Predicting exactly which dress a nominee might wear to the Emmys is an exercise in futility. What are the odds you’ll get even one correct? You can, however, predict what style an actor might wear. I’d put money down on Sofia Vergara wearing a body-tight, curvy gown, probably one with a fishtail. I’d double down on Lena Dunham wearing something hideous (though I hope not). So instead of predicting who will wear what, I decided to pick gowns from my current favorite red carpet designer—Zuhair Murad and style a few nominees in my favorite pieces. It’s sort of like hedging my bets—I think it’s likely we’ll see one (or two?) of these on the red carpet next Monday. We’ll just have to wait and see…
Anna Gunn, Skyler White, Breaking Bad
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
I know so many people loved Gunn’s Emmys dress last year. I thought the pink and black Andrew Gn gown was pretty, but it wasn’t memorable. And I know memorable can be risky, but I wish she’d take a chance and choose something a bit edgier and modern like this pattered gown from Zuhair Murad. We are expecting to see a few patterned gowns on the red carpet this year. I wonder who might try to pull this one off…
Claire Danes, Carrie Mathison, Homeland
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Danes is one of the predictable ones. She hardly ever takes risks, not even with color. She usually goes for pale neutrals. Her dress last year gave her an unfortunate case of flattened boobs. While I’d love to see the Homeland actress wear something bright and out of her comfort zone, I chose this column dress from Murad because I think it’s something she actually might wear. And the halter neck will prevent any kind of boob mishap.
Kerry Washington, Olivia Pope, Scandal
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Do I really think Kerry Washington will wear this caftan-like gown come Emmy Monday? Questionable. But I wish somebody would! I love the plunging neckline, the Deco pattern of the beading, the dramatic sleeves. I thought of any one on this list Washington might be the most likely to choose it, since she seems to be the most fashion-forward nominee. But my guess is she’ll wear a flowery Giambattista Valli couture gown. I’d love to see this fluttering down the red carpet. But who will take the risk? Where is Kate Hudson when you need her?
Lena Headey, Cersei Lannister, Game Of Thrones
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Headey plays the wicked Queen Regent you love to hate on Game of Thrones. The only thing I hate more than her character are those white pumps she wore last year to the Emmys. I do give her major props for rocking a sheer gown. There were so many sheer gowns in this season’s couture collections, but I always wonder who would wear one. Good on you Lena! I’d love to see her in this royal blue Murad number this year. She would look stunning but she will have to leave the nurses shoes at home. I’d choose a strappy sandal in a matching blue or silver.
Lizzy Caplan, Virginia Johnson, Masters Of Sex
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Lizzy looks like she might take some risks. She’s not afraid of sleeves, for one. I think the dress she wore last year was a little overwhelming for her frame though. This one-armed, silver Murad gown with a long front slit would look more proportionate on her. Plus it’s amazeballs—part Barbarella, part Blade Runner, all sexy, futuristic glam.
Michelle Dockery, Lady Mary Crawley, Downton Abbey
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Dockery is a lady and she tends to pick demure looks that border on boring. Except I did love the color of the Prada dress she wore to the Emmys last year. This lavender Murad dress would compliment her skintone and hair color. The geometric sequins and beading make it fresh, modern, and elegant.
Taylor Schilling, Piper Chapman, Orange Is The New Black
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Schilling topped a few Best Dressed lists in the Thakoon gown she wore to the Emmys last year. I thought the dress was fine…yawn…. It wasn’t anything to blog about, if you ask me. I’d love to see Schilling be a bit more daring. This turquoise Murad gown might be a bit too out there for someone who plays it that safe. But I think there’s an alien super hero vibe to it—like something a female villain on X Men might wear. At least it’s interesting.
