Just like I predicted, once again Nicole Kidman and Jane Fonda stole the show. Red carpets are better when either one of them grace us with their presence. Thankfully they both showed up to the 90th annual award show – and they came to play. Because it was a special anniversary, lots of stars showed up including many Hollywood veterans. I had no doubt some we were going to be in for some incredible and memorable looks. From Kidman in Armani Privé to Fonda in Balmain to Nyong’o in Atelier Versace, last night’s red carpet had a bit of everything and gave us a few looks fashion lovers won’t forget.
Nicole Kidman in Armani Privé
Nicole never disappoints and this year her red carpet on point – and better than ever. She’s been killing Every.Single.Time. And last night was no exception. Although Kidman wasn’t nominated, she knows how to play the game. Better than anyone. She totally wowed in this stunning architectural steal blue gown with a thigh-high slit. She even makes the oversize bow work. Bright red lips were the perfect touch.
Jane Fonda in Balmain
SHE IS 80!! What else there is there to say? Fonda looked incredible and ageless as usual in this custom sparkly Balmain gown (I knew she was to wear Balmain). How cool is it that she’s literally two generations older than some of her younger counterparts and she looks this damn amazing. It’s wild. Love the bold shoulders and the modern cut of the neckline. It’s a powerful dress and fit her perfectly. Fonda is a LEGEND.
Sandra Bullock in Louis Vuitton
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Bullock on the red carpet so it was nice to see her looking amazing and happy. Black and gold is always a good combination. While I don’t always love some Louis Vuitton on the red carpet, the popular actress look incredible in this sleek halterneck gown draped at the waist. Loved the middle part Cher-like hair too.
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture
As one of the brand’s most prominent spokespeople, it was no surprise that Lawrence was going to wear Dior. But this was a true wow moment for Lawrence on the red carpet. It was young, sexy and glamorous and just the right amount of each. The loose wavy curls, strong red lips and simple long diamond link earrings couldn’t have been better. Hands down one of Lawrence’s best red carpet looks yet.
Lupita Nyong’o in Atelier Versace
Ever since Nyong’s wowed us at the 2014 Golden Globes in that amazing crimson red Ralph Lauren gown and cape (click here), she’s been one to watch on the red carpet. She understands fashion and her choices always seem thoughtful and on point. She literally sparkled on the red carpet in this Versace gown made with their legendary gold chainmail fabric. I loved the side shoulder detail as well which looked like armor.
Margot Robbie in Chanel Haute Couture
Robbie’s had a big year with her movie I, Tonya and her look last night showed it. She’s been wearing Gucci on red carpets a lot lately so I was surprised to see her in Chanel Haute Couture. It was a beautiful dress and embroidered strap detail was exquisite (and looked a bit like tinsel). But the dress was a little bride-y.
Gal Gadot in Givenchy Haute Couture
Gadot’s also had a huge year with the success of Wonder Woman so I knew she’d be in something memorable. Straight off the Spring 2018 runway, this sparkly beaded Givenchy gown had a vintage flapper-vibe yet it also felt modern. The detail is incredible and I loved the movement. On a night when so many stars opted for long statement earrings, her incredible Tiffany & Co diamond necklace also impressed.
Zendaya in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture
Zendaya is one of the most exciting stars style wise today. Every time she and her stylist chose looks that are fresh, progressive and unique. And this super original flowing one-sleeved Giambattista Vall gown was no exception. It was unlike any other look on the red carpet and will be one fashion followers will remember for years. Leave it to the cool 21 year old to wear something so fresh.
Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture
Ever since we (fashion lovers and gays) fell in love with Blunt after seeing Devil Wears Prada, we’ve held her to a relatively high standard fashion-wise. While she doesn’t always live up to expectations, she surpassed them last night in this beautiful and original couture gown. It’s a gorgeous dress and everything about it – the fabric, the high neckline, the elaborate shoulders – is impressive. And don’t get me started on those unreal Chopard chandelier earrings. Elizabeth Taylor would have been envious.
Jennifer Garner in Atelier Versace
Garner is always consistent – and safe. She doesn’t go for anything too exciting or fashion forward but she always looks nice. This Cobalt gown with attached cape was pretty but it looks like most of the dresses she’s worn before to the Oscars. She seems to be drawn to the rich-lady-at-a-fundraiser vibe. I’d love to see her in something progressive for once.
Greta Gerwig in Rodarte
The impressive director and actress has a cool sense of style. It’s almost subversive -which I love. She’s not afraid to take chances but her style choices seem to suit her well so I wasn’t surprised to see her in Rodarte. The tonal floral appliqué was lovely and feminine but the dress still felt fresh.
Viola Davis in Michael Kors Collection
I loved this hairstyle on Davis and the perfectly coordinated large hoops. It had a total 70’s disco vibe which is a departure for the talented actress. While the fit of the long column sparkly dress was on point, I didn’t love the color. Bubblegum pink doesn’t feel like the best choice for the most prestigious red carpet of the year. While I appreciate the risk, the colour seems more suited to someone like Jessica Simpson. On Davis, it would have worked so much better had it been a softer colour like rose gold.
Allison Janney in Reem Acra
Janney’s been stepping up her red carpet game lately and she was definitely going for something statement-making last year. Many people loved this bright red v-neck gown with super long sleeves but all I could think of when I saw it was Elvira but in red. Am I right?!
Taraji P. Henson in Vera Wang
Henson always goes for sexy on the red carpet. As she did is this super sheer and super high-slit showing off a lot of leg. It was veering a little too close to the lingerie side but it moved beautiful as she walked the red carpet. Perhaps a dress like this would be suited better to a different event – like the MTV Awards.
Tiffany Haddish in Traditional Eritrean Clothing
Haddish did a super funny skit of SNL a few months ago about her Alexander McQueen dress she bought for a premiere (click here). She said it was so expensive, she insisted on wearing it many times. And she did! Including the Oscars. But it was the dress she wore on stage. For the red carpet, she promised her father that if she ever had the chance to go to the Oscars, she would honor in Eritrean heritage and she did just that. So kudos to her and for keeping her word and her being such a nice daughter.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
Stone’s usually another one to watch on the red carpet. Because she won last year, she knew it wasn’t her night to shine so I’m not surprised she wanted to go with something more low key (unlike Jennifer Lopez who would totally wear white to someone else’s wedding). But was it necessary to go with something THIS low key?! I like the idea of combining pink and red but this whole look was a major miss. She was dressed like she works in accounting and was going to a corporate Christmas party.
Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein By Appointment
Well this was unfortunate. It was a big night for Ronan, who at 23 was nominated for her third Oscar. She’s been spotted in some cool and memorable looks lately so this was a major disappointment. Apparently, the bow at the back comes off…but big deal? The bow isn’t the problem. It’s everything else. It doesn’t fit her well and doesn’t look particularly well made. Look at the material around the bust and the hem. The whole look seemed very last minute.
Salma Hayek in Gucci
As I’ve mentioned a few times, no one in Hollywood has better access to the best fashions as Hayek. She’s married to François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering, which owns Gucci, Yves Saint-Laurent, Alexander McQueen and many others. And THIS is what she chose??!? Can you believe it? I love what Gucci is doing lately but this is all sorts of wrong. There’s way too much happening here. It looks like a costume from the Carol Burnett show.
Meryl Streep in Dior Haute Couture
You can’t do an Oscars red carpet recap without mentioning Streep (the most nominated actor ever) because she’s literally always there (nominated 21 times and won three times). I’m often impressed with Streep’s Oscar looks. They suit her personality, and are stylish without trying too hard. Like this lovely and elegant crimson Dior long-sleeved gown. And that belt is especially clever.
That’s a wrap. Who did you love? And who did I miss? As always, thanks for reading!
Casey Wagar 