LOS ANGELES - At the first big red carpet event of the award season, stars donned bold colors and sophisticated designs in the sweltering heat at television's Emmy Awards on Sunday.

Bright yellow was a popular choice on the red carpet among the younger starlets and veteran actresses, including Julianne Moore (in full-length Christian Dior haute couture), "Homeland"star Claire Danes (in strapless, draped Lanvin), Leslie Mann (in yellow and white Naeem Khan), "Modern Family" Emmy winner Julie Bowen (in Monique Lhuillier), "New Girl" actress Hannah Simone (in asymmetric Pucci) and "Big Bang Theory's" Kaley Cuoco (in a strapless peplum Angel Sanchez).

"It would definitely get an award for bringing the dead back to life in its colour," Bowen said of her dress backstage after winning the Emmy for best supporting actress in a comedy. "It was bold for me, but it's a classic shape."

Hal Rubenstein, fashion director at InStyle magazine, praised the bold colour choices and selected Julianne Moore's full-length yellow Dior couture gown as his favourite.

"On one hand, it recalls the best of Dior, and yet it was mixed through with all the modernity that (designer) Raf Simons brought to the house of Jil Sander and now will bring to the house of Dior," Rubenstein said.

Despite an unseasonably hot September day with temperatures hovering near 90 degrees, actresses managed to look cool in blue, white and grey gowns.

Read the full story here.

Click on the thumbnails to see some of the worst and best dressed celebs.