It’s freezing. Most of us are dressed in sensible jumpers, woolly socks and big boots. We are all sick of winter and can’t wait for spring to show her face. 
But despite the nip in the air, for some this is the time of strappy shoes, short sleeves and ‘to hell with the cold couture’ – yes, it’s awards season, when movie madness and all the beautiful dresses that come with it, descend upon the UK and US with a photogenic fever.
We’ve had the BAFTAS, we’ve had the Grammys, now everyone is waiting with baited breath for the big one – the Oscars – which will take place in Hollywood on February 22.
It’s hard to know what the critics value more during awards season – the winners on the stage, or the winners and losers on the red carpet beforehand.
Every single outfit, expression, hair-do and hemline is examined in detail on news sites across the globe – with any dodgy choices bound to haunt the wearer for years to come.
But, despite the caustic commentary, this really is a time of fun and frivolity, giving film fans a chance to see the people in the movies and capture some of the people behind the personalities.
So when Rhianna rocked up to the Grammys wearing an epic pink puffball of a dress she knew she wasn’t going to be courting the ‘best dressed’ trophy – but she did know she would cause a stir. And Madonna turned back the clock by 30 years by turning up in a get-up reminiscent of her ‘80s peroxide and lace persona – again, she may not win any prizes, but she certainly got us talking.
So now it’s time to look forward to the Oscars and the weird and wonderful red carpet hits and misses that the awards promise. But despite all the magic and mystery, one thing we can all bank on is that while the stars brave the cold in the name of fashion, we can sit back and enjoy the show from the warmth of our own homes.