I don’t think there was a person more excited then myself to watch the Academy Awards last night. I paced for hours around my house, dreaming of couture and what the stars would wear on the red carpet. By the end, though, I was left unfulfilled, disappointed and quite frankly underwhelmed in general.
Let’s start with my picks for Best Dressed:
Charlize Theron in Dior
Kate Hudson in Versace
Cate Blanchette in Armani
Camila Alves in Gabriella Cadena
Maria Menounos in Johanna Johnson
Fashion Misses: Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Penelope Cruz, Julia Roberts.
Now, I love me some Lupita Nyong’o and she has been nothing short of perfection… until last night. The dress was a bore, the headband ridiculous and overall, the look ill-fitting.
What she wore: Prada.
What Lupita SHOULD’VE worn:
Elie Saab, Haute Couture, Spring 2014.
Yes, she’s worn red before, but if she really wanted that “princess” moment on the red carpet, this would’ve done it. She was nominated, she already had huge buzz around her for her immaculate portrayal in “12 Years A Slave,” and this gown would’ve been much more flattering on her, particularly in the bust area. People are going to put Lupita on their best dressed list simply because she’s a beautiful woman and incredible actress, but let’s face it: the gown was NOT spectacular.
Jennifer Lawrence. America’s Sweetheart wore, of course, Dior. This was predictable as she’s a spokesperson for the design house, but…of ALL the Dior Couture gowns they could’ve gone vintage, they could’ve MADE her something spectacular…but, no. She wore a red dress that gave me narcolepsy.
What she wore: Dior.
What Jennifer SHOULD’VE worn:
Christian Dior, Spring 2012 Couture.
Jennifer is 23 years old, gorgeous and has had her fair share of fashion hits and misses. Most of her choices have been beautiful but last night’s choice was just underwhelming. It was safe and not fashion forward in the least. This gown would’ve given her that opportunity to shine on the red carpet and would have given us FASHION. Excitement.
Amy Adams. Such an incredible talent and usually more of a risk-taker when it comes to red carpet looks. Her caped Valentino at this year’s Golden Globes, her Oscar de la Renta ball gown at last year’s Oscars…I could go on. Last night?
What she wore: Gucci.
It isn’t that it’s horrible or that it’s ill-fitting, it’s just that when you are AT THE OSCARS, as a Nominee for BEST ACTRESS, you choose something that speaks that. No? Am I wrong? Am I REACHING for the stars, here?
Okay, then. This wasn’t appropriate for last night, period and I don’t care that she “dressed for herself and not for anyone else.” It was TOO understated and she can do understated any other day of the year. It’s the OSCARS. GIVE. ME. SOME. FASHION.
What Amy SHOULD’VE worn:
Elie Saab, Haute Couture, Spring 2014.
You’re probably thinking I’m biased or that Elie Saab’s people are paying me to say kind things about their recent collection. I WISH. No, the collection is JUST THAT SPECTACULAR. This would’ve been so stunning on Amy that I would’ve literally jumped out of my seat, picked up my television and kissed it. But, no…she picked boring, un-inspiring and lackluster.
Perhaps one of the most stunning women in Hollywood, Penelope Cruz was another fashion MISS last night. Sure, she wasn’t nominated for anything, but she could’ve put some effort on her gown choice. Instead, she chose a pink bridesmaid dress. Don’t believe me?
What She Wore: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture (must’ve been an imposter version).
Yup. She chose THAT thing. It’s wrong. ALL wrong. Completely unflattering on her. Out of all the couture gowns in the world you could wear, this is your “go-to” dress for the Academy Awards? Ugh.
What Penelope SHOULD’VE worn:
Oscar De La Renta, Fall 2014 RTW.
Why? With her dark hair, these colors would’ve complimented her beautifully. The lace sheer panels in front and cascading layers in the back give it such a couture look. And- it’s Oscar. Enough said.
Oh, Julia Roberts. I love you. Always have, always will. But last night…your black lace gown I did NOT.
What She Wore: Givenchy.
Again, similar to Amy Adams, it isn’t that it’s completely disgusting…it’s just fine. She looks happy and the cut is flattering. It’s just not WOW. With Julia Roberts, I want her to BOWL. ME. OVER.
What Julia SHOULD’VE worn:
Jenny Packham, Fall 2014 Ready To Wear.
The slit in front is just enough and the details on the shoulders give it a couture feel that would’ve given her a bit more of a youthful feel. This would’ve glided down the red carpet and people would’ve been so taken with her in this gown.
Although these four weren’t spectacular, they were pretty. Therefore, I will say these are my “Honorable Mentions.”
Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Reem Acra
Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen
Bette Midler in Reem Acra
Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab
Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury