Welcome to the Oscars® Fashion Forum at Amazon.com. I’ve chosen my 12 picks for best and worst gowns of the 82nd Academy Awards® red carpet presentation. Like the year that preceded it, this year’s gowns stayed away from the wild and mostly maintained the mild, making it a challenge to come up with a hit or a definitive miss. What do you think?
HITS (click on photos to see larger)
Sandra Bullock shimmered and stunned in a champagne column dress from Marchesa. An exquisitely embroidered sheer overlay cascaded down her clingy silken skirt. Her lustrous brown hair, worn loose, was the perfect complement.
Cameron Diaz deserved the gold for her dress alone. Appropriately attired in—we’re talking about the designer, not the statuette—a spangled bronzed Oscar de la Renta gown, the actress radiated confidence and charm.
Mo’Nique ruled in a royal-blue gown with satiny folds that flattered and formed in all the right places. She gets extra points for the historical nod (hello, Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel) and the perky gardenias in her hair. I’m an old-fashioned boy at heart.
Always-elegant Kate Winslet went with Yves St. Laurent for this most magical of nights. Her beaded bodice shone like armor, a nice contrast to the drapey duchess silk skirt. A diamond drop necklace and vintage Veronica Lake hair style complete the look.
Queen Latifah reigned supreme, this year in a figure-flattering dress of pale lilac silk. The ornate silver beading across the single-shoulder strap and the diagonal stripe accenting her waist added contrast and interest. Long live the Queen!
I’ve saluted a queen, why not honor a dame? Helen Mirren looked stately in her lavender spangled gown. From Badgley Mischka, its age-defying beauty was matched only by her Chopard gems and dandy arm candy Christopher Plummer.
MISSES (click on photo to see larger):
Nominee Vera Farmiga may have been confused—was it an awards ceremony or a flamenco performance? Her magenta Marchesa monstrosity puts the fan in fandango, with multiple tiers of fan-like ruffles dancing their way down the dress.
Jennifer Lopez’s ice-pink butterfly confection from Armani Prive perhaps should have remained prive-private. The pink ornamentation at her waist looked like it was ready for takeoff. Maybe Jenni from the block should have driven around the block before deciding on this frock.
How many shades of purple can a girl cram into one Oscar gown? Zoe Saldana seemed determined to find out, evidently. An asymmetrical sash served as the great divide between a delicately beaded top and the roaring ruffles beneath.
Even though I adore both Sarah Jessica Parker and Chanel (not necessarily in that order), I’m torn. SJP’s sickly yellow Chanel Couture was a shapeless sack for the lithe star in this rare fashion misstep. The bizarre bun seemed top-heavy and mismatched. Will the next Sex and the City redeem her? Let’s hope so!
While I loved Carey Mulligan’s vintage ‘50s silhouette, chic short haircut, and Fred Leighton chandelier earrings, I found Prada’s random collection of forks, spoons, and scissors a bit cutlery-contrived. When asked about it on the red carpet, she replied, “I don’t know.” I don’t either.
I’m thrilled that my totally ‘80s dream girlfriend Molly Ringwald still looks fantastic. I’m less than excited about the deep-purple silk gown she wore for the John Hughes tribute, however. Were the matching bronze squiggle cuff and waist ornament a tribute to the same decade? Molly, Molly. It’s time to update.
Did I say it was Daniel’s Dozen? Well, let’s make that a Baker’s Dozen. I would be remiss if I didn’t include Neil Patrick Harris in our couture commentary. His snappy sequined striped tuxedo jacket in the opening number’s old-school Hollywood chorus line was nothing short of spectacular, and his youthful vigor set the tone for the evening. Well done, NPH, well done!
Agree or disagree? Please comment. --Daniel
uniquegiftideas1 on March 08, 2010 at 12:53 AM
Thank you so much for a very intelligent and refreshing article. Great job!
Lisanne Chastain on March 08, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Love the post! Agree with you – love Sandra’s dress and her hair, although the lipstick I could do without. Kate Winslet. Simply perfect. Queen Latifah looked amazing and so did Mo’Nique – esp. her hair and makeup. Jennifer Lopez kinda looked like she had an extra person hiding behind her under her gown. Who told her that was ok? And Molly – Loved the color, but that dress was confusing to me as well. I also was confused as why SJP and some other stars appeared to be lacking hairspray. There is the messy look, and then there is the “appeared to have rubbed head against a balloon” look, which is clearly not ok for the Oscars.
Mechie Bee on March 08, 2010 at 01:11 PM
Yes, yes, and YES! Helen Mirren, proof that you can age gracefully and spectacularly - and escorted by Captain Von Trapp! Love Cameron Diaz's frock - just dazzling, and her fro was fab. Kate Winslet is always on point. SJP looked like she was gettin' ready for the Potater Sack Races - come on, girl! And yes, props to Neil Patrick Harris, who my husband adores as well - great jacket - Doogie dun grew up - and how! Great job, Daniel - you ARE Hollywood style personified.
Kicky on March 08, 2010 at 02:28 PM
This is a fabulous rundown--luved it so much! Thanks, Daniel--you really made my day with your spot-on observations!
Jane Stenerson on March 08, 2010 at 03:00 PM
This commentary is most amazing. Your use of the English language even surpasses your essay on your Notre Dame application.
I've read and reread to find a fave description/gown..but you have so many perfectly woven - perfectly described - right-on written observations that I am at a loss to name my favorite.
I hope to see your comments every year ! Most Sincerely,Jane Stenerson
Derek on March 08, 2010 at 04:49 PM
I too thought Kate Winslet looked stunning. Her diamond drop necklace sparkled with overwhelming beauty. An expert and witty post, Daniel!
Erin, your sis! on March 08, 2010 at 08:06 PM
Well done. I actually saw them this year from a large, comfy lean back armchair at a friend's house. It was fun! So glamourous... poor Sarah Jessica. I'm sure she'll bounce back. And, yes she looked stunning and yes, she said some really wonderful things, but can I still hate Sandra Bullock? I love Kate Winslet. She always has something classy on. Thanks for the great read!
Camille on March 08, 2010 at 08:21 PM
Loved the post, Daniel! I knew as soon as I saw Sandra that no other look could compare--even the borderline-garish lipstick was perfect; I thought it was daring and loved how it popped. But then, I thought Zoe Saldana's frock was stunning as well--also daring and unique. Guess I'm a sucker for being a bit gaudy. And of course Cameron looked ever-the-princess in her sparkly gold (did you check out her super-hot post-Oscar attire?). And despite the lack of commentary wherever I look, I thought the woman of the night--Kathryn Bigelow--looked classy and naturally beautiful.
micro sd on March 09, 2010 at 04:29 AM
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Matt Wold on March 09, 2010 at 09:54 AM
Luvz'it! Good job Daniel, excellent observations, and I'm mostly in agreement! It was a safe year, which is a great thing although a little entertaining than others I'm afraid. Thanks for the post!
dianna on March 09, 2010 at 01:51 PM
I'm almost 100% with you, but I loved Carey Mulligan's dress. I thought it was perfect gamine look for a young hollywood starlet. And I loved the drama and color of Vera Farmiga's dress.
I would have been happy if you replaced either one of those with Charlize Theron's flower boob dress.
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Small Business Ideas on September 29, 2010 at 04:30 AM
Very beautiful dresses,I like them all but specially I like Cameron Diaz's dress,she is looking superb in that dress.
sensations on October 25, 2010 at 12:36 AM
I’m thrilled that my totally ‘80s dream girlfriend Molly Ringwald still looks fantastic. I’m less than excited about the deep-purple silk gown she wore for the John Hughes tribute, however.
xiao on November 14, 2010 at 05:16 PM
of course Cameron looked ever-the-princess in her sparkly gold (did you check out her super-hot post-Oscar attire?).