Stevie Wonder‘s “The Woman In Red” is still playing on a loop in my head after seeing last night’s Oscar Red Carpet which was just that, FULL OF RED!
Two of my faves were Sandra Bullock who went for a bright rouge strapless Vera Wang train gown and Oscar Host Anne Hathaway made my eyes do a double-take simply because she ditched her usual fondness for Armani Prive and opted to go radiant in a strapless Valentino taffeta gown (which was almost as bright a hue as the designer’s year-round tan when he appeared alongside the actress for some pap opps).
Moving away from the stand-out colour (get ready for a flurry of lipstick red cocktail dresses on the high street this Summer), ScarJo opted for a sexy figure-hugging magenta Dolce and Gabbana floor-length lace gown, which she teamed up with a cropped style bed-head which wasn’t so red carpet as ‘just-woke-up-and-I’m-late-for-work. Still, she made up for the messy hair by rocking Anna Hu bling and Loubout‘s (even though we couldn’t see them).
Best Actress Nominee and now winner, Natalie Portman stepped out in a deep purple, off-the-shoulder draped gown by Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, who also designed the costumes for “Black Swan” – nice of her to give them a nod. Bling was provided by Swarovski and her peep-toes were Jimmy Choo.
Cate Blanchett went down the couture route in Givenchy designed by Riccardo Tisci. Her pleated pale-wisteria dress featured embroidered pearls and crystals covered in leather with a swath of yellow bead detailing around the neckline; it was different, but it worked.
Michelle Williams opted for a departure from her usual girlie frills style, with a sleek, sheath-style cream embellished Chanel column dress, accessorised with Harry Winston diamond stud earrings and ring bling. She’s still doing the pixie look and she’s still cute. The End.
Choosing a Brit designer on a night which was all about the Brits, the Queen herself, Helen Mirren looked stunning in a silk grey Vivienne Westwood Couture gown, accessorising with a satin Ferragamo clutch and Sergio Rossi heels. As one E! Online reporter said “When you’re old, this is how to do the red carpet”. Seriously, someone sack that presenter (and while they’re at it, Kelly Osbourne too).
‘Arf’ of the night goes to Helena Bonham Carter (or Garter as I now prefer to call her), who didn’t shock this time with mis-matching shoes as she did at the GG, or yet another eccentric frock that could have come straight from her Harry Porter wardrobe; but did opt to make her own dress with the help of costume designer Colleen Atwood, and finished it off by tying a Union Jack flag to her calf. Bless her and her CRAZY mop of hair.
But the hottest hot chick of the night (and yes, still my girl crush), was Mila Kunis, who slinked up in a low-cut, lingerie-style Elie Saab dress in lavender with lace detailing. The 2011 Couture gown was apparently chosen by the actress on the day, with the star telling E! Online,”This was one of the first dresses we tried on a month ago. Then today, it was a toss-up between this dress and another dress, and this one won.” Hurrah for that!
Kate Lawson – Fashion Editor, Showbiz-i
Follow Kate @katelawson_
