We kicked off Oscar week in style with the fitting fusion of film and fashion at the 14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards. And while the wardrobe keepers and visionaries are usually left behind the scenes, Tuesday night they took center stage at the Beverly Hilton with a black tie gala honoring the costumer’s craft. Jane Lynch, who was clad in a red David Meister gown, served as the master of ceremonies. Though her Glee character is most comfortable in tracksuits, Lynch took the opportunity to butter up Lacoste, the evening’s sponsor. “I bet a shirt in each color would look magnifique in my closet,” she said. The brand’s iconic alligator had it’s place on stage and on the busts that served as unique centerpieces.

Lynch’s colleague Lou Eyrich, who can be credited with the vision for Sue Sylvester’s uniform, was honored for her Career Achievement in Television; Eyrich also took home the award for Outstanding Contemporary TV Series. Marcia Gay Harden gave the industry some props before presenting Clint Eastwood and Deborah Hopper with the Distinguished Collaborator Award. “I think costume designers first introduced me to Spanx so I thank you for that,” she said.

We had the pleasure of dining on poached pear gorgonzola salad, baked breast of chicken, and dolce de leche ice cream truffle alongside Wendy Chuck, who was nominated for Excellence in Contemporary Film for her work on The Descendants.Chuck snapped photos of the atmosphere while enjoying the festivities with her friends and colleagues.
A few tables over, a J.Mendel clad Rooney Mara celebrated Trish Summerville, who transformed her into Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. In spite of being pierced and prodded, Mara was eager to cheer on her creative collaborator. “She’s amazing,” she said.  Summerville, for her part, combatted the jitters with a few champagne refills at the bar before scooping up her statue.

By the time Kate Beckinsale received her Lacoste Spotlight Award in a blue Vivienne Westwood gown, the room was good and buzzed. “It’s quite sobering seeing yourself age 20 years in five minutes,” said Beckinsale of her montage. “To me this was an award for being lucky.” And while she has been dressed by some of the best, costume designers have also come to her rescue.  The wardrobe trailer has been her  sartorial savior, whether it was “an unexpected pregnancy, a divorce, or a stubborn camel toe.”  And for that, an actress must be eternally grateful!