The Best Picture envelope drama has been the talk of this year’s Oscars, but let’s not forget that there was drama on the red carpet, too. (And gaffes and big wins, to boot.)
I absolutely loved Emma Stone’s look — a truly glam take on the flapper gown by Givenchy Haute Couture, which embraced fringe and tassel details, and was kept ever so tasteful in muted wheat and gold tones. Her gorgeous Tiffany & Co. bling and classic Hollywood hair and red lip didn’t hurt her case either.
Another winner: Brie Larson, who hands down deserves the best black dress award. With her strapless Oscar de la Renta gown’s dramatic V-neck and superb fit right down to her delicate black Aquazzura shoes, she struck a perfect silhouette that was breathtaking.
And what a beautiful sight Hailee Steinfeld was in her romantic, pale lavender ethereal gown by Ralph & Russo Couture, with its ruffled high-neck halter and cascading skirt — all of it alternating between florals and transparency. With her smokey eye and light pink lip, she looked young and whimsical, not to mention appropriate and daring.
Naomie Harris stunned in her understated, modern sequined dress, custom-made by Calvin Klein. Its cutting edge design — a knee-length day dress in front, yet with an evening-worthy train in back — stood out for its stark white color against the red carpet, but also for its cool individuality.
Some of the best looks of the night played up gorgeous skin. I loved Halle Berry’s Atelier Versace Couture dress, a shimmering metallic one-shoulder number that perfectly flattered her. Nicole Kidman highlighted her flawless pale complexion with an equally pale and delicate, apricot beaded sheath with lace overlay that was custom-made for her by Armani Prive.
Proof that you can don funky hair and still look as elegant as can be: Michelle Williams. With her short platinum locks and subdued makeup, minimal jewelry and Louis Vuitton black-and-cream gown, she was part enchanting nymph, part classic simplicity. Not so much Scarlett Johansson’s punk-skater-girl hair. As much as I admire a brave choice, and as lovely as her flowing and feminine Azzedine Alaia pink gown was, it just seemed out of place next to her shaved ’do.
But speaking of brave choices, one that hit its mark was Janelle Monae’s sheer and embroidered Elie Saab Couture gown, a masterpiece of complexity. Its long train and wide corset contrasted by her belted waist, plus the simplicity of her flawless makeup and pulled-back hair was the very definition of a red carpet win — in every category.
