Theatrics in Fashion

Ever wonder what you could possibly wear if you had to attend a formal but fun party with the most fashionable movie stars? Pick items from fashion lines with a streak of theatrics as the main focus of your outfit. It will guarantee you a spot in the best dressed section of any magazine.

Shown on the left, Marchesa's Strapless dress, embroidered with swirl piping and beads ($5,445), is so intricate and special that it could be worn by the bride of a wedding in a once-in-a-lifetime-affair. Pair it with simple accessories for a modern chic. Never heard of Marchesa? The line is named after the eccentric European socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati. Launched in 2004 by British-born Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig (who were fresh grads out of fashion school at that time), Marchesa's glamorous dresses have graced the bodies of Scarlett Johansson, Mischa Barton, and Sienna Miller. If you can't afford Marchesa's prices, which goes upward from $3,000, check out Chapman and Craig's second line, Notte by Marchesa. Notte is more suited for making splashes at cocktail parties instead of the red carpet. Theatrical details are worked into more casual and vibrant dresses, and you'll be glad to know that Notte will be on sale on Gilt Groupe on Mon 6/2 at 12pm EST.

Then we have Christian Lacroix, who is so vocal about his passion for the theatre that his official website has a whole section devoted to showcase the inspiration he derived from each show that served as his muse. Lacroix made huge waves in fashion since early 1980s and received the "most influential designer" award in January 1987. The same year, he opened his couture house and in 1988, he started churning out ready-to-wear clothes, shoes, handbags, etc. On the right, his beaded T-strap pump (on sale at Neiman Marcus for $596) has the luxuriance and perfection that defines Lacroix's creations. If you are wearing a rather ordinary dress, this shoe will complete your outfit by bringing subdued sexiness and sizzling glamor to an otherwise lackluster palette. If you're in Taiwan, you can find this pair of shoes at the basement level of Sogo BR4.