While the Oscars usually serve as an excuse for Hollywood’s A-list to flex their flamboyant fashion muscles, last night’s ceremony was an altogether more restrained affair. In stark contrast to last year’s celebration of all things OTT, 2014’s best-dressed instead favoured a subdued colour palette and classic understated cuts.
Leading the pack was Lupita Nyong’o, who took home the Best Supporting Actress award. The new face of Miu Miu shone in a powder-blue silk georgette pleated gown by Prada, embellished with tiny crystals. Best Actress winner Cate Blanchett also took a demure approach in a beautifully embroidered nude tulle gown by Armani Prive. Slick black dresses proved a hit with Emma Watson, Olivia Wilde and Charlize Theron, while those who braved colour kept it simple, with Amy Adams and Sandra Bullock opting for navy, and Jennifer Lawrence’s bright coral Dior Couture choice pared down with a strapless peplum cut.
It was all very tasteful — at times underwhelmingly so — but the result was a sense of timeless style that had little to do with grabbing headlines. This homage to low-key luxe instead showed that it is the woman who should shine on Oscars night, not her dress.
But it wasn’t all about evening gowns. Rapper Pharrell Williams ensured he got his fair share of the limelight with his choice of tux-shorts by Lanvin, while his wife Helen Lasichanh matched in a monochrome tuxedo.
Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane proved a popular choice for several other attendees, including Jared Leto and Ellen Page, who both won sartorial favour with their suits. But the award for the night’s best tuxedo has to go to Ellen DeGeneres, who chose not one but three looks by Saint Laurent over the course of the evening — two of which she teamed with trainers.
Take note: dressing down is the new dressing up.
Stars in tuxedos at the Oscars - in pictures
