by Margaret Gardiner Now that the awards season has wrapped let’s look at trends that the red carpet solidified. Gone are the gaffes that made red carpets so fun. Everyone has a stylist – so glamour was the watchword of the day. For evening gowns four trends dominated.  Ladies experimented with color.  Blue became the new black.  While everyone rocks a hard body, many gowns were not like second skins, rather they emulated the grace of yesteryear. Fitted bodices – either strapless, or with plunging, statement backs, and puddle skirts. Bead work was more in evidence than before, making jewels understated or statement pieces.  The tromp d’oeiul of lace over nude underlining seems to have hit its peak and should fade from the carpet -though the man – or should that read woman – in the street is only catching onto the phase. Hair underwent a major change. The flat ironed hair of three years ago has long given way to beach curls, but this year the curls became more controlled.  Hair is fuller on the crown and worn either in a pony to the side, or with a side path swooping across the forehead. Two other trends are: up-do’s or smoothed back into a pony down the back – but still with volume at the crown. Make-up. The  obvious fake lashes that are everywhere on the street are history amongst the fashion leaders.  Red lips dominate.  Skin is fresh and slightly blushed.  Eyes smokey, but softly so. Despite Ben Affleck’s good luck beard, Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine growth, and George Clooney’s gray mane, expect men to be more groomed. If there is facial hair it is overnight shadow. Hair is trim on the backs and sides, fuller on top. Way back in January when the Golden Globes began the award gauntlet, Jessica Alba brought all of the trends together that would be echoed again and again as the season wore on.  Here’s to you Jessica – ahead of the curve and flawless.