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Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba joins us again to blog about her style — and all the backstage scoop — on the show’s 16th season. This week, she discusses borrowed jewels and the evening’s shocking twist.
Last week my father passed away right before our premiere episode and I was truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support for my family and me. So I wanted to start off by saying thank you, and expressing my deep gratitude for all the beautiful messages and flowers that were sent with such thoughtfulness and empathy. Thank you all for helping me get through these more challenging times in my life. I am forever changed by receiving so much love and support.
But since this is People.com Style Blog, let’s get to it!
The style this week was simple and playful. We chose yet another Theia dress, because I love the way I feel when I wear designer Don O’Neill’s line. Theia was named after the Greek goddess of light who anything she gazed upon became bright and luminous. As a judge on the show, I like this concept. It’s a positive message of inspiration. And I often choose Theia when I feel I need a little extra energy or light.
The dress had a unique collar that we played with. We didn’t wear it the way it was intended. I hope I didn’t offend Don’s aesthetic! Sometimes it’s fun to experiment. I am not sure if it was quite what I was hoping for, but live and learn with fashion choices.
People often ask about my jewelry and I wore some fun things. The vintage rhinestone-spiked bracelet was my favorite, but I did hit my head on one of the spikes. Who knew jewelry could also be a hazard to your health?!
The earrings were from Erica Courtney and go for $45,000 and the ruby ring (also Erica Courtney) costs $19,000. I also wore some diamond bracelets from Rhonda Faber Green, for whom I hold a special place in my heart. She was the first person to loan me jewelry to wear on the show, and I will always be grateful for that. I was just a choreographer and ex-dancer who had found herself on this show called Dancing With the Stars, and had to learn how the fashion world works. Many people don’t know this but, the designers loan you dresses and jewelry and shoes if they believe in you. So it’s always an honor to wear someone’s designs.
Anyway, I’m really beginning to like Season 16. There is a fun factor to it and this season’s got heart. All the celebs have so much to learn and have room to grow which is my favorite part of the show. This week, we saw that especially with D.L. Hughley and Andy Dick. And sadly we watched as Dorothy Hamill exited the show with such grace and self-respect. She is a very special woman, with a lot of heart and soul and I am impressed with her choices.
Tune in next week: We have a throwback week with a “prom” theme! I bet it’s going to be a lot of fun — time to dig out my old prom photos! Fun fact: I think I went to about 11 proms when I was in high school. Even back then I had prom dresses of all shapes and colors and I used to loan them out to my friends. It’s funny how I still have lots of extra evening gowns in my closet for friends to come over and borrow at any time. We don’t change much from high school … !
Have a great week and have fun with your fashion!
–Carrie Ann Inaba
