Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Oscar Gowns

The Academy Awards combine two of my passions, fashion and movies. This year was historic in recognizing the first woman director for one of my favorites, The Hurt Locker. I always love the Red Carpet, with gowns ranging from wow to what happened?! Here are some of my favorites, as well as some of the duds.

Sandra Bullock dressed like a winner, knowing how a gold statuette would complement this stunning Marchesa gown. I fear it did not photograph very well but looked a bit washed out and glitzy. I loved the asymmetry of the shoulder and the beautiful detailing in the intricate beading and embroidery. It fit her like a second skin. I loved her simple hair with the pop of bright lipstick. Best Actress? You better believe it!

Anna Kendrick, nominee for her best supporting role in Up in the Air, was ethereal in her blush pink Elie Saab draped gown. It was youthful yet sophisticated and exemplified a couple of trends for spring, the blush tones and the draped gown.
Queen Latifah looked regal in her lavender Badgley Mischka gown that fit her figure and enhanced her curves with just the right amount of detail in just the right places, with a flattering gored skirt.
Rachel McAdams' Elie Saab gown, with its watercolor print and crisscrossed bodice was a welcome change from the glittery and overdone. Loved the grey blue hues and layering of fabric.

Maggie Gyllenhaal rates a special mention because she also dared to wear a print on the red carpet, choosing a very bright blue, very patterned Dries van Noten, demonstrating her fashion forward sense and fearlessness. This bright blue is one of the spring trends, and Dries van Noten is famous for his prints. Maggie may not have pleased all with her choice, but she obviously pleased herself. I applaud her all around!
Is Demi Moore becoming more beautiful as she ages? She looked stunning in this Atelier Versace gown, fitted through the bodice and then erupting into a mass of ruffles below. The subdued color against her skin was perfect.

Kathryn Bigelow looked beautiful in her Yves St. Laurent gown, but she reminded us of a tenet that bears repeating, Fit, Fit, Fit. Her gown was too tight!
Kate Winslet, also in Yves St. Laurent, demonstrated the proper fit in a perfectly simple but beautiful look.
Helen Mirren, in Badgley Mischka, demonstrated that dressing age appropriate does not mean dowdy.
Some gowns seemed to overwhelm their wearers. Here is petite Jennifer Lopez in Armani Privee, sporting what looks to be an extra appendage off her hip!
Zoe Saldana's Givenchy gown was a mystery. Why would a designer pair a beautiful bodice with a skirt like that?
I close with Tom Ford, who while not wearing a gown, nevertheless communicates how it's done, with perfect fit and perfect style.



I welcome your comments! Let me know what gowns you liked or did not like and why or why not.