Return of Rivers - Malaysia Star

She was a legend on the glitziest red carpets. Joan Rivers is back this year topolice Tinseltowns fashion scene.

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THIS is the time of the year when what the celebrities wear will be the talk of the town or torn to shreds. Yes, its the award season in Hollywood. The time when the stars turn out in force for glittering events like the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Grammy Awards and Academy Awards.

And undoubtedly, one of the highlights will be what takes place outside the building prior to the ceremonyon the red carpet.

As the star arrivals roll in, the red carpet takes centre stage and the competition begins. Celebrities, or rather, their equally famous stylists, attempt to outdo each other a la mode with stunning outfits, accessories and hairdos.

This year, E! Entertainment Television has invited Joan Rivers to return to present her candid and notoriously biting yet entertaining commentary in all-new Fashion Police specials covering red carpet style in the 2010 award season. It has been five years since Rivers last appearance. She made her comeback in January by recapping this years Golden Globes fashion.

The 76-year-old hosts the after-show specials with her younger counterparts Khloe Kardashian Odom, Giuliana Rancic and Jay Manuel. Together, the style-savvy quartet will heap scorn or praisewith good humour, of courseas they fearlessly appraise the fashion choices of Hollywoods hottest stars. And they will decide who sizzledor fizzled.

Born to Russian immigrants in New York in 1933, Rivers appeared in plays and did stand-ups in various clubs in the 1950s and 60s. She stepped into the national limelight after a booking on Johnny Carsons The Tonight Show in 1965. The actress-comedienne won an Emmy Award in 1990 for outstanding talk show host.

A celebrated American legend in her own right, Rivers helmed E!s Live from the Red Carpet for nearly a decade from 1996.

My daughter Melissa (producer for the show) and I were thrilled to be back with E!. It was like coming back to school where the crew were people we knew and worked with before, so it was great, says Rivers in a recent telephone interview from Los Angeles.

Comparing the styling now to that of the early days, she laments: Things have changed a lot. In the old days celebrities would have to dress themselves but today, everybody has a stylist. I think its got very boring. They all have the same fashion trend. If its ruffles, everyone is wearing ruffles; if pink is in, then everyones in pink! Theres no individuality like in the old days.

In her latest role, Rivers does not make an appearance on the red carpet. But the next day, after the awards, is when she and her fashion police team get together to review the outfits of the attendees.

Its a great job where I get to comment about everyones look. As the blown up visuals appear, we take turns to talk about it, and we really tell the truth. Its not done in front of the celebrities, so you can really say what you think and we definitely have a lot of fun, she says of the one-hour proceedings at the studio.

Rivers reveals that during one of the Fashion Police review sessions, the big question posed was whether celebrities should wear underwear, and the panel was fiercely divided over the response, much to her amusement.

We do disagree and thats what makes it terrific. Everyone sees things so differently, she says.

How does she really feel when she makes an unflattering remark about a celebritys fashion choice? I never say anything with a mean spirit. If I really hate the dress and the person looks stupid, you have to say that. So many people are watching the show and they want to know what I really think, so I believe in being honest.

When asked if she had ever been stumped for a comment on a stars fashion sense during her earlier stints with E!, she replies: Oh, yes, a lot … a lot of the times. For example, when a really big celebrity came along and I didnt know what to say, Id just go, Aw, and thats when people knew I was stumped!

So, what makes a red carpet outfit?

It should be simple, dramatic and fit beautifully. It doesnt have to be expensive. Ultimately, it must look like it belongs to you, she opines.

With all eyes on the red carpet, should a woman forgo comfort for a dress that looks awesome? Without hesitation Rivers shrieks over the phone: Comfort? … This is not the night to be comfortable, its the night to be glamorous. Comfort has nothing to do with glamour!

One of the funniest experiences for her was when she met Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson on the red carpet.

Rita and I were chatting for so long that Tom went off to buy coffee for us. When he returned we were still talking and only then did I realise that Tom had sneaked off (to buy coffee) … that was hilarious, she recalls.

If she had to choose her favourite fashion icon, Rivers would pick Sarah Jessica Parker. She just loves clothes and she takes the chance. Ninety-nine per cent of the time she nails it, but she misses sometimes, and thats fine. Its just fashion and it shouldnt be taken so seriously, Rivers explains.

Being on the red carpet may seem totally classy, but Rivers says it doesnt always feel that way. The red carpet is usually laid over grass and often bumpy, so its really hard to walk on. I also wish they have wonderful lighting because these gorgeous women look so beautiful and its a waste.

And, oh, I wish they would all wear name tags! With their dolled-up appearances and so many new celebrities coming out, I just dont recognise them all! she cries.

Rivers reckons its wonderful that the whole world is watching these award events simultaneously. I mean, its no longer a case of people separated by distance. Today, everybody is really connected, like one global village. We are talking about the same movies, stars and what they are wearing, all at the same time.

Times may have changed but Joan Rivers and her commentary continue to be in fashion.

Catch Joan Rivers in Fashion Police: The 2010 Academy Awards on E! (Astro Channel 712) on Wednesday at 1.50pm.

Tomorrow, E! hosts Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic will bring you the Oscars red carpet live over the channel at 8am.