Top 10 red carpet dresses of 2012

Angelina Jolie, Oscar 2012: This was the dress that defined the year. Angelina Jolie's black Versace with it's thigh-high slit was the most talked about dress on the red carpet and stole the show at the Oscars in February. She struck a saucy pose with her exposed leg extended, inspiring Twitter trends, photobombs and a whole sub-set of celebrities “doing an Angelina” on the red carpet in the months that followed. The New Yorker said she deserved "The Oscar for best-dressed at the Oscars." Not many would disagree.

  • <b>Angelina Jolie, Oscar 2012</b>: This was the dress that defined the year. Angelina Jolie's black Versace with its thigh-high slit was the most talked about dress on the red carpet and stole the show at the Oscars in February. She struck a saucy pose with her exposed leg extended, inspiring Twitter trends, photobombs and a whole sub-set of celebrities ?doing an Angelina? on the red carpet in the months that followed. The New Yorker said she deserved "The Oscar for best-dressed at the Oscars." Not many would disagree.
    Angelina Jolie, Oscar 2012: This was the dress that defined the year. Angelina Jolie's black Versace with its thigh-high slit was the most talked about dress on the red carpet and stole the show at the Oscars in February. She struck a saucy pose with her exposed leg extended, inspiring Twitter trends, photobombs and a whole sub-set of celebrities “doing an Angelina” on the red carpet in the months that followed. The New Yorker said she deserved "The Oscar for best-dressed at the Oscars." Not many would disagree.
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  • <b>Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar 2012</b>: Angelina and Gwyneth were the Oscar red carpet's yin and yang. Gwyneth's pristine Tom Ford dress complete with cape, reportedly inspired by Jackie Kennedy's 1961 inaugural ball gown, jostled for top fashion honours with Angelina's black dress.
    Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar 2012: Angelina and Gwyneth were the Oscar red carpet's yin and yang. Gwyneth's pristine Tom Ford dress complete with cape, reportedly inspired by Jackie Kennedy's 1961 inaugural ball gown, jostled for top fashion honours with Angelina's black dress.
  • <b>Beyonce, Met Gala</b>: Daughter Blue Ivy was born in January and in May, Beyonce made a jaw-dropping red carpet return in this sensational black lace and feathered Givenchy gown at the Met Ball. Flashbulbs popped, headlines were written and Beyonce went down in fashion history.
    Beyonce, Met Gala: Daughter Blue Ivy was born in January and in May, Beyonce made a jaw-dropping red carpet return in this sensational black lace and feathered Givenchy gown at the Met Ball. Flashbulbs popped, headlines were written and Beyonce went down in fashion history.
  • <b>Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Cannes</b>: Ash's grey Elie Saab wouldn't have made a this list if it hadn't been for the fact that the new mother was very distinctly plus-size when she wore it on the Cannes red carpet in May. Ash wore the clingy dress with a big smile and a carefree wave of her hand, thumbing her nose at the critics who complained about her failure to lose her baby weight. Unmindful of the extra kilos revealed by the unforgiving dress, Ash's message was clear ? she wasn't going to be thin for anyone else. We give her full marks for sheer attitude.
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Cannes: Ash's grey Elie Saab wouldn't have made a this list if it hadn't been for the fact that the new mother was very distinctly plus-size when she wore it on the Cannes red carpet in May. Ash wore the clingy dress with a big smile and a carefree wave of her hand, thumbing her nose at the critics who complained about her failure to lose her baby weight. Unmindful of the extra kilos revealed by the unforgiving dress, Ash's message was clear – she wasn't going to be thin for anyone else. We give her full marks for sheer attitude.
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  • <b>Deepika Padukone, Screen Awards</b>: This Gauri and Nainika dress that Deepika wore in January was a standout among a sea of over-embellished saris and anarkalis in award season. The vibrant colour set of Deepika's dusky skin and the backless cut gave everyone curve envy. And, yes, that is the famous Ranbir tattoo at the nape of her neck.
    Deepika Padukone, Screen Awards: This Gauri and Nainika dress that Deepika wore in January was a standout among a sea of over-embellished saris and anarkalis in award season. The vibrant colour set of Deepika's dusky skin and the backless cut gave everyone curve envy. And, yes, that is the famous Ranbir tattoo at the nape of her neck.
  • <b>Bipasha Basu, IIFA</b>: Gauri and Nainika also dressed Bipasha on the IIFA green carpet in June. The cleverly cut, fire engine red dress needed no accessory other than a clutch and a bracelet and, thankfully, Bipasha resisted the temptation to go over the top with hair and make-up. 10 on 10.
    Bipasha Basu, IIFA: Gauri and Nainika also dressed Bipasha on the IIFA green carpet in June. The cleverly cut, fire engine red dress needed no accessory other than a clutch and a bracelet and, thankfully, Bipasha resisted the temptation to go over the top with hair and make-up. 10 on 10.
  • <b>Sofia Vergara, Golden Globes 2012</b>: The <i>Modern Family</i> star's habit of picking eye-catching dresses included this midnight blue strapless Vera Wang she wore to the Golden Globe Awards held in January. The dress, and the Harry Winston jewellery she wore it with, placed Sofia firmly on the top of all best dressed lists.
    Sofia Vergara, Golden Globes 2012: The Modern Family star's habit of picking eye-catching dresses included this midnight blue strapless Vera Wang she wore to the Golden Globe Awards held in January. The dress, and the Harry Winston jewellery she wore it with, placed Sofia firmly on the top of all best dressed lists.
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  • <b>Eva Longoria, Cannes 2012</b>: The former <i>Desperate Housewife</i> was the belle of the Cannes ball in a cascading Marchesa dress at the premiere of <i>Moonrise Kingdom.</i> The flowing tulle train, delicate embroidery, minimal makeup and classy hairdo ? Eva was the complete package this year.
    Eva Longoria, Cannes 2012: The former Desperate Housewife was the belle of the Cannes ball in a cascading Marchesa dress at the premiere of Moonrise Kingdom. The flowing tulle train, delicate embroidery, minimal makeup and classy hairdo – Eva was the complete package this year.
  • <b>Claire Danes, Emmys</b>: This is the party dress to wear when you are pregnant. Claire Danes' striking strapless yellow Lanvin dress at the Primetime Emmy Awards in September kept the focus of her baby bump and on the Best Actress award she had just won.
    Claire Danes, Emmys: This is the party dress to wear when you are pregnant. Claire Danes' striking strapless yellow Lanvin dress at the Primetime Emmy Awards in September kept the focus of her baby bump and on the Best Actress award she had just won.
  • <b>Kristen Stewart, <i>Twilight</i> premiere</b>: Just another flutter in one very eventful year. Fresh from reuniting with boyfriend Robert Pattinson after her cheating scandal, Kristen wore this nude, transparent Zuhair Murad dress to the world premiere of the final Twilight film and makes this list for an abundance of gumption. We have to applaud the sheer courage it takes to wear a corset bodice and panelled skirt that leaves so little to the imagination. This isn't a dress anyone will forget any time soon.
    Kristen Stewart, Twilight premiere: Just another flutter in one very eventful year. Fresh from reuniting with boyfriend Robert Pattinson after her cheating scandal, Kristen wore this nude, transparent Zuhair Murad dress to the world premiere of the final Twilight film and makes this list for an abundance of gumption. We have to applaud the sheer courage it takes to wear a corset bodice and panelled skirt that leaves so little to the imagination. This isn't a dress anyone will forget any time soon.
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