QandAs: Buzz

What qualifies Mr. Blackwell to make the annual Worst Dressed List?

Answer:
We suppose this, like Mr. Blackwell's annual Worst Dressed List itself, is a matter of opinion, but the man does have 40 years of experience as the cranky couture commentator of note.

Richard Blackwell,

born in 1922, has led a colorful life. He's worn many hats including that of fashion critic, journalist, TV personality, artist, actor and interior decorator. He's best known, however, for his Ten Worst Dressed Women list, which he unveils every January. His bitchy commentary has also been the subject of two books - Mr. Blackwell: 30 Years of Fashion Fiascos and his autobiography, From Rags to Bitches.

He's famous for his renegade approach to fashion criticism. Blackwell denounced Women's Wear Daily, long recognized as the Bible for women's fashion. He first came to prominence in the 1950s with the launch of his own clothing line, which was the first to include fashion for plus-size women. By the 1980s, women's fashion abandoned Blackwell's brand of clothing in favor of contemporary casual, and the House of Blackwell saw its end.

Mr. Blackwell's Ten Worst Dressed Women list was launched in 1960. Within three years, the list was an annual fixture that received play from all major media. The list has become the stuff of legend, a popular topic of discussion at water coolers around the world. Among his most famous pronouncements:

On Queen Elizabeth:
"Was she the palace Christmas tree, or just a royal clown?"

On Cher:
“A million beads and one overexposed derriere.”

On Martha Stewart:
“Dresses like the centerfold for Farmer’s Almanac.”

Blackwell was in the news recently for publicly asking why such tabloid fixtures as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton were worthy of media attention. Of the pair he famously declared, "“Two peas in an over-exposed pod.” Blackwell, however, appears to have contradicted himself by making the pair a part of his list for 2006.

We appreciate the fact that many of you question the relevance of Mr. Blackwell and his annual list, but we must all realize that where there is fashion, there will be fashion critics. Wherever there's a red carpet, there will always be a Joan Rivers. And wherever there's a celebrity wearing bad fashion, there will be a Mr. Blackwell.