For anyone holding out for a Björk swan moment, unfortunately this year’s Oscars gave demure and tasteful. I know it’s boring, but that’s what happens when the stars align with big brands for those all important cash ambassador moments. But, we must be thankful for what we were delivered!
There was admittedly a lot of black. The best black was Sandra Hüller who was severely not messing about in her sculpted Schiaparelli. Appreciation must also go to Kate McKinnon who was very non-weird Barbie in an elegant black suit; Issa Rae was giving Angelina 2012 with her leg flashing AMI Paris. Even Margot Robbie ditched the Barbie cosplay for a strapless wet-look Versace gown (straight off the Milan runway, no less); although in her pink stead came America Ferrera (also in Versace) and Ariana Grande who was giving major loo roll lady vibes in Giambattista Valli. Thrilled.
In keeping with the classic tone, there were a few super retro Hollywood moments. See Carey Mulligan resplendent in Balenciaga — a version of the famed 1951, mermaid hem velvet and tulle number (she looked sensational); as well as Jennifer Lawrence in polka dot prom-style Christian Dior Haute Couture and Lupita Nyong’o in frothy, feathered Armani Privé.
Pastels in major silhouettes proved to be something of a trend, and a pretty alternative to the swathes of black. Best supporting actress winner Da’vine Joy Ralph was a true joy in blue Louis Vuitton while Emma Stone made a chic case for a peplum return in her minty green number (also Louis Vuitton). Less successful was Emily Blunt in pale yellow Schiaparelli, which with its crystal detail was giving a little bit too much Captain Underpants.
Special mention must also go to Jonathan Anderson, who via Loewe had a great night. Andrea Riseborough, Greta Lee and Jodie Foster all looked incredible in the Northern Irish lad’s looks.
In men also wear clothes news: brooches turned out to be quite the detail — see Cillian Murphy, Ncuti Gatwa and Simu Liu all opted for the nana-classic. While ties were off the menu, Murphy, Ryan Gosling (special mention to his pink socks, Ken, we see you) and Bradley Cooper all eschewed them. One guest that chose to keep it old school was Messi, the bow-tie-decked dog from Anatomy of a Fall.
An accessory that was prevalent on the red carpet was a red pin from the Artists4Ceasefire movement, which has called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Billie Eilish (in Chanel), Ava Duvernay (in Louis Vuitton) and Mark Ruffalo all wore one. Does political posturing go hand in hand with custom creation luxury outfits? Do discuss.
The best dressed stars at the Oscars 2024:
Greta Lee — fast becoming one of Hollywood’s most tasteful starlets — looking typically elegant in this monochrome Loewe number, earning extra points for clever loop-sash construction.
Killers of the Flower Moon’s Lily Gladstone looking positively regal in this custom Gucci x Joe Big Mountain of Ironhouse Quillwork gown, plus Bulgari bling.
Breaking news: Margot Robbie has not done a Barbie look. She’s in black! Versace autumn winter 2024 straight in from Milan black.
Zendaya giving kapow vibes in this one shoulder palm print Armani Privé number.
Carey Mulligan frankly wins hands down. This black and white fishtail Balenciaga couture dress is pure Hollywood heaven.
Jennifer Lawrence is giving old Hollywood in this sweet polka dot Christian Dior Haute Couture dress. The closing look from Maria Grazia Chiuri's most recent couture collection, no less.
Michelle Yeoh arrives in a blast of silver sequins, wearing custom Balenciaga couture. Absolutely here for the bicep-length black opera gloves — unsure if they needed a diamond watch slapped on top, though.
A very dapper Riz Ahmed opted for an all-chocolate overcoat, cowl-neck top and trousers. He caught attention with his red, heart palm badge supporting ‘Artists4Ceasefire’, a campaign calling for an end to the Israel-Gaza war. Other notable wearers of the badge this evening included Billie Eilish and her brother FINNEAS.
Cillian Murphy — an odds on favourite for Best Actor thanks to his role in Oppenheimer — pimped up his black tie with a bespoke HS14 Gem Brooch from jeweller SAUVEREIGN, inspired by his portal of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. Brooches, certainly for the boys, are back.
Kate McKinnon very much not doing method dressing. Her elegant black suit couldn't be further from Weird Barbie.
Pale pastel-y hues in major silhouettes are turning into quite the trend! Da'Vine Joy Randolph is making severe fashion noise in her frothy, train, spangly number from Louis Vuitton. Slightly obsessed?
Is Ariana Grande after Barbie's crown? Her massive puff ball Giambattista Valli couture gown... it’s giving doll.
Florence Pugh giving excellent Marilyn in this liquid silver Del Core number with Bulgari jewels snaking around her neck. Has also removed nose ring, which we are q in favour of.
Greta Gerwig looking quite lovely in her sparkling column dress.
Hi, Ken! Ryan Gosling (joined on carpet by sister, Mandi) opted for an all black and crystal trim Gucci suit and matching black shirt. So far, so plain — but is that a hot pink sock we spot? Couldn’t help it, could you Ry.
Jodie Foster’s midnight blue silk Loewe gown (complete with crystal-encrusted skirt and metallic silver pump) is, frankly, very enviable.
If it isn’t Maestro Bradley Cooper trying flared suit slacks, and a double breasted, turquoise buttoned blazer courtesy of Louis Vuitton. He joins the boys in ditching bow ties this evening — we can’t help feeling something is missing.
Emily Blunt — nominated for her first ever Oscar for Oppenheimer (Best Supporting Actress) — is in a sparkly lemon Schiaparelli number, which if we're honest is giving Y fronts.
Lupita Nyong'o is bringing the right amount of flapper girl in this Armani Privé, icy blue feathered confection.
Danielle Brooks offers up a dosage of corsetry in her black Dolce & Gabbana number, complete with a sash, bow train.
We're calling it: the peplum is back. Emma Stone giving major tier vibes in Louis Vuitton.
Kirsten Dunst quite ravishing in white Gucci! Into the square neckline.
Cynthia Erivo is serving some Wicked Elphaba energy in a green leather custom Louis Vuitton.
Anya Taylor giving us Joy in her ethereal mermaid tiered gown by Dior. A little like a loo-roll lady, but fabulous.
Paging the Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa looking very chic in Givenchy, and also see the brooch! We said...
Hailee Steinfeld is giving major mermaid in floaty Elie Saab Couture.
America Ferrera getting into the Barbie spirit in her shocking pink number. Frankly, we're pretty thankful for a pop of colour.
Billie Eilish leaning into the sexy secretary emerging trend in her Chanel tweed skirt suit. That high collar is giving Karl, too (RIP).
Andrea Riseborough giving major kudos with fresh off the autumn winter runway Loewe.
Colman Domingo makes a case for a quirky accessory to amp up a typical (Louis Vuitton, in this case) DJ — cowboy boots and a crystal bow-tie, gents?
His 'n hers Sabato de Sarno Gucci for Mark Ronson and wife Grace Gummer (also Meryl Streep's daughter, nepo baby fact fans).
And... our first Ken! Simu Liu giving interesting suit vibes in Fendi. Note the brooch, there is something going on with men in nana-jewellery!
Issa Rae in, yes, another black dress — this by AMI Paris. Great leg reveal. It's giving shades of Angelina 2012.
Gabrielle Union has graced the carpet with the nights first peplum look — a sparkling, silver affair, no less, courtesy of Carolina Herrera. Husband, former basketball champion Dwyane Wade, equally chic in Atelier Versace. Brava.
First Best Actress nominee, Sandra Hüller, on the carpet! OK, quite sad the new face of Phoebe Philo is not wearing it (small high fashion sob) but also completely into this custom Schiaparelli number. Always here for sartorial taking up of space. Possibly not so great if you're sat next to her, though.
A smart, simple black gown (complete with novelty neckline!) from Tamara Ralph is worn by Eva Longoria.
Jamie Lee Curtis giving this-is-not-my-first-rodeo in her floor sweeping, Dolce & Gabbana black gown and gold cuff.
Very much here for Past Lives director Celine Song's Loewe suit. Chic.
Let's hear it for the leading man — The Holdovers breakout star Dominic Sessa leads the boys in a Tom Ford, velvet tuxedo.
Hey baby! Vanessa Hudgens has gone for a classic body con pregnancy reveal in black Vera Wang and Chopard jewels.
First vintage moment klaxon — Laverne Cox in Mugler FW86. An excellent start.
It’s very early but the red carpet presenters are getting into pole position, here are Brits Amelia Dimoldenberg pretty in pink Gucci and Messika jewellery and Zanna Roberts Rassi in checkerboard Oscar de la Renta.
