STYLE : FASHION : Stepping Out

When the invitation says black tie, Angelenos do dress up. But the tie might not be black, or, just as likely, there might not be any tie at all. Evening dressing here is a creative affair, with only a few essentials: lots of great jewelry (both real and costume) and plenty of designer names worn with individual flair.

At the AmFAR benefit in Beverly Hills last month, for example, a red Gianni Versace suit was topped with layers of new and antique necklaces--by a man. Sally Kellerman cross-dressed in a rented tuxedo jacket but reminded everyone of her femininity with a sheer blouse and black-lace bra. Sequined jackets were common, but how often do you see one from Fred Hayman Beverly Hills decorated with the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote? Madonna wore a Dolce & Gabbana studded-leather jacket over a black spaghetti-strapped sheath and combat boots. Other little black dresses were spiced up with tamer details such as sheer insets or lace sleeves.

Perhaps the lone fashion disaster that night was Richard Blackwell, who was spotted outside the event coming from a photo shoot. The creator of the notorious Mr. Blackwell’s Worst-Dressed List was wearing a nutria jacket, faded jeans, neck chains and the kind of sneakers Gilligan favored. Did he really expect anyone to excuse his ghastly lapse in taste? “I give it,” he said with a smile. “I can take it.”