GLOBE TROTTERS BARE BACKS, SPAGHETTI STRAPS AND CHIFFON DEFY RAINY WEATHER.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Fashion Editor

Soggy pashminas aside, the rain didn't ruin the Golden Globes fashion parade.

Despite the cold, damp weather, there were still plenty of clingy, backless gowns like the hot pink Armani design worn by ``Felicity'' star Keri Russell, and Cinderella gowns, best modeled by Jenna Elfman.

But form-fitting spaghetti-strapped numbers sparkling with beads and sequins were everywhere. They set the season's trend much the way twinsets with skirts did in '99.

``Sex and the City'' star Sarah Jessica Parker led the pack. She was the golden girl of the evening in her floaty champagne chiffon gown that looked like something Grace Kelly might have worn back in the '50s. But she had stiff competition in the best gown category. Elizabeth Hurley's bias-cut lime green chiffon design swirled around her drop-dead gorgeous figure, and supermodel Claudia Schiffer's red chiffon gown by Valentino hugged her curves and then cut away to reveal her long legs.

Those two-piece midriff-showing outfits were still going strong. Jodie Foster was a real knockout in her Armani design that tied in the back like a sun top. Going for a similar look but wearing pants was a brunet Gwyneth Paltrow, who rushed past the press into the Beverly Hilton lobby.

Orange, turquoise, lime and other bright colors were a sure sign of spring. Kelli Williams of ``The Practice,'' was a knockout in her strapless orange gown by Carolina Herrera. Instead of piling on the glitz - as Courtney Love did with her hair sparkles and blue fingernails - Williams kept her ensemble simple with a choker of orange beads by Cynthia Bach as her only accessory.

Bai Ling of ``Anna and the King'' was another less-is-more model. She drew applause for a slinky green leather halter-neck sheath. Also designed by Carolina Herrera, it was accented with a single (but huge) pink jeweled brooch.

With free designer gowns and stylists willing to help, you'd think everyone would look swell. So what was Camryn Manheim thinking with that beige leather bustier, or Angelina Jolie with the blue hair? And who picked Sigourney Weaver's cheesy blue dress that looked as if it had glitter glued on the knit fabric?

Although disappointingly plain, at least Julia Roberts and Julianne Moore were tasteful in their clingy burgundy jersey gowns.

Names like Armani, Valentino and Escada were heard often Sunday night, but a few were loyal to their home town. Sarah Buxton of ``The Bold and the Beautiful'' chose L.A. designer Eduardo Lucero to design her funky minidress with sheer duster coat, and ``Tumbleweeds'' star Kimberly Brown chose Max Azria of BCBG to design her short beaded green dress and yellow stole.

``I love his stuff. I got a gift certificate to his store for my birthday and can't wait to shop,'' said the 15-year-old actress from Santa Clarita.

BACKSTAGE QUOTABLES

"It's important to never really judge your characters and dislike them. He certainly doesn't go along my lines or morals. He's a tragic character."

-- Tom Cruise, Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

"My mother told me when I was about 13, whatever you dare dream can come true and now I really believe that."

-- Halle Berry, Best Actress, TV Drama Miniseries

I wish I could say yes that I'm a very serious actress, but it's just me. I couldn't find anything to wear, so I dyed my hair. I don't know.

-- Angelina Jolie, Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

"It feels so great, but I forgot a million things. Lynne Margulies and the Kaufman family: They treated me like Andy was alive and it got a little wierd and would have been a sight to see."

-- Jim Carrey, Best Actor in a Motion Picture

CAPTION(S):

10 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Bai Ling, of ''Anna and the King,'' was wearing a leather halter gown by Carolina Herrera.

(2 -- 3 -- color) Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant were show stoppers. Below, Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts mug for the fashion press.

(4 -- color) Jodie Foster with Best Actor nomiee Russell Crow, traded her trademark pants suit for a shirt and backless top.

(5 -- color) Golden Globe winner Sarah Jessica Parker was a winner on the red carpet with her champagne chiffon gown.

(6 -- color) Angela Bassett seen here with her husband Courtney B. Vance, went for the classic look. Bassett wore satin and mink by Escada.

Photos by John Lazar/Staff Photographer and the Associated Press

(7 -- 10 -- color) BACKSTAGE QUOTABLES

Halle Berry, Jim Carrey, Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie (see text)