Though some critics felt that this year’s gowns at the Oscars were a bit of a bore, most appreciated the sheer elegance that the celebrities embodied. Soft purples and blushy pinks brought a lovely sense of spring to many of the gowns, while the customary array of black one-shoulder dresses and risky haute couture catastrophes took the sidelines. Flawlessly embellished, these classic styles were less revealing than previous years and left critics with no extremes on either side of the best and worst dressed. But hold on; there are, of course, some red carpet sensations along with those highly anticipated moments of “what exactly was she thinking?”
We’ll start off with the red carpet sensations. Mila Kunis rocked a dramatic Elie Saab Haute Couture dress. Flowing chiffon and beautiful lace ruffles were not all that seduced passers-by, as the petals cupping her cleavage were quite the distraction.
The baby-bump on Natalie Portman did not prevent her from gracing the red carpet with her beauty in a plum Rodarte dress. With exquisite crystal embroidery, this off the shoulder look brought attention to her glowing face and chic matching earrings.
Even after delivering twins, Celine Dion still managed to show off her slender figure in a sleek Giorgio Armani Prive gown. With a notable shimmer and champagne tone accentuating her golden features, this long-sleeved gown was simply elegant.
For a young star like Hailee Steinfeld, age-appropriate wear had never been so fitting. This flourishing actress assisted in the design of her playful dress, as its sheer blush sparkle was sweet and enchanting.
Halle Berry owning the red carpet is nothing out of the ordinary. In her nude Marchesa gown, this fashion idol glowed in a delicate covering of crystals and flawless tulle placements.
What would an evening be without a little black and white? Reese Witherspoon stole the show in a timeless black and white Giorgio Armani Prive gown. We will just ignore that thing sitting on top of her head….
Last but not least for this year’s best dressed, Sandra Bullock spiced things up in a fire-red Vera Wang gown. This strapless gown had a modish neckline and form-fitting bodice that were impossible to miss.
Now for what you have all been waiting for, the “what exactly was she thinking?” moments. For starters, we would all like to commend Jennifer Hudson on her radical weight loss. However, we will not go as far as to applaud her unadorned orange dress and over the top purple platforms. Who knew Versace designed poufy prom gowns?
Next in line is Nicole Kidman with her grandmother’s tablecloth. Oops, I meant to say her Christian Dior dress that had far too much embroidery and décor that resembled an explosion.
Cate Blanchett, on the other hand, was forced to mimic a night in shining armor to protect herself from Nicole’s exploding gown. Cate’s pearl-encrusted lavender gown would have been quite lovely if it weren’t for the large circle encompassing her breasts and boxy sleeves with putrid green accents.
It would be safe to say that Penelope Cruz was on fire this year, and these flames are nowhere near “hott.” There is nothing like red tin foil sprouting throughout a dress, and we have L’wren Scott to thank for this combustion.
Apparently Marisa Tomei had an excessive growth of tulle on her left hip, something that could not be removed prior to the Oscars. Come to find out, it was really just fabric escaping from her Charles James gown. How unfortunate.
Rumor has it that Sharon Stone bought her Dior gown in hopes of getting double use out of it. With a frightening glare and untamable dark feathers, this dress was funeral-ready.
This year’s Oscars brought a plethora of styles, some unforgivable and others extraordinarily distinct. Nevertheless, the timeless class and ultimate beauty found on this exclusive evening never goes unnoticed.
Carolyn Hatch can be reached at cvhatch@spartans.ut.edu.