Fashion's biggest night, aka the Oscars, has come and gone and I am left wondering where was all the fashion drama? On a Superstylin* scale of 1 to 5 stars, I give the fashion at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards 3 stars. 3 for ok. 3 for middle of the road. 3 for many people playing it too safe.
Veteran actresses brought a variety of looks to the table. Meryl Streep donned a white draped jersey dress by Chris March (her Golden Globes selection was also by Mr. March). Sigourney Weaver was regal in a red Lanvin. While both garments were very flattering and age appropriate, I was longing for more than draped Grecian looks and Helen Mirren answered the call in her silver sparkly tulle Badgley Mischka. Shimmery sirens were a plenty at the Oscars. Kate Winslet was very much put together in a corset and pleated satin skirt by Yves Saint Laurent. Julianne Moore glowed in a white strapless Calvin Klein Collection number. Sandra Bullock scored mucho style points in a gorgeous Marchesa lace and liquid metallic frock. Nicole Richie's art deco Reem Acra gown had the budding designer fully covered in the front with a tasteful open back. On the more artistic front, two gowns resembled paintings on the red carpet. While prints aren't common during awards season, Rachel McAdams' watercolored Elie Saab gown and Maggie Gyllenhaal's Dries Van Noten column dared to be different. One of the best looks of the night was Carey Mulligan's black strapless Prada gown which really played up her cute, youthful and quirky personal style. Upon first glance I thought the dress was strictly adorned in black Swarovski crystals but a Superstylin* friend pointed out the punk rock details also sewn on the gown such as nuts, bolts, forks and knives. Thanks for keeping fashion fun Miuccia.her Golden Globes selection was also by Mr. March
Penelope Cruz would look stunning in a potato sack but her wine pleated Donna Karan dress left something to be desired and I wanted to lop off a few inches at the hemline. Timeless beauty Michelle Pfeiffer was pleated and tucked into a red moiré Carolina Herrera dress. Vera Farmiga's lipstick red Marchesa gown was a standout combination of pleating and ruffles. Elizabeth Banks grey Atelier Versace hugged her bodice while the skirt was full of ruffles and flounces. A similar body-clinging fleshtone Atelier Versace with a skirt of ruffled tiers was worn by Demi Moore. Neutral dresses were another color scheme on the red carpet as also seen on Up In The Air actress Anna Kendrick who wore a lovely blush Elie Saab gown. The way her train flowed when she walked on stage was light as air.
Fashion risk takers of the evening included fashion darling Charlize Theron in a purple Dior column with mesmerzing lilac swirls on her bosom. When presenting during the telecast, she was filmed from afar without a closeup. Intentional? Perhaps since the rosettes on her chest were a bit of a distraction. Zoe Saldana's Givenchy Haute Couture gown, to me, was three dresses in one. The beautiful rhinestone bodice was met with an architectural waistline and the look was completed with an ombré skirt.
The locks of the evening included long sideswept hair (imagine Veronica Lake) (e.g. Sandra Bullock) and the windblown, flyaway look sported by J-No and Sarah Jessica Parker. The latter's choice in dress, a light yellow Chanel Haute Couture frock, caused quite a stir. Some loved it while others hated it. Hate is such a strong word but I wasn't a fan of the dress on SJP. While I understand it is more of a fashion-y piece, the floral neckline appeared to be stiff and rigid against her chest. J-No's light pink Armani Privé gown was over-the-top in volume and not in a good way. (Much like her recent musical performances on Saturday Night Live.)
A few young ladies on the red carpet *cough* Miley Cyrus *cough* had their shoulders slumped forward during pre-show interviews. The pose may work on models during photoshoots but stand up straight and wear those beautiful garments with your head held high. My dear Superstylin* friends- the following style tip is free. Good posture will take you far. When I find myself slouching, I hear my mother's voice in my ear telling me to stand up straight and can feel her pulling my shoulders back. My ballet teacher would poke her long nail under my tuckus, stretch my neck upwards during barre work and voila! An instant few inches of height was added to my petite frame. Remember to walk tall everyone! On that note, I say farewell to Awards Season 2010. See you next year!
{Photos courtesy of Startracksphotos.com and Getty Images}
