With awards season well under way, red carpets everywhere have been graced with the glitter and glamour of fashion’s most dazzling, runway-worthy evening wear. The impact of the ‘red carpet dress’ is a phenomenon which pop culture recognizes and celebrates

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“Chances are you may not remember who won an award, but you’ll remember a spectacular dress and who wore it,” claims Fashion reporter Derick Chetty, who went on to say, “that’s the sheer power of a single dress. It can leave a searing imprint on your memory.”

The line between formal and black tie has become hazy in the last few decades, leaving women to their creative devices when shopping for an appropriate gala gown.

While long gowns rich with adornment were popular years ago, today’s black tie is redefined to embrace everything from discerning cocktail numbers or the perfect little black dress to full-skirted Cinderella splendor, depending on the valour of the model and event.

With less than two weeks to go until the 2011 O’Brien Awards Black Tie Gala, Standardbred Canada's team of O’Brien Couture Critics wanted to give our guests an idea of what to wear.

Click here to check out some of the critics' favourite O’Brien Award ensembles from the past few years.