Minimalism Reigns: Basic Beauty and Classic Cuts Dominate Gala Fashion

This season, Simple colors are taking center stage in gala fashion, bringing classic styles to the awards show runways. With basic colors and sleek, natural shapes that give the person wearing the garment center stage, the dress is just a frame for the wearer as a work of art.

Though glitter is a little present in the minimalist, shape-and-texture-focused gala gowns taking fashion runways and red carpet photo ops, it is only as a basic accent to the shape of the dress, and does not draw attention to itself either in its placement or reflectivity.

Minimal color means keeping colors muted and keeping them down to two or less. Keeping it low key to highlight you also means ditching most of the jewelry unless it is accenting a feature of the body.

High-end brands and designers with standout pieces for 2011 include minimalist, form-centric looks include Nina Ricci, Calvin Klein and Carolina Herrera.

Minimalist Custom Gowns Give Personal Style Center Stage

Budget fashionistas seeking the custom look without the high price tag of working with a famous designer often seek out locally renowned dressmaking talent to design their custom gala fashion.

Custom gala gear can range in price from $350 to $1,400 for a basic sleek custom gown tailored to the tastes and curves of the diva who will be wearing it.

This is a far cry from the entry level $3,000 it can take to acquire a rare used gown from a suitably high-end fashion label like Vera Wang.

Los Angeles a Hotspot for Independent Fashion Talent

Local custom designers range in style and specialty but often feature their work online or at boutiques so the custom gown shopper can evaluate. Surprisingly, some wedding dress designers offer high-quality creative services in custom gala gowns; shopping around for a good tailor of wedding dresses can be a way to find a cheap custom dressmaker, but they may be limited in terms of style and color.

Custom tailoring and participating in the design of a dress can help a fashion fanatic express herself in her exact favorite style, fit and color.

Consulting designers that specialize in the minimalist, shape-centric dress style will help ensure a gown in the now of the stand-back gown scene.

Perrin Mary, a Los Angeles dressmaker specializing in custom gowns, is a good example of an independent gala fashion designer that is basking in the glow of the minimalist look taking the runways in 2011. Dresses at Perrin Mary are hand draped with an attention to form, which gives texture to a basic minimalist shape.