Monday, February 27, 2012

Divas and Darlings - Academy Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
The 84th Annual Academy Awards 2012

Awards season reached its pinnacle at last night's Oscars, where the red carpet was abuzz with Hollywood's biggest stars. And every single actress from the movie Bridesmaids. There were far less extravagant looks than I expected, simpler silhouettes that prevailed instead. Popular trends of the evening were shades of red and white, one shouldered sleeves, and mermaid skirts with a short train. Here is the Academy Awards 2012 style file.  


A Twist On Black
Nominee Jessica Chastain was regal in an opulent strapless Alexander McQueen gown, lavishly threaded with gold embroidery. Angelina Jolie put her best foot forward in a luxe black velvet Atelier Versace gown with daring thigh high slit and Salvatore Ferragamo heels. The lighter hair colour does wonders for her. Sandra Bullock wore a black and white Marchesa dress with low back, featuring gold embroidery on the waist and sleeves. 'Bridesmaids' actress Rose Byrne chose a high-gloss sequined look with asymmetric shoulder from Vivienne Westwood. Jimmy Choo sandals fit her feet.

Snow White
Gwyneth Paltrow was superhero-chic in fitted column gown with floor-length cape, bringing designer Tom Ford back to the forefront of Hollywood glamour. Milla Jovovich was breathtaking in an iridescent white one-shouldered Elie Saab gown. She wore complimentary white nail polish, along with a red lip. 'The Descendent's' Shailene Woodley took on a more mature and demure look, wearing a long-sleeved Valentino gown with high neck and empire waist. Best Actress Nominee Rooney Mara was captivating in a white structured gown with fishtail skirt by Givenchy. It's not so much the dress, but her signature blunt bangs and red lipstick that makes her stand out.

Red Haute
Michelle Williams was spellbinding in this gorgeous pleated pomegranate silk mousseline gown with organza ribbon detailing and peplum by Louis Vuitton. Kudos to her for carrying a pink clutch. Emma Stone looked fresh faced and ravishing in a fuchsia red Giambattista Valli gown with floaty skirt and large token tie-up bow. Livia Firth (wife of Oscar winner Colin Firth) didn't shy away from the attention, opting for a scarlet Valentino gown with sheer long Bishop sleeves. Last year's Best Actress winner Natalie Portman went through the archives of Dior and picked out this red and black polka dot dress from 1954. The necklace bothers me.

Glimmer & Gold
Stacey Keibler mirrored the Oscar statue in sumptuous gold Marchesa gown with one-shoulder and large draped rosette on the waist. Her Veronica Lake waves are one of my favourites of the evening. Best Actress winner Meryl Streep wore a molten gold Lanvin wrap-gown with belted waist. 'Bridesmaids' Ellie Kemper opted for a fire-inspired gown by Armani Privé, fabricated from red, yellow and gold palliettes...which also matched her hair colour. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer glowed in her beaded ivory Tadashi Shoji gown. Jennifer Lopez turned up the heat in a plunge-neck shimmery nude Zuhair Murad gown which has cut-out sleeves and linear crystal embellishing. Too risqué for the Oscars perhaps?

Pretty in Pastels
'Bridesmaids' actress Wendi McLendon Covey in a dusty pink lace and tulle gown with crystal beading. Maria Menounos looked charming in a candy apple green Maria Lucia Hohan gown with halter-straps. Kate Mara was ethereal in a petal pink and belted Jack Guisso gown, with intricate floral appliqués and just one sheer draped sleeve. The Artist's Berenice Bejo in a mint embellished Elie Saab gown with deep v-neck and matching clutch. A different hairstyle would have glorified this look. Her co-star in the movie, Penelope Ann Miller wore a pale pink halter-neck Badgley Mischka dress. I'm getting a Miss America vibe from this one.

Dusky Hues
Nominee Glenn Close wore a dapper dark green corset gown with folded fishtail skirt by Zac Posen, and included a matching blazer. Age appropriate I would say. Leslie Mann looked elegant in a form-fitting strapless navy blue Roberto Cavalli gown with embellished bodice. Busy Philipps was toned down in a grey lace Dolce & Gabbana dress with gathered waist. Tina Fey adopted the peplum trend in a deep blue custom-made Carolina Herrera dress.


A Splash of Colour
Missi Pyle wore an attractively shaded and eco-friendly aquamarine dress by Valentina Delfino. Nominee Viola Davis was arresting in emerald green Vera Wang. Her corset dress flows into a fully pleated skirt. Sarah Hyland wore a silky draped amethyst Alberta Ferretti gown. Penelope Cruz was engaging in a lavender blue organza off-the-shoulder dress by Armani Privé. 'Bridesmaids' Maya Rudolph opted for aubergine, in a Joanna Johnson gown with embroidered sleeves and waistband.

A Pale Tale
E! News presenter Giuliana Rancic has really refined her look, she was impressive in a creamy white Basil Soda gown with leaf-like embroidery along the sides and a beaded bodice. Stylist Louise Roe was exemplary in this innovative origami fold gown by Black Halo. Loved her hairstyle too! Cameron Diaz looked a little washed out in a strapless nude Gucci gown, with a layered chiffon ruffle skirt, edged with silver beading. Kristen Wiig is much improved since previous award shows this season. The 'Bridesmaids' star wore a strapless nude J Mendel gown, the lure-factor lying in the fully shredded tulle skirt.


My favourites from the 2012 Academy Awards show are Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab and Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli. Who are your picks?


48 comments:

Unknown said...

Emma Stone is my Girl, but Michelle Williams wins in every category in my opinion!! She's bold, sexy and interesting!


www.mythriftychic.com

Lipgloss Kisses said...

I thought Giuliana Rancic looked stunning. She was definitely my fave look. Also loved that she wore her hair up. :)

Unknown said...

Wow they were all so glamorous!

http://daphyin-makeupisart.blogspot.com

Rahul Bhatia said...

Thanks Sam, for this star studded gloss of Oscar divas:)

Josipa said...

I loved Gwineths look!read mine review:


http://babylovesfashion.blogspot.com/2012/02/fashion-police-oscar-2012.html

Ember Drake said...

I loved Jessica Chastain, Natalie Portman and Gwyneth Paltrow's dresses! Gorgeous!

Not a big fan of Angelina's this time though!

Em
x

http://emberdrake.blogspot.com

Nicole said...

Hello Sam!
Amazing gowns! But Jessica in McQueen and Angelina in Versace are my favourite.
Hope you have a great day :)
xx

Unknown said...

Hey dear!
I want a dress like those too!:) hahaa....
xoxo

absolutelyfaaabulous said...

A-m-a-z-i-n-g!! Grrr I am jealous ;) Maybe Gwyneth in this as you say "hero chic" style is my favourite!

http://absolutelyfaaabulous.wordpress.com/

Daria said...

I love Cameron's dress so beautiful

xxx
Daria, the Fashionsurf

Daniella said...

Love your selection my lovely!!! So many gorgeous outfits!! MY favourites in particular were Gwyneth Paltrow,as she just looks incredible,strong and very minimal-chic! Also Louise Roe's gown is stunning,love the structured beauty of the dress and i also think Angelina looks effortlessly chic!


Take care my dear and great post! Daniella xox

little luxury list said...

Ooh I love your recap Sam! The black and white picks were my favorites with Sandra Bullock and Gwyneth Paltrow leading the pack!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

FashionJazz said...

I like most of them, but I think the red dresses stand out the most :)

Dominika | Into the Bloom said...

Wow, I'm simply unable to choose my favourite looks, so many of those ladies looked fantastic!

http://glamourxkills.blogspot.com

tres chic chica said...

So many great dresses! I love all the whites and nudes!

http://nyorkeratheart.blogspot.com

Bonnie said...

Top three dresses of the night:
1. Jessica Chastain (LOVELOVELOVE)
2. Gwyneth Paltrow
3. Angelina Jolie

These women looked amazing.

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

Erin @ Currently Coveting said...

I was obsessed with Milla and Viola's dresses, they were my favorite stunners of the night.

XO,
Erin
http://erinscurrentlycoveting.blogspot.com/

Bailey Schneider said...

They were really stunning and different! Some great hits and some horrific misses!
Much love, Bailey from Vanilla Blonde

Unknown said...

Such gorgeous outfits, i would love to wear any of them!!

Aimee
www.new-yorkdoll.blogspot.com
xxx

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Thank you for displaying all of these beautiful gowns to help us remember our favorites. I loved Rose Byrne's complete look, sparkly and sophisticated. Jessica Chastain's Alexander McQueen was ah-mazing. Wasn't a fan of Sandra Bullock's dress and I even though Angelina's leg pose looked rather uncomfortable, her dress was beautiful. Juliana Rancic's dress was beautiful last night, as was the dress of Gwynneth, Stacy Keibler and Cameron Diaz and Glenn Close. Of course, Cirque du Soleil was magic!

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings said...

Love all of the dresses! I thought Meryl looked fabulous! I'm a sucker for the metallic/gold!

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

Teresa said...

hi dear, i'm back!! missed your posts!

my fave from the whole night was Michelle Williams. now my fave from each of your categories:

-A Twist On Black: Angelina
-Snow White: Gwyneth
-Red Haute: Michelle
-Glimmer & Gold: Octavia
-Pretty in Pastels: Maria
-Dusky Hues: Leslie
-A Splash of Colour: Penelope
-A Pale Tale: Cameron

GREAT REVIEW!!!! AS ALWAYS ;)
xx
teresa
www.trend-ish.com

An said...

Michelle Williams! Not a huge fan of her but this dress was by far my favorite!!

Anonymous said...

The black, white, and red dresses were incredibly gorgeous, all twelve of them...just real stunners this year! I loooooved them so much! Also thought Lousie Roe and Tina Fey looked lovely.

<3 Cambria
jupefashion.blogspot.com

Paolita@BerryHaute said...

Once you chose to start this post with that McQueen gown followed by Angelina, the other ladies and outfits had an uphill battle. The embroidery on that dress is exquisite and I am sure the pic doesn't even get all the detail. Just my opinion of course, but seriously, great round up of looks.

VintageDanielle said...

Such pretty dresses. I adore Emma's and Angeline's

Nhi said...

as always you have the best reviews of all events!:)

Love,
Nee
ROSECANDLE11

Judith said...

Wauw, amazing dresses! Great post x

Elin Kling said...

BEST: Kristin Wiig! Lovely post, darling!
<3

A Very Sweet Blog said...

I loved Angelina, Milla, Michelle and Octavia. Gorgeous!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Style Servings said...

Great overview! My favourite was Michelle Williams!

X Lisanne

Victoria West said...

I liked Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Milla Jovovich, Octavia Spencer, and Tina Fey. :)

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

You always do the best fashion round ups Sam! Thanks cause you always have looks from people I missed. I thought Emma Stone and Octavia Spencer as did Giuliana Rancic! I just realized that I hadn't been following you.

ftashion said...

Wow! Honestly, I'm in love with so many of the dresses, it's impossible to choose a favourite! I think all the ladies in pastel dresses look gorgeous, especially Maria Menounos. Emma Stone's red gown with the statement bow is stunning too! I love the simplicity of Sandra Bullock's dress. Such a classic. The ladies in whites fall short this time in my humble opinion.

Fang Ting
ftashion

Unknown said...

They are all beautiful, but my pick is Gwyneth in Tom Ford and Jessica in Alexander McQueen

Cinnamon and White Chocolate said...

oh...oscars <3
my favourites:
black - sandra bullock, white - can't decide between gwyneth and rooney, red-michelle, gold-j.lo, pastels-berenice bejo...

perfect dresses!

Nuar said...

WOW, WOW, WOW!! I adore so much Oscar's fashion!! Still, can't believe that last night couldn't make it to see the ceremony, not even the red-carpet!!
However, from what I see here, I agree with you about Milla, but my picks are Gwyneth and Stacey (Clooney's girlfriend), and guess that I may not be very original, but...
As usual, Sam, your pen and thoughts are as delightful as the images you choose.
XOXO, María José
http://www.nuarbarcat.blogspot.com/

Oh to Be a Muse said...

i think the ladies rocked it this time as i don't really see any bad looks. Gwyneth and Emma Stone were fabulously dressed! and i also think the ladies in pastel look divine!

Alexandria said...

love Emma Stone's red dress

http://alexandriajz.blogspot.com

Alexandra said...

I agree with you about Emma Stone, I think she looked amazing, but I was seriously so blown away by Gwyneth Paltrow! I thought it was such a strong look and suited her so beautifully. Great picks love!

Alexandra xo

http://tovogueorbust.com/

The Dragonfruit said...

Oooo, LOVE all these eye candy dresses <3
Especially the pastels!

http://www.trendyteal.blogspot.com

A Life Un-Styled said...

A lot of people didn't like Sandra Bullock's Marchesa dress, I didn't mind it, I thought she looked beautiful. I do think that Meryl got it all wrong this time :(

Marianna said...

Sam love love love your reviews, and that comment " the necklace bothers me" cracked me up, you are so funny! i won't write a comment down regarding my opinion cause i am super busy but loved this post.
you can see my take on the Oscar's here if you want:
http://lureofthedarkside.blogspot.com/2012/02/oscars-2012-hits-and-misses.html

Elisabeth said...

Beautiful selection you've got here! :)

xxx
E from Helsinki
http://dragonflyelisabeth.blogspot.com/

Vicky Fernández said...

Pales and pastels are my fave!!! Take a look on my post about Oscar dresses!

Vicky
lamaletadeolivia.blogspot.com

Miu said...

I like Milla Jovovich, too, but my other favourites are Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz and Louise Roe.

Aleta said...

An opinion from good old Europe:
A Twist on Black: Jessica: Great! Angelina: Beautiful dress, but she should get a matifying powder, a nude lipstick, a hairbrush and the left shoe for Christmas. Sandra: Doesn't do her waist justice, looks shapeless. Rose: Black is not her colour, looks boring on her dispite the sparkling.
Snow White: Gwyneth: Can't beat this! Milla: Perfect! And love the hair! But next time red nails please. Shailene: You can wear this when you're 60. Rooney: Chest out!
Red Haute: Michelle: 10 points! Emma: Show your cleavage as long as you're young, this is for an older lady. Livia: Terrible dress. Natalie: polka dots for Oscars is a weired choice and the neclace shape is awful.
Glimmer & Gold: Stacey: For being only the actual flame of a nominee: too much, when you're nominated for your third oscar you can do this, see Meryl. Meryl: Good colour, but she looked uncomfy in this. Ellie: Great, that's her colour. Octavia: perfect, Jennifer: Ever heard of less is more? Too sexy for the Oscars.
Pretty in Pastels: Wendi: Good dress, but wrong hairstyle for her headshape. Maria: Faultless. Kate: Nice dress, but chest out and other nails please. Berenice: Not her colour and hair is terrible. Penelope: Wrong dress for her figure
Dusky Hues: Glen: Perfect. Leslie: Ok, but somehow too old for her. Busy: NOT her colour! Tina: Elegant but boring.
Splash of Colour: Missi: Great colour which suits her perfectly, Viola: Great colour which doesn't suit her at all. Sarah: Cute, jewellery is missing. Penelope: Perfection. Maya: Not the right dress for her figure.
A Pale Tale: Giuliana: Beautiful. Louise: Dress looks too complicated, doesn't do anything for her. Cameron: Not a lot of women can wear this dress but she can. Kristen: Beautiful dress, but not her colour, makes her look pale.

Aleta said...

And the winner is...
(my own Oscras go to...)

The best woman/dress combinations are for me:
Milla, Michelle, Gwyneth, Penelope, Jessica

The worst woman/dress combinations are for me:
Sandra, Shailene, Livia, Berenice, Maya

The dress closest to a piece of art is:
Jessica's

The dress that makes its owner look fattest:
Maya's

The dress with the most beautiful colour is:
Penelope's (closely followed by Michelle's)

The dress I would not accept even as a gift:
Livia's, Stacey's, Jennifer's, Louise's

The dress I would choose for myself:
Kate's