Barneys’ Simon Doonan makes red carpet recommendations

Simon Doonan has a brilliant idea. In town for the Women's Philanthropy United Luncheon, the Barneys New York creative director has a system figured out that would undoubtedly wake the retail industry from its near-dead state.

"Wouldn't it be great if every star went out the week before (Oscars) and just shopped?" he asks. "Buy a horrible frock, buy a nice one. It doesn't really matter, just buy it. If you're making eight million (dollars) for a movie, you can afford to buy a dress and support the fashion industry."

Somehow, we don't anticipate even the Mother Teresa of Hollywood, aka Angelina Jolie, complying with Doonan's well-meaning proposal. For an Oscar-nominated actress to actually purchase a dress rather than cherry-pick one of the dozens of free ones designers send her would derail the red carpet system. No freebies, no product placement.

So, rather than hold a grudge, the petite fashion guru offers a few style suggestions to several of the actresses nominated for an Academy Award on Sunday.

Keep in mind that Doonan wrote the book "Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You." He refers to Bjork's unforgettable swan ensemble from the 2001 Oscars as "interesting, provocative and fun," and his all-time favorite Oscar red carpet moment was Tilda Swinton in her one-sleeve Lanvin toga last year.

That said, take a look at what we may or may not -- we'll bet on not -- see the celebrities wearing:

ANNE HATHAWAY: She says she wants to be on the best and worst dressed lists because it means she made a statement. She's proven she can do pretty. It would be fun for her to wear something edgy -- Balenciaga.

PENELOPE CRUZ: I love the Latins; they always look great. It would be nice if Penelope Cruz wore Isabel Toledo and supported her Latin sister.

ANGELINA JOLIE: She can easily look a bit Goth and a bit hard. It would be fun if she went against type and wore Lacroix Couture, something super ethereal and otherworldly.

KATE WINSLET: She's very beautiful. I don't mind what she wears as long as she doesn't make that deranged (Golden Globes) speech again. It doesn't matter what she wears. ... She's accepting a cheesy entertainment award, not the Nobel Prize. She should wear an old sweater and a tweed skirt.

MARISA TOMEI: She should wear Gaultier, something quirky. Or Rick Owens.