VH1-Vogue Fashion Awards celebrate stars' ability to look absolutely fabulous

NEW YORK (AP) _ Finally, an awards show where it's all about the red carpet. <br><br>At Tuesday's VH1-Vogue Fashion Awards, actors, models and musicians-turned-designers were feted for their penchant

Wednesday, October 16th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) _ Finally, an awards show where it's all about the red carpet.

At Tuesday's VH1-Vogue Fashion Awards, actors, models and musicians-turned-designers were feted for their penchant for looking absolutely fabulous.

``I think the most important thing about style is the smile you put on other people's faces _ or the look of absolute terror,'' quipped Aerosmith's Steven Tyler as he picked up the Rockstyle award.

Platinum-blond rapper Eve was given the Breakthrough style award; she thanked her nail stylist, among many others.

And singer-actress-turned-designer J.Lo, or Jennifer Lopez, was named the most influential star of the year. But anyone hoping that she might wear some of the sexy, jaw-dropping fashions of previous awards shows were likely disappointed; she was demurely dressed, like a schoolgirl, wearing a white tam, a white shirt covered by a black sweater and a flared white miniskirt.

Oh, and stiletto heels.

The show, hosted by ``Will & Grace'' star Debra Messing, mixed music with fashion; performers such as Pink and David Bowie sang in between tributes to designers such as Ralph Lauren and Alexander McQueen; and mini-fashion shows. Celebrities paid homage to designers, and vice versa.

Donatella Versace gave Lopez her award, while Sean ``P. Diddy'' Combs paid tribute to Lauren, and John Travolta presented Tom Ford with the designer of the year trophy.

Other honorees were Karolina Kurkova, who was named model of the year; Hugh Grant, who was selected leading man; ``Igby Goes Down'' star Kieran Culkin, picked as Newcomer of the year; and Gywneth Paltrow, was got the Red Carpet award.

Paltrow, whose father died earlier this month, did not attend.

Venus and Serena Williams, Claire Danes, LL Cool J, Naomi Campbell, Cate Blanchett and Naomi Watts were among the other celebrities who took part in the two-hour show, which aired live on VH1.