PURPLE REIGNS STARS MIX VIOLET, BLACK AND WHITE ON SAG RED CARPET.

Byline: Diana McKeon Charkalis Lifestyle Editor

There was power in purple on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild awards Sunday at the Shrine Auditorium. And the ladies of Wisteria Lane led the pack of those who showed up in the color that symbolizes nobility, luxury and ambition.

Although Felicity Huffman discussed her gender-bending role in ``Transamerica'' as she greeted reporters, she was decidedly feminine in a long, strapless form-fitting lavender dress. Looking as if they planned it (although they said they didn't) Marcia Cross wore almost the identical shade - but the style was different - sleeveless and low-cut. Teri Hatcher opted for a more billowy look - her long gown was pale lilac with a black belt and beaded black clutch to match.

Eva Longoria sported short bouncy curls and looked romantic and sweet in off-the-shoulder lavender and lace. She was well-coordinated with beau Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, who wore a purple shirt and matching handkerchief in the pocket of his black tux. Together, they dispelled rumors of any shake-up with their relationship.

Parker wasn't the only man in violet shades - Daniel Dae Kim of ``Lost'' wore a deep purple shirt beneath his tux, and rapper/actor Chris ``Ludacris'' Bridges also accented with purple shirt, satin tie and handkerchief. Even Ray Romano, not necessarily known for his fashion sense, had a shirt with purple tones, but no tie.

Stars also opted for a black and white palette with dresses both long and short. Sandra Oh went with a cocktail-length dress with wide black and white horizontal stripes. It was accessorized with star-shaped diamond brooches at her waist from Neil Lane, valued at more than $1 million.

Geena Davis was looking more royal than presidential, sporting an updo and a long black and white Escada gown with an extended train. ``My husband is in charge of that,'' she told E! correspondent Giuliana DePandi. Portia de Rossi, Reese Witherspoon and Candice Bergen also went with that duet of shades.

When it came to hairstyles it was a ponytail parade - stars sported two different looks - high styles perched near the top of the head and a more sultry, soft and loose look. Cheryl Hines opted for the sultry, saying that her stylist was thinking ``Brigitte Bardot'' when he did her hair. ``That was the inspiration,'' she said, joking about whether or not it was working. Both Kristin Chenoweth and Hilary Swank went with perkier ponies, and both also sported cute gold bags as accessories. But Swank was more concerned about her white, ruffled cocktail dress, which suffered one of the worst tragedies that can befall an actress about to hit the red carpet. She noticed the hem was torn when she got in the car. A consummate professional, she went on with the show.

``I just stopped and got masking tape because I didn't have needle and thread,'' she said with a smile.

Diana McKeon Charkalis, [phone]

diana.charkalis(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

5 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) While many stars and starlets decked out in diamonds Sunday, Marcia Cross opted for fewer jewels and more plunging neckline on the Screen Actors Guild red carpet.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer

(2 -- color) Sandra Oh was one of several stars sporting cocktail-length dresses and ponytails - though hers was later accessorized with an award.

(3 -- color) Looking more regal than Beltway-political as she was greeted by fellow on-screen president Martin Sheen, Geena Davis accented her polka-dot Escada gown with diamond drop earrings and bangle bracelets.

(4 -- color) Kristin Chenoweth of ``The West Wing'' shimmered in a Elsie Katz Couture cream-colored silk chiffon cocktail dress with rose-print gold foil.

(5 -- color) Eva Longoria and beau Tony Parker coordinated violet-hued getups, though she noted on the red carpet that her gown was a last-minute switch.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer