Jennifer Hudson

That ringing noise you hear is the sound of stars cashing in on their Oscar-related fame: first, Best Supporting Actor nominee Djimon Hounsou signed on to be the face of Calvin Klein’s new underwear line, Steel. Now, Avon’s just announced that Jennifer Hudson will be the spokeswoman for their fragrance Imari as well as Imari Seduction, which is launching in August. “It’s exciting to be representing the Imari brand, which really embodies confidence and femininity,” Hudson said in a statement. The star will appear in print ads and in the Avon catalogue promoting the perfume; hopefully, no python bolero jackets will be harmed in the making of this campaign.

Photo: Steve Azzara/Corbis

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Love the way your favorite stars dress, but can’t always afford the designer pieces they wear? PEOPLE’s Stylewatch magazine shows us exactly how to get great celeb looks for less. Here’s an outfit of Jennifer Hudson’s that we loved — and how you nab one like it for your own closet.

Get the Look of Jennifer Hudson’s Easy Elegance:
-WD-NY empire-waist cotton dress with military button detail, $186. Call 212-395-9309
-Pedre Marcasite Bangle Watch, $98 at ravinstyle.com
-Sequin Silver double hoop earrings, $68. Call Henri Bendel at 1-800-423-6335
-Oscar by Oscar de la Renta “Simone” peep toe pumps, $230, at piperlime.com

Photo: Mark Davis/Getty; jeff harris

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They performed together both onscreen and on the Oscars stage, but each of the talented singer-actresses in Dreamgirls hit their own high notes on the red carpet last night. With the aid of Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, Jennifer Hudson made a stylish entrance in an Oscar de la Renta chocolate silk jersey gown with ruched bodice, metallic python bolero and major Neil Lane jewels. Anika Noni Rose was glamorous as promised in a silver sequined Naeem Khan showstopper, Chopard diamonds, and $500,000 Kwiat diamond-studded Stuart Weitzman shoes. As the award show veteran, Beyonce lived up to her fashionable reputation in a pale green Armani Prive gown and glittering Lorraine Schwartz jewels. We think the ladies all look amazing, but isn’t it fun to play favorites? Tell us: Which Dreamgirl’s Oscar look do you like best? Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose or Beyonce?

Click here to see all the Best Dresses of the night, and for more of the latest news and gossip on the Oscars, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/ap; Tammie Arroyo/AFF; Steve Granitz/WireImage

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Designers may all want to dress Best Supporting Actress nominee Jennifer Hudson for the big night, but when the Dreamgirls star needed some comfortable footwear for her Oscar rehearsals on Thursday, she called on the folks at Piperlime, the online shoe shop that was gifting celebs at the Marie Claire-sponsored Luxury Lounge. “She wanted something comfortable, cute and flat,” says a company rep, who quickly shipped over a bunch of shoes, including a shiny red ballet flat by Taryn Rose (which was inspired by Sienna Miller in Factory Girl) $445 as well as styles by Cynthia Vincent, Steve Madden and Charles by Charles David.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: john shearer/wireimage

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Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Dreamgirls, Jennifer Hudson is the Diva of this year’s award season.

Signature Look: Figure-hugging dresses with deep V-necklines and shimmering fabrics. Hudson’s hair is almost always wavy and loose, while her makeup tends toward berry lips and metallic shadows.

Favorite Designers: The star has designer-hopped, wearing Vera Wang, Donna Karan and Prada to recent events. Shoes are often by Stuart Weitzman, with diamonds by Neil Lane.

What She Will Wear: According to an article in Vogue written by editor-at-large Andre Leon Tally, who is styling the star, Hudson will most likely wear Oscar de la Renta.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Dave M. Benett/Getty; Robert Pitts/Landov; Lisa Rose/jpi

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Who could ever imagine one dress could look great on Raquel Welch, Jennifer Hudson and Angie Harmon? Donna Karan, the designer who has been committed to making women look good for over 20 years, that’s who! Her wool jersey wrap dress with a bold gold buckle looks amazing on these three beautiful women even though they have such different body types. We love how each woman picked the version that was best for them, too. Raquel Welch showed off her famous curves while keeping her arms covered — as did Jennifer Hudson, who put a younger twist on the dress with her shorter hemline. Angie Harmon boldly took the plunge in her down-to-there halter. Is this really a dress that flatters all body types? Hey, if you have $2995 to spare at a Donna Karan store, you can find out for yourself. (Dress sadly not sold online.)

Photo: Desiree Navarra/GAMMA, Lamour Evens/SIPA, Dennis Van Tine/Abaca

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Not only is Jennifer Hudson nominated for multiple awards for her first role in a movie (as Effie in Dreamgirls), but she is already working the red carpet like a pro. Dressed in a satin Prada dress at the National Board of Review gala, she admitted that she hasn’t picked out her Golden Globes gown yet but “we’re working on it. But it’ll be sexy!” She says that she picks dresses for events based on “whatever feels good. Whatever jumps out at me. I’m always looking for classiness and something that [complements] my figure.” And how does she feel about being normal-sized? “I celebrate it,” she said. “I am unique around here. Everyone else looks the same!” No doubt, she is a red-carpet standout for all the right reasons.

Get the full scoop on the Golden Globes on our exclusive Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty

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