After all the hype and controversy surrounding the Oscars this year, I expected something…well…unexpected. A surprise host or a group of former Oscars winners making an appearance on stage together but none of that happened. It was relatively tame show except for Olivia Colman winning over Glenn Close and Green Book taking best picture. But there were some highlights on the red carpet this year – some drama and so much pink! Also, can we all be thankful for Billy Porter? For making the kind of entrance we were anticipating from Lady Gaga. Now on to the clothes.
Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen
Obviously the one everyone was excited to see. The structured gown with exaggerated hips was beautiful and exceptionally well made. It’s that interesting dichotomy of being modern and timeless at the same time. While I appreciate the design (it did have that Gaga touch), I anticipated more. Something like the incredible pink feather Valentino Couture masterpiece she wore to the Venice Film Festival earlier this year. Or one of those statement Viktor & Rolf gowns from their recent couture collection. Or the unbelievable green sequin ruffled Valentino gown Kaia Gerber wore on the runway during Valentino’s recent couture show – click here to see. More exciting right? And what was with the spray tan? Although the 30 million diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co. deserves a special shout out.
Jennifer Lopez in Tom Ford
So.Much.Yes. Once again, JLo doesn’t disappoint. She looked amazing this long sleeve embroidered mirror mosaic pattern Tom Ford dress. Loved everything about the look. Her hair looked beautiful too. This dress is something you’d more likely see at the Met Gala. JLo knows how to play the game.
Charlize Theron in Dior Couture
A classically elegant look while at the same time still felt fresh. It’s an incredible colour which suited Theron’s new dark do and those strong red lips were perfect. And that diamond Bvlgari serpenti necklace was one of the best jewelry pieces of the night.
Gemma Chan in Valentino Couture
Another yes. So much drama. This pleated taffeta sleeveless fuchsia gown is what the Oscar red carpet needs. It’s straight off the runway as seen on supermodel model Liya Kebede at Valentino’s couture show last month. It’s a stunning dress and love that it has pockets.
Kacey Musgraves in Giambattista Valli
This is more of what I was expecting from Gaga. DRAMA. And few designers do drama as well as Giambattista Valli. I’m certain this was a polarizing dress but this is fashion. And it’s the Oscars. I love that her stylist chose such an eccentric look which was also straight off the runway during couture week. The flared sleeves and ruffled skirt are pure couture. And the jeweled bow at the waist was a nice touch.
Sarah Paulson in Brandon Maxwell
Paulson is consistently impressive on the red carpet. She and her stylist Karla Welch always choose interesting looks. In what seemed to be the colour of the night, Paulson owned this fuchsia avant-garde gown with cut-outs at the bodice. It’s definitely a different look but different is good. And she’s never boring.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
We knew Stone be in Louis Vuitton since she’s on contract with the line. But I liked it better when she wasn’t ALWAYS in LV. It’s interesting and super modern dress. But something seemed lacking about the look. She should have worn statement earrings to take it to the next level.
Brie Larson in Celine
Chic and somewhat low-key. This was a great dress choice for someone who wasn’t nominated. Larson knew it wasn’t her night to shine but still rocked an ultramodern and stylish design.
Awkwafina in DSquared
I love seeing pants suits on a red carpet. And for the Oscars, this was a brave choice. It’s so much for exciting than a boring white strapless gown we’ve seen 1000 times before (looking at you Amy Adams). The sparkly material is incredible and the coordinating blouse with an oversize bow was on point. My only issue was that the pants were so wrinkled. They need people with steamers ready for all the stars as soon as they get out of their limos when they arrive. There’s an idea for ya.
Jennifer Hudson in Ellie Saab
Probably the best Jennifer Hudson has ever looked on the red carpet. This one sleeve ruffled red gown with high slit was flattering and looked stunning on the signer. Well played.
Regina King in Oscar de la Renta
A lovely simple-ish white gown which fit her beautifully but it felt too safe. And I didn’t love the white pumps. They seem so obvious. She could have used more dramatic jewelry too. Do you remember the sitcom 227 from the late 80s? Regina King was Brenda! You’re welcome.
Angela Basset in Reem Acra
She’s 60! The vibrant colour was perfect on the ageless actress. Loved the dramatic oversize bow but the bottom of the dress wasn’t working for me. That material wrinkles too easily and something about the lower half didn’t look expensive.
Constance Wu in Atelier Versace
This canary yellow with sheers layers was lovely. It’s beautiful color but after all the outrageous clothes in Crazy Rich Asians, it wasn’t as exciting or fashion forward as I was expecting from Wu. It was pretty and…underwhelming.
Rachel Weisz in Givenchy
Hmm… While I appreciate the idea of this dress and Weisz going for something different, it’s off. It was strange and not in a good way. It also didn’t suit her. And based on the look on her face, Weisz wasn’t feeling it either.
Glenn Close in Caroline Herrera
Everyone thought Close was going to win best actress (included her) and she dressed like she was going to win in this custom hand-embroidered long sleeve gown with attached cape. It’s a bold look but it felt matronly and aged her. Also, it needed red lips.
Amy Adams in Atelier Versace
After all the amazing Versace designs lately inspired by Gianni’ Versace’s legendary time at the fashion house in the early 90s, I was surprised Adams and her stylist went with this white strapless embellished dress. It’s the kind of gown we’ve seen thousands of times before. It’s kinda blah and forgettable.
Laura Dern in Rodarte
I love Laura Dern so this pains me but who thought the colour ‘plum’ was a good idea?? I’m also surprised this is Rodarte because they’ve done some amazing designs lately and I have no idea why a stylist would choose a look so familiar. It’s looks like a dress a rich lady in the south would wear to her daughter’s debutante ball. So basically, unfortunate.
Jason Momoa in Fendi
Damn! Not every guy can carry off a blush velvet tux but this hunky man sure can. Apparently this was one of Karl Lagerfeld’s last custom designs before he passed away. And the internet went crazy over the matching scrunchie on his right wrist.
Stephan James in Etro
James killed it in this custom burgundy velvet tux. This is a well styled look and I want to completely copy it. I’m loving how male stars are increasingly brave lately when it comes to their red carpet looks.
Henri Golding in Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Hello! Golding looked dapper and sexy in this custom velvet tux. This is one of those timeless looks that is just as dapper now as it was 100 years ago. Think Gatsby era.
Last but not least – Billy Porter in Christian Siriano
Thank you Billy Porter. He pretty much shut down the red carpet when he completely slayed in this custom one-of-a-kind velvet and satin tuxedo jacket over top of a strapless ball gown. When discussing his look, Porter said: “I’m not a drag queen, I’m a man in a dress.” He explained further that he knew it would make people uncomfortable but said that while we don’t have to always agree with other people’s authenticity or truths, we should always respect each other. TRUTH.
That’s a wrap. As always, thank you for reading.
Casey Wagar 
Love your choices 🔥⭐️