The Oscars are the ultimate red−carpet, fairy−tale moment, and for many couture designers it's the only time their handcrafted, custom−made creations see the light of day. For all intents and purposes, it's the most watched fashion show in the world (sorry, Victoria's Secret). ABC capitalized on the fashion fervor by employing not one but four fashion commentators with impressive accolades to inform us exactly which celeb was sporting what designer. Included in the ranks were Nina Garcia of Marie Claire and Tim Gunn from "Project Runway." Though I watched their telecast, my interpretation of the awards show fashion was slightly different than theirs.
Oscars style this year was regal, flattering and safe, with all leading ladies wearing full−length gowns in mostly muted tones like black and cream, with intermittent splashes of gold or red. In a formal situation, one should gravitate toward demure and appropriate. However, in the case of the Academy Awards, I think zaniness is allowed. After all, the Academy represents creative masterminds; if anyone could throw caution to the wind, it would be an Oscar−nominated actress or actor.
The most fashion−forward look of the night was GwynethPaltrow's red carpet ensemble: a white column Tom Ford gown complete with cape. No, not the Sherlock Holmes sort, but rather a straight, shoulder−covering silk cape in the same hue. Capes had a moment this season and Mr. Ford reworked the number to minimalist brilliance. It was the most boldly understated confection I'd seen in a while. Bravo.
Speaking of trends, the queen of comedy Tina Fey wore a plum purple peplum (read: feminine frills around the waist) gown. Peplum was recently seen on a number of runways; Fey channeled the look in her Carolina Herrera gown.
Viola Davis was all about color, which immediately wakened viewers out of their monochromatic stupor. It was natural to predict that she would wear Vera Wang considering she was seated front row at the designer's show a few weeks ago. The fit was perfect and the bustier, embellished top was just sexy enough.
I'm already not a fan of Stacy Keibler — aka George Clooney's newest squeeze — and her Marchesa rose gold gown looked burnished and like something she probably wore to prom. There is a time for a large rosette on eveningwear, but this was not it.
Then there was Rooney Mara looking less than refreshing in her Givenchy Haute Couture and severe black bangs. Jessica Chastain trended on Twitter as the best dressed in her black and gold strapless Alexander McQueen gown.
The woman of the night, Best Actress winner Meryl Streep, matched her Oscar statue in a stately Lanvin gold wrap dress made with eco−certified fabric. In a similar vein, Natalie Portman had on a red strapless vintage Dior number, bringing new beauty to something old.
Men's style is a trickier subject to broach. Traditionally, men wear tuxedos. This leaves both little room for stylistic freedom and little room for error. Tom Hanks looked better than ever in his Tom Ford tux, and Pharrell Williams brought the swag in his three−piece suit with black piping on the edges and an endearingly crooked bow tie.
All in all, the fashionista in me was craving some more showmanship in this Oscar year. The clothes were beautifully boring, like the show itself. Maybe the runway has sensationalized things in my head for a bit, but I was waiting for a "Bam!" moment for a major actress (or actor) to step out in a digitized Mary Katrantzou floral print get−up or wear a small American designer in support of our homegrown talent. But alas, big names and big PR budgets ruled the red carpet. I pine for the days of Bjork's swan dress. Until next year…
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