Usually a ceremony where most celebs play it safe, this year’s Oscars was interesting, to say the least. Stars dished out a whole lot of surprises, with ensembles ranging vibrant to fun to downright bizarre. As we wrap up the end of the major Hollywood awards season, let us take a look at the best and worst looks that we are all talking about.
Text: Ho Guo Xiong
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Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh channelled her Crazy Rich Asian character Eleanor Young in a dazzling sequin dress that bowled us over. Dressed in a silver floral off-shoulder Elie Saab haute couture gown that was finished with Chopard jewels and Richard Mille timepiece, Michelle looked regal and opulent in this well-matched ensemble that showed off her collarbone.
Constance Wu of Crazy Rich Asians might have been snubbed by the Oscars for a nomination, but she certainly didn’t let that get her down. Giving off a distinct Beauty and the Beast vibe, she was an absolute vision in a canary yellow tulle off-shoulder from Versace. Completed with jewellery from Atelier Swarovski and gold strappy heels from Neil J Rodgers, the bright tones added a breath of fresh air to the usual neutral tones favoured by most on the red carpet. Plus, the warm yellow hue complemented Constance’s warm skin tone, making her look fresh and youthful.
It was 50 shades of pink at the red carpet this year, but Best Original Song nominee Jennifer Hudson was not afraid to buck the trend and step out in a scarlet number that accentuated her skin tone. The brick-red Elie Saab bodycon number featured a diagonal ruffle design that added both length and curves to the singer, while the off-shoulder cut and thigh slit injected sensuality. With a simple updo, silver earrings and heels, Jennifer displayed a quiet grace that spoke volumes.
Lady Gaga brought old Hollywood glamour back onto the Oscars red carpet. While her look was markedly less sparkly than her Grammy showing, the singer-actress, who was nominated for her role in A Star Is Born, was ready to slay the red carpet in a polished all-black strapless gown from Alexander McQueen with matching black opera gloves. The pièce de résistance was of course, the huge 128.5 carat diamond necklace from Tiffany and Co — the same piece worn by Audrey Hepburn when she was promoting Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The necklace is currently valued at over $30 million.
Looking like a vision in frothy pink, singer and recent Grammy-winner Kacey Musgraves arrived in a dreamy pink dress from Giambattista Valli. Her sugary look was further accentuated by the dainty bejewelled bow that sat prettily on her waist, and the country singer chose to play this up with her choice of a silver box clutch. This look will undoubtedly get its fair share of Internet fame thanks to its resemblance of a loofah or a stick of cotton candy, but there's no denying how pretty Kacey looks here.
Jennifer Lopez definitely more than redeemed herself today after her lacklustre appearance at this year’s Grammys. She was a picture of radiance on the red carpet in a high-neck bodycon number from Tom Ford that featured a mosaic of hundreds of broken mirrors. Accompanying her outfit was a silver clutch from Tyler Ellis, accessories from Niwaka and Jimmy Choo heels. Simply stunning.
The adorable Marie Kondo showed up at her first Oscars in a pared down yet effectively stylish ensemble. The petite organisational wizard wore a delicate soft pink gown from Jenny Packham that featured hand embroidered floral sequin details and a ruched waist detail that helped create an hourglass illusion. Going with her ethos of minimalism, she went with simple accessories and finished with a studded Beth Miller piece. Did her outfit spark joy? It most definitely did.
Nominated for Best Actress for her role in biographical film Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Melissa McCarthy took the road less travelled by ditching the usual gown and going for a spiffy black and white jumpsuit and cape ensemble from Brandon Maxwell instead. The piece flattered her voluptuous figure while adding the drama needed for such an occasion. Her look was matched with simple diamond accessories from Forevermark. Killed it.
After sweeping awards for her role in The Wife, Best Actress nominee Glenn Close looked all set to claim her golden statuette in a gloriously regal Carolina Herrera cape gown that made her look like a literal Oscar trophy. Reported to have been made by 40 craftsmen in Mumbai and New York with over three million glass beads, the shimmering gold number weighed a hefty 42 pounds (19 kilograms). She finished her outfit with a matching gold clutch from Tyler Ellis, heels from Giuseppe Zanotti and gold and diamond fringed earrings from Cartier.
Regina King looked stunning in an all-white monochromatic ensemble that showed off her beautiful complexion. The simple yet sophisticated Oscar de la Renta creation was matched with white heels from Christian Louboutin that sported the brand’s signature red soles and dazzling diamonds from Chopard. The asymmetrical ruched details around the waist accentuated her curves while the slit and train added stature to the Best Supporting Actress winner.