Last night’s Oscar fashions took a slightly different twist from what we have grown to expect, mainly in the direction of color that most of the A-listers took for the evening. Award shows which have traditionally dressed the Red Carpet in lots of bold color, this year took a very distinct direction toward much non to soft color, which has been creeping on to the carpet as of late. There were lots of nude, sheer skin tones mostly with beading, as well as white. Blush and other shades of pinks and pastels in feminine detailing lent a very soft touch to the evening that was a sharp contrast to the other color direction for the night……to a dark turn and metallics. Yes there was more black, either worn alone or with touches of metallic or head to toe metallic fabrics and embellishments that made for a lots of glitz.
Strapless dominated more than I’ve seen of late and was also contrasted by the high-neck long sleeve selections by a few. Dresses were curvy and close to the body with less tulles, willowy skirts to sweep them along the newly dried off red carpet.
Jewels were simple, very real and provided by many of the world’s finest jewelers from Tiffany & Co. to Harry Winston, Bulgari and many others. Hair and make-up was simpler and softly down around the shoulders for many, although there were upsweeps scattered around the crowd.
Not shown here, it was interesting to me to see how many guys had stepped away from traditional black tuxedos……navy blue and/or white appear to be more numerous with each award show.
Cate Blanchet in nude sheer Giorgio Armani, heavily embellished with gold…in contrast Jessica Biel in silver embellished lace over sheer from Chanel Couture, finished off with precious Tiffany jewels.
Portia de Rossi in crochet-like Naeem Khan beaded gown in nude….Naomi Watts in white beaded Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Collection (note: amazing spider-like diamond neck)
Emma Watson in Vera Wang black with shimmering silver metallic top…Angelina Jolie in all over silver over nude sheer embellished gown from Elie Saab Couture with earrings estimated to be 42 carats.
Anna Kendrick wearing a sheer black gown with slits and embellishments in all of the right places…Charlize Theron in Dior curvaceous plunging gown with transparent straps, all framing the exquisite Harry Winston pendant around her neck.
Ladies in Blue…..#1 crowd pleaser for the evening, Lupita Nyong’o, in Prada Sky Blue sheer soft-pleated gown…..Sandra Bullock in Midnight Blue from Alexander McQueen
Kate Hudson looking sultry in her white slinky gown w/cape from Versace…the perfectly fashionable Mom-to-be Kerry Washington in Lilac. Note the perfection of her make-up tone to compliment her dress….perfection, as always from this scandalous lady!
Red, usually a recent favorite of the Carpet which bears its name, was not as prevalent last night, but I loved the ways these ladies did it. Bette Midler, looking refined and exquisite in this Reem Acra all-over lace gown with the hairdo to compliment….of course, Jennifer Lawrence, everyone’s favorite sweetheart, looked equally sophisticated and adorable in her red Dior peplum strapless gown…a perfect canvas for the $11 million necklace which hung perfectly down her back!
The Pink Ladies…..the color of the season, as I liked it the best…
Camila Alves in Gabriella Cadena, Laura Dern in Alberta Ferretti and Penelope Cruz in Giambattista Valli
photos courtesy of Instyle.com