Lionsgate

Moviegoers may be taken aback by Mariah Carey’s decidedly glammed-down turn in the film Precious as a dowdy social worker, and the singer herself had an even stronger reaction the first time she looked in the mirror. “I felt completely rancid!” Carey told PEOPLE at the film’s premiere at the AFI Audi Film Festival. But because the novel that the movie is based on “changed my life,” she gave herself over to director Lee Daniels’ vision for the character’s un-made-up look. “He said ‘We have a part and we really need someone, and I know you can do it,’” the singer explained. ‘”But you’re going to need to let me make you under and over and over again, and that’s what we’re gonna do.’ So I’m a big fan of Sapphire and the book Push which inspired this movie, and a huge fan of Lee Daniels so I let him do what he wanted to do.” Although it took time to adjust to the lack of grooming, Carey said the look helped her achieve a performance that’s now garnering glowing reviews. “I didn’t have to feel compelled to be always glamorous. With the music industry, it’s very like ‘Oh, she’s got a hair out of place! Go fix it!’ You know what I mean? And so this was such a liberating experience and yet humiliated me. But I needed that. We all need that. We all need to understand how to be humble, and it’s a difficult business to do that in.” And now that she’s back to her usual high-glam self, Carey’s moved past the trauma of the first glimpse in the mirror. “I’ve gotten over it,” she laughed, before turning to her husband Nick Cannon for some reassurance. “Have I gotten over it? “A little bit,” he grinned, telling reporters he had no problem with his wife’s makeunder. “I love her in every look — always!” –Scott Huver

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Julianne Moore says acclaimed designer Tom Ford doesn’t just have a masterful fashion sense: the role of film director is also a perfect, elegant fit. Moore, who co-stars with leading man Colin Firth in Ford’s much anticipated directorial debut A Simple Man, told PEOPLE at the Hollywood Film Festival’s Hollywood Awards that the former Gucci designer’s renowned aesthetic sense and attention to detail was critical in creating the film’s stylish storytelling and lavish production design. “Tom is incredibly, incredibly meticulous and has a work ethic like nothing I’ve ever seen,” Moore explained. “He works very, very hard and is always very prepared and cares about every tiny detail.” The film, based on the Christopher Isherwood novel, is set in the early 1960s, and Ford recruited the award winning production design team from Mad Men to create a textured environment that painstakingly evoked the era. Moore, who’s long worn Ford-created fashions, said she was just as eager to let him tailor her performance. “Tom and I have been friends for a really long time and he always wanted to make a movie” she explained. “It was one of those things where one day he had the script and he sent it to me and asked me to do it. I loved the part. I love the film, but I LOVED the part and I’m really impressed with him. This is an amazing accomplishment and I’m very happy to have been included in it.” The actress and Firth are already generating awards buzz for their performances, and Moore said she thinks this won’t be Ford’s only foray into film-making. “I think he really enjoyed himself making the movie,” she said. “He really had a wonderful time and I’m sure he’ll direct more films.”–Scott Huver

Andy Fossum/Startraks

It’s not just the ladies who have a jam-packed day of primping before hitting the red carpet. Surrogates actor Jordan Belfi gave PEOPLE.com the rundown of how he calmed his nerves and prepped for the premiere of his new flick, costarring Bruce Willis.

7 a.m.: Take advantage of the perfect weather with a morning run alongside the beach in Venice.

7:45 a.m.: Breakfast on the patio of The Firehouse Cafe.

9 a.m.: Weight-train at the gym. A good workout always energizes me for a big day.

11 a.m.: Haircut at The Salon by Maxime in Beverly Hills.

1 p.m.: Do a phone interview with a magazine about my career, my character Adam Davies on Entourage, the upcoming Entourage season finale and the Surrogates.

2:45 p.m.: Pick up my suit from Starworks. It’s a gray pinstripe SPURR suit by one of my favorite menswear designers, Simon Spurr. It fits perfectly — which is good news since the premiere is only a few hours away!

Click through for more details on Jordan’s glamorous night out!

4:45 p.m.: Get dressed for premiere. I’m wearing the suit with a black dress shirt by Hugo Boss and black dress shoes by Bally. I want to look sharp but feel comfortable at the same time so I decide to skip the tie.

6 p.m.: Arrive on the red carpet. Tons of photographers and media outlets. Take pictures, do numerous on-camera interviews along the carpet and say “hi” to the unbelievably huge number of fans outside the premiere.

7:10 p.m.: Say hello to Bruce Willis, visit with director Jonathan Mostow and costar and friend Michael Cudlitz.

9:45 p.m.: Afterparty at ‘Rise at the Highlands’ in the Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex. Good food, drinks, company and Hollywood skyline views.

12 p.m.: Meet up with friends for drinks by the pool at the Roosevelt Hotel. Read earliest reviews and hope for a great opening weekend.

INF

Jenny Packham showed her Spring/Summer 2010 collection at London Fashion Week on Saturday and titled it “Pretty Girl No. 1″. Appropriately, after the show, she dished to PEOPLE about working with her newest It-girl client — Emma Watson’s Hermione in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. “Emma was so lovely,” said the British designer, renowned for her glamorous red carpet creations. “It’s the first time Hermione has worn something really kind of glam,” said Packham excitedly, on the red dress she designed for Watson’s more “geek than chic” character Hermione Granger. “You just have to do it and hope that they don’t cut it,” said Packham, adding “I think with Hermione, the dress is featured in a very prominent scene, thankfully.” So can we expect Hermione to turn into a designer diva in the next installment of the franchise? “No, I’m sure Emma wanted to wear something more glamorous, but she still has to look like your average teenager and, of course, a witch at the same time!” said Packham. Having worked on the film sets of Sex and the City and Casino Royale, Packham still gets a buzz from being part of the action: “It’s just an amazing experience, plus I’ve got two daughters so I got so many brownie points for that one!” –Monique Jessen

Courtesy Roger Vivier, inset: Roger Wong/INF

What better way to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Wizard of Oz than with a high-fashion reinterpretation of Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers? Some of the world’s hottest shoe designers — including Christian Louboutin, Roger Vivier, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Stuart Weitzman — have taken on the style challenge, and it’s all for a good cause. Singer Ashanti has also joined in the celebration, parlaying her experience playing Dorothy in the Broadway production of The Wiz into a new role as official spokesperson for the film’s birthday. “[Dorothy] definitely needs some stones and diamonds and maybe some Swarovski crystals going up and down the heels,” she tells PEOPLE. And while Ashanti might be somewhat of a modern-day Dorothy herself, she admits that she doesn’t own a pair of ruby slippers–yet. “Giuseppe [Zanotti] made me a custom pair when I did The Wiz, but they were green for the Emerald City,” she explains. “But, I think every woman should own a pair [of shoes] that makes them feel confident and fearless.” And if dazzling red shoes are your idea of fierce, you can bid on any of the 20 designers’ creations — including our favorite Roger Vivier pair (above) — until September 29. All proceeds benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Visit charityfolks.com to view all the designs and place your bid. Tell us: Which pair of ruby slippers is your favorite?

Anna Pocaro/London Ent/Splash News Online

You’d think it would be quite a challenge to fill Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s shoes (and what magnifique shoes they were!). But for Audrey Tautou, who portrays the fashion icon in the new film, Coco Before Chanel, slipping into character was as easy as slipping into a signature ballet flat.  During the film’s premiere at L.A.’s Pacific Design Center this week, the petite actress, striking in an architecturally cut black Lanvin dress, confided that the designer had “…a unique temper, so that it is great to play such a brilliant and rebellious woman.” French director Anne Fontaine said that she couldn’t think of anyone better suited for the part than Tautou.  “For me, it was incredible to have in front of me the similarity between Gabrielle Chanel and Audrey… when you see the ways of the eyes,  the intensity. the French elegance and also the strong personality.  I don’t think I could have dreamed a better actress.” At the after-party, held at Chanel’s trendy new Robertson Boulevard boutique, Audrey appeared on the trademark Chanel white carpet in a slinky silver and purple dress, gold belt and heels, all from the atelier’s collection. It was clear that her enthusiasm for the film is genuine, not mere Coco puffery.  The role, she said, was “complex and enriching…It is very powerful to play a rebel, to play an adventuress, an audacious and clever woman.” And an insider tip to the film — all of the designs in the movie’s final scene are originals from Coco’s own conservatory, which allowed the director and Karl Lagerfeld to make the scene a seamless collaboration. The film opens in N.Y.C and Los Angeles on September 25.–Julie Neigher

Bauer-Griffin

First Sarah Jessica Parker and now Kim Cattrall — looks like Sex and the City 2 is definitely having an ’80s moment! Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones is known for her sexy style and love of designer handbags (remember the Birkin episode?), but what was Sam like before life as a high fashion-loving publicist? If this look is any indication, Samantha was working a seriously-sexy, hair metal look. We love everything from her studded denim vest, neon leopard body suit, sheer panel leggings, and buckle-up booties — and check out that hair! Who else could carry this off? No wonder Samantha loves shoulder pads and big earrings so much. Tell us: What do you think of Kim Cattrall’s ’80s look?

Graylock/Abaca, Charles Sykes/AP(2)

We could hardly contain our excitement when a Sex and the City sequel was announced, and now, our favorite fashionista is getting back to work. Sarah Jessica Parker is creating her own fashion show on the streets of Manhattan as Carrie Bradshaw. She first appeared in a Halston Heritage dress, Solange Azagury-Partridge necklace, Chanel clutch and sparkling gold pumps, reappearing later in the day in another Halton Heritage dress of cobalt tiers paired with T-strap pumps. So far, so Carrie. But when she appeared today in full ’80s regalia, including — gasp! — sneakers and a frizzy do, we had to assume we were witnessing a flashback scene being filmed and not a radical departure from Miss Bradshaw’s style. Now, when do we get to see Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte back in action? Tell us: What do you think of Carrie’s first three looks on the set of the Sex and the City sequel?

Peter Kramer/AP

The Devil Wears Prada and so did Anna Wintour to the premiere of “The September Issue” last night at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, but according to designers and family alike at the premiere, that’s where the similarities end. As Wintour was joined by Renee Zellweger, Sienna Miller (who appears in the documentary as the cover girl for the titular September 2007 issue), Carolina Hererra, Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan and more fashion glitterati, friends and relatives described Wintour as anything but a Devil. “She’s an amazing mother, an absolutely incredible mother,” says Wintour’s equally-stylish daughter Bee Schaffer. “She came to all my sports games. Her kids are the most important thing to her.” But that doesn’t mean that Mom doesn’t offer unsolicited fashion advice, like what to wear on a date. “She told me to change” for a recent night out, Shaffer revealed — although she stuck to the original outfit. And Wintour doesn’t just give advice to her children. Designer Zac Posen recalls Wintour once “asked me to take a sleeve off of a dress” early in his career. “I refused,” said Posen. “And a common respect level was brought to the table. And then the dress was later shot on Debra Messing.” Designer Marc Jacobs also described a formidable Wintour with a heart. “She’s smart and she surrounds herself with the most talented people. And she’s a risk-taker unafraid of taking chances. She doesn’t suck up,” he said. “And she’s been very good to me on a personal level as well. When I was having some personal problems, Anna was always there for me. She’s really a great editor. And she’s a good mother. She’s very maternal and caring to people she cares about. Anna’s really quite a warm person, who maybe has a different reputation. But in real life she’s very warm. . . and generous.” And while director R.J. Cutler received “extensive notes,” from Wintour, the editor tells PEOPLE “He ignored every single one. It’s his movie . . . his vision.” And does Wintour, who has seen the film twice approve? “I think it’s a wonderful document, on the amazing hard work, the creativity, the talent, the heartaches and the success.” The September Issue opens in N.Y.C on August 28 and nationwide on September 11. – Jeffrey Slonim

Courtesy of Men’s Health

Eric Bana may travel nude through time in The Time Traveler’s Wife, but the Aussie actor has come to admire tailored clothing and a classic look in his own present-day life. “When someone is a good craftsman, I appreciate it,” he tells Men’s Health for their September cover story. “I guess it comes from appreciating design when it comes to cars.” The actor counts Hollywood favorites like John Varvatos, Calvin Klein, Gucci and Tom Ford as a few of his favorite labels. And though he has an appetite for luxe labels when it comes to red carpet wear, Bana claims he really is just a jeans and T-shirt type of guy. “I’m usually grossly underdressed,” he tells the magazine. “I think everyone in my local cafe would literally stop talking if I walked in wearing a suit. They’d laugh at me.” But he still is a careful shopper. “When I look at an item on the rack, there needs to be one distinguishing feature that makes it pop. I look for a detail that I know I’ll appreciate 5 years from now, not just at that moment.” And something he has come to count on? “I love a slim-fitting suit — Tom Ford is a favorite.” Now that’s what we call style. Read more of the Men’s Health interview with Eric Bana, where the hunky actor dishes on his love for cars, old friends and his life outside of Hollywood at menshealth.com.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ERIC BANA’S MEN’S HEALTH COVER!

Courtesy of Men’s Health

Being an It Girl comes with some perks, like keeping designers duds from events, but Twilight’s Kristen Stewart reveals that she’s not quite at that pivotal star status — yet. “The really cool stuff I never get to keep any of that,” the 19-year-old actress says in a video interview with EW.com. “Like anything for an event or anything like that. I’m just not important enough yet, I think.” While she’s walked the red carpet in edgy dresses by Yigal Azroul, Herve Leger and Camilla and Marc, Stewart says it’s the items out of her own closet that seem to be making a mark on Twilighters. “The things that have been sold out have been the things that people are actually able to get that are semi-cheap,” she explains. “Those things like sweatshirts and jackets, those things are mine, which is bizarre to have people go out and buy.” Find out more-behind-the-scenes scoop on Kristen and New Moon costar Taylor Lautner at EW.com – Janet Mock.

Twilight Barbie Dolls Pink Label Collection

If Twilight-inspired greeting cards and clothing weren’t enough to satisfy fan-pires’ desires, now they can add Edward Cullen and Bella Swan Barbie Dolls to their collections! As a tribute to the on-screen lovers, Barbie has created a set of dolls modeled after Robert Pattinson’s Edward Cullen and Kristen Stewart’s Bella Swan. Featuring Robert’s strong jaw line and vampire-glow and Kristen’s long brunette hair and innocent face, the dolls are almost an exact replica of the stars. Looks like Bella’s wish for immortality is finally coming true! The Twilight Barbies, $25 each, will be available starting November 1, 2009 — just in time for the release of New Moon — at Walmart, Walmart.com and barbiecollector.com. Mark your calendars!

Frazer Harrison/Getty(2), Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

There were plenty of stylish stars at last night’s Teen Choice Awards — from Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus to Megan Fox and Cameron Diaz — but the girls of Twilight stole the red carpet. Kristen Stewart stuck to her rocker vibe in Rock & Republic, while Nikki Reed went glam in Miu Miu and Ashley Greene was sweetly sexy in Dolce & Gabbana. No wonder they are InStyle’s favorites of the night! Who do you like best? Vote now!

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE STYLISH STARS AT THE TEEN CHOICE AWARDS!

Solve Sundsbo

Tom Ford may be a household name for his work in fashion and dressing Hollywood’s hottest stars, but when it comes to directing, he is still a novice. Nonetheless, his directorial debut has won him a spot to compete for Venice’s 66th Film Festival’s Lion d’Or. The 48-year old designer, who left Gucci in 2004 to concentrate on both his own line and to launch a film career, took three years to draft the script of A Single Man and began filming last November. Based on a novel by British author Christopher Isherwood (whose Berlin Stories served as the book for Cabaret) was produced and directed by Ford, who co-wrote the script with David Searce. Recounting the story of a gay English professor, attempting to resume his daily life in Los Angeles after the death of his partner, A Single Man comes with a pedigreed cast worthy of the man who previously directed YSL’s house, including Colin Firth, 4 time-Oscar nominee Julianne Moore, The Watchmen’s Matthew Goode and Lee Pace from Pushing Daisies. Surprisingly strong buzz accompanies Ford’s maiden effort, amplified by the Sept. 2-12 festival’s decision to program it as an In Competition choice, a category pitting A Single Man up against this year’s eclectic slate of films including George Romero’s latest zombie epic Survival of the Dead. – Peter Mikelbank

Visual/Flynet

At first, he was simply Chanel. Last year, he became a cuddly teddy bear and now, in his latest attempt to broaden his public image and appeal, Karl Lagerfeld is “Totally Spies!” Chanel’s artistic director is lending his distinctive voice and hyper-speech patterns to an animated feature based on a popular, long-running French cartoon series. “Totally Spies (The Movie)” opens this week in Paris and across Europe this Fall, and Lagerfeld, who voices the film’s villain, is also performing that rarest of voice-over hat tricks: dubbing himself in the film’s English and German language versions. In an interview in Le Parisien, Lagerfeld explained that signed on for the project because he was “amused that the film’s producers thought (of me) for the voice of Fabu, the villian,” and that he accepted without hesitation. “It’s not at all what I do but it interested and amused me very much. The film’s vocal coach wanted me to speak the way I do naturally but I’m not in the habit of reading other’s texts. In life, I speak my own way and because I speak three languages.” The cartoon’s flamboyant villian, Fabu, with two-toned hair, sweeping white forelock, ruffled shirt and violet doublet, “definitely has some resemblance to the idea that people have of me,” Lagerfeld admits. “And that’s fine because it allows me to be different in real life. I know people who have an air of being nice and who are really dirty dogs. Fabu is unlike me in that he has a taste for revenge, madness. I don’t.. well, okay,” he confessed, “if you really do me a dirty trick, then yes, I have a certain taste for vengeance. Lagerfeld, whose only previous film role was as ‘Karl’ in Warhol’s l973 film L’Amour, realizes his inimitable Euro blend of French/German/English, and NASCAR pace — is most unique. “Sometimes I’ve dialed the wrong telephone number, and the people say, “You know, you sound like Karl Lagerfeld!” — Peter Mikelbank

Richie Buxo/Splash News Online

From dying her hair black to her new rock ‘n’ roll style, Kristen Stewart is really getting into character. While filming a Joan Jett biopic, Kristen has adopted a uniform of vintage rock tees and skinny jeans, and has even gone so far as to hang out with the rock legend she is portraying. (We can hardly tell them apart!) While this new punk look is genres away from Twilight’s Bella Swan, we think Kristen totally pulls it off. Just yesterday, she turned up to Comic-Con in another Chaser T-shirt featuring early-’80s hardcore punk band Minor Threat. And what’s better, it’s totally affordable! Get Kristen’s Chaser “Minor Threat” T-shirt, $22, at chasermerch.com..

Michael Angelo’s Wonderland Beauty Parlor

If you were bewitched by the otherworldly sparkle that Robert Pattinson’s vampire Edward revealed when he stepped into the sun in the first Twilight film, get ready to be dazzled again. For the next installment in the series, New Moon, hairstylist Michael Angelo (who shot the above image of Noot for his upcoming photographic series “The Lipstick Portraits”) gave vampire Heidi, played by model Noot Seear, an uneartly coif that shimmers under daylight. Angelo reveals to nylonmag.com that it’s simple to recreate the look at home — if you’re so inclined. His secret? Shu Uemura’s Full Shimmer collection of shampoo, conditioner and illuminating treatment. Get the full story at nylonmag.com.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

As photos from New Moon get Twilight fans’ pulses racing, there is a stylish new way to show your anticipation for the upcoming film. The exclusive Nordstrom collection of Twilight-inspired fashion, including everything from T-shirts and hoodies to dresses and jewelry, is debuting at Comic-Con tomorrow. But just like with the movie itself, we’ll have to exercise some patience — the collection won’t be available for pre-sale until October 1st (with a October 15th sale date) at Nordstrom.com. Get the full scoop on the collection at InStyle.com.

Norman Jean Roy/ Teen Vogue

Harry Potter star and Burberry model Emma Watson makes a grown-up glam appearance on the cover of Teen Vogue’s August issue with her D&G puffy-shouldered plum blouse with applique details, floral D&G skirt tied with an emerald Mokuba ribbon and a crystal Fallon tiara. And though wearing luxe labels is nothing new to the famous teen — who has been hitting the red carpet since she was 11 in Chanel and Balenciaga — the actress tells the magazine that in her everyday life, she’s careful to make sure her outfits never look overdone. “There’s nothing interesting about looking perfect—you lose the point. You want what you’re wearing to say something about you, about who you are,” says Emma. And when you can count Christopher Bailey (of Burberry) and Karl Lagerfeld as your friends, looking stylish just comes with the territory. Check out more of Emma’s interview with Teen Vogue where the star dishes on college, her future acting plans and more style at teenvogue.com.

Courtesy Interview magazine

Harry Potter’s leading lady Emma Watson has been a fixture on the big screen since her acting debut as Hermione Granger at the tender age of 9. And now a decade later, the 19-year-old is telling Interview magazine all about her transformation from child star to glamour girl. While the young Brit has managed to stay out of the tabloids, she has been the talk of the fashion world, rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most high-profile tastemakers, including Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld. “We spent the whole day together,” she says, “and he can talk about anything — literature, art, science, modern culture. I was totally seduced. I felt spoiled to be spending so much time with him.” Yet even with her fabulous fashion connections and big-girl paychecks, Emma remains down-to-earth when it comes to shopping. “I don’t really buy designer stuff. I have a few nice things, but I don’t really have the occasion to wear couture too often,” she says. But when those occasions do pop up, Emma calls on her friends. “I’m typically lent something — which means I have to give it back at midnight, like Cinderella.” Although Emma is considering heading to the U.S. for the Ivy League this year, she’s rumored to be starring in an upcoming Burberry ad campaign — so maybe this won’t be the last the fashion world has seen of her. Read the complete interview at interviewmagazine.com.