for in a dress?"
"The dress should give you confidence," Reem answered. "Once you see it and once you feel it, that's it."
Accessories would include a bag by Valentino and shoes by Manolo Blahnik.
Soft Elegance in J. Mendel's Silk Chiffon in Dusty Lavender
Gilles Mendel has been creating ready-to-wear fashion since 2003 for his family's company, J. Mendel. Originally from France, his New York atelier has become famous for innovative and distinctive designs that include draping and sculptural elements. Gilles' creations have been worn by women like Amy Adams ("Doubt" premiere 2008), Katherine Banks (Golden Globes 2009), and Laura Linney (Academy Awards 2005), among others.
As Robin tried on Gilles' creations, he told Robin, "You have to look for something that at first, emotionally, touches you. You know, you can look at a rack of clothes, and there's a color that attracts you, or a shape that attracts you. Go where the heart tells you to go first. Then the design ... your first instinct is really the one that works the best."
Accessories would include a bag by Tod's and shoes by Ferragamo.
Glowing Warmth in J. Crew's Coral Halter Gown of Silk Tricotine
J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons is a fan of unexpected color combinations that offer designer style and design at friendly price points.
If Robin chooses the J. Crew gown, she will be the first to wear J. Crew on the red carpet, even though the company has a huge following, especially with first lady Michelle Obama, who wears the brand frequently.
Jenna's advice to Robin as she prepares for the red carpet: "People try to do everything -- the big hair, the big jewelry, the big necklace -- there's so much, and I feel like, to me, what always looks more beautiful is picking one -- so, pick a really vibrant color and let everything else be really simple. Or a big statement necklace and a simple dress. When people try to do everything, they wind up not looking as elegant."
Want to see 20 red carpet-worthy dresses for under $200? Check out Suze Yalof-Schwartz's blog.
Accessories would include a bag and shoes by J. Crew.