Best of Oscar Fashion 2010 - Red Carpet Report

(My fave "bling" of the evening - Kate Winslet in Tiffany & Co.)

Although I do not watch or endorse the Academy Awards (I hate having to say that every time, but it's an important disclaimer ;) I always look forward to browsing the photos of the actresses at their best dressed (although this could be a matter of opinion ;). Although the majority of the styles are far from modest, there are occasionally some stunning, more conservative dresses to admire and there's always  some gorgeous fabric and details to provide fashion design inspiration.

While there were definitely some interesting dresses (like this Dries Van Noten design, left, on Maggie Gyllenhaal), this Academy Awards seemed to host more than its fair share of fashion "misses." While browsing the photos I was very disappointed to see lots of ladies "playing it safe" in boring dresses and others going way over the top in gowns that look like they were beaten up by a tornado. It was a rather sad affair.

The most prevalent dress style seemed to be a simple, strapless design, that fit through the hips and then flared out to the hemline (the "mermaid" style). Lots of these gowns looked cheaply made and were creased across the front of the skirt from when the ladies were sitting down in their limos! Not so lovely.

Many stars who looked absolutely fabulous last year ended just looking mediocre in 2010. Queen Latifah wore the previously mentioned "blah" style in a pale pink that washed her out. Last year, she had a lovely "charcoal" shade creation with layers of ethereal tulle and a gorgeously structured bodice. She almost made my best dressed list. Similarly, Penelope Cruz (right, in Donna Karan), who was so adorable and chic last year, had on a red dress that, although a nice color, added incredible bulk to her figure by an excess of draping and pleating all down the torso. It was a disappointment.

I probably sound like I am on a negative rant (lol!), but just let me continue for a little bit and tell you that too much of a good thing is, quite plainly, a bad thing. And this was what happened to ruffles one the red carpet. They can definitely be a great style detail, even sometimes in excess, but on Sunday night they were all wrong. Many women were completely buried under rows and rows of ruffles (see Vera Farminga in Marquesa, left) and on other dresses they were downright distracting. Oh yes, and skirts with splits nearly all the way up the leg were in abundance. Not so good. :P

As for the good... BLUE was a popular color choice on the red carpet (seen right on Monique, who is wearing Tadashi Shoji). It is also a huge trend for Spring 2010. I also spotted a lot of women in white or cream-colored gowns, which have been rather scarce in the past, and I absolutely love that. In fact, almost all of my favorite dresses from the event were in a pale, neutral shade.

This brings us to my annual selection of the four Best Dressed ladies of the event. While the dress design does play into my choices quite a bit, the overall look (including makeup, hair and jewelry) is a huge factor. Each time, I try and select four actresses who really got it right. It's not only picking a pretty dress but one that suits you well... and making sure all the other details are just as perfect.

So *drumroll* here they are. ;)

The Best Dressed (IMHO)

 

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta

This outfit was a big surprise from an actress who, especially last year at the Golden Globes, often looks like she just got out of bed and threw on whatever was on hand. Usually Cameron looks too casual and often "unkempt" for my taste, but this look is just brilliant.

Her hair is simple and natural, but nicely groomed and her accessories are stunning but understated. And the gown! Just gorgeous. I think it looks like a million golden butterflies are cascading down it. It has just the right amount of sparkle and a lovely, full sweeping hemline. Bravo!

 

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab

The only fault I find with this gown is that the bodice could be more, um... substantial :P, but besides that, there's really nothing to complain about. The bodice draping is very well done and the incredibly huge, light and ethereal skirt is so perfect. And the fabric! It looks like an impressionist painting by Monét. So very beautiful.

Rachel wore her hair simple and elegant, swept back from her pretty face (she's got a great smile! :), and used a pair of huge earrings in the shape of a leaf as her only jewelry. Here's proof that you don't always need a necklace to cap off a great outfit!

 

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka

You really can't get any lovelier than Helen Mirren, who truly looks like "The Queen" at nearly every red carpet event she attends. Of course, having Christopher Plummer as your escort guarantees a fine evening, but her lovely look can stand on its own without that brilliant "accessory." ;)

Her dress is a soft grey, in a simple A-line style with a misty overlay, sparkled all over with sequins. It is ruched slightly over the bodice and the sheer sleeves are a fabulous and flattering addition. Her soft and elegant hairstyle and and classic diamond jewelry add the perfect touch.

 

Kate Winslet in Atelier Yves Saint Laurent

This amazing glamour girl seems to make the list every time. Kate is nearly always dressed in something classic, elegant, and wonderfully suitable. Her beautiful hair is worn down, waved simply to the side, and evokes the golden age of Hollywood. Her jewelry is absolutely unique and one of the best pieces I've ever spotted at an awards event, in my opinion. Her earrings are simple and the necklace features and unusual chain and pendant design. Add the chunky bejeweled cuff and the whole set is smashing.

The two piece ensemble is also a rather "different" choice, but very flattering. The structured, metallic top uses the seams as great design features and the skirt has an unusual front pleating that actually works and is flattering on Kate (usually this look is hard to pull off). The satin skirt is long and has a slit up the front that, rather than looking sleazy, shows off her shoes and makes the gown easier to walk in. I give it five stars! :)

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Who do you think was the best and worst dressed of the evening? Do you agree with my picks? I do apologize for not getting up a "live report" like those I've done in the past. My mum got back from a week-long cruise on Sunday evening. (Thanks to everyone who prayed for us last week! It was appreciated and we got along pretty well in her absence. :) So last week was rather crazy. And now I've got rehearsals all this week (and then performances on the weekend) for The Secret Garden musical. Your prayers would be appreciated, there's still lots to learn and do!

I hope everyone has a great week! I'll try my best to get up a post on the usual Friday schedule... see you then! :)

Images: Zimbio / Yahoo! Movies / Just Jared