*Insert Kevin McAllister screaming GIF*
Wow. Wow! Color! Ruffles! Sequins! Feathers! A sea of pastels! Big risk taking tonight! I’m so impressed! This was one of the better Oscars red carpets in a long while and I’m loving most everything I’m seeing, simply for the fact that everyone jumped on board the fashion train or did something different, even if it didn’t quite pay off (I wasn’t into Charlize’s look for the time in ages, but it’s not like she looks bad because she’s still Charlize). There were a lot of “Why Not?!” moments and I’m living for it.
A note: I feel like the lighting must’ve been bad on the red carpet arrivals this year because most of the photos I’ve found either appear to be too dark and in the shadows, or overly bright and washed out. I don’t edit the photos I find (and I always credit at the bottom, by the way), so know the color and texture of the gowns may not be popping quite as much.
Here we go:
Gemma Chan in Valentino
A girl’s fantasy. I mean, really. Everybody say it with me … And it has pOcKeTs! I love how Gemma and Michelle Yeoh have spared relatively no ounce of glamour- none. Also, can you imagine how comfortable this dress probably is? No skintight thing you have to wiggle in; which, is a great look in itself, but if you have the choice, by all means go with the massive hot pink sundress that you can hide snacks or a small child in. Makeup by Monika Blunder, hair by Clariss Anya Rubinestein.
Rachel Weisz in Givenchy Couture
Get weird! Get bright red patent leather mini-cape weird! I found an up-close detail shot of the floral appliqués on Rachel’s dress and it looks beautiful, like a real work of art. The headband with the cape and color lends a sort of Red Riding Hood vibe to the look, and I can’t say I hate it. I’m also just super into Rachel’s hair and makeup lately. Her dark hair color with her brows is such a striking combination and a great makeup canvas. She’s what I like to think I look like when I’m in a really good mood and have just exfoliated or something. Makeup by Kay Montano, hair by Mark Townsend.
Yalitza Aparicio in Rodarte
Newcomer of the year here! What a beauty, and what a perfect and memorable choice as your first big ceremony dress. I’d started eyeing Yalitza a few months ago when Roma began making the rounds at different festivals and I was like ope … she’s going to be a thing. I wasn’t wrong. And I love a good seafoam green, man- especially when styled with her hair like a shiny, crystal black sheet. Whew. Makeup by Carissa Ferreri, hair by Matilde Campos.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
Alright so I keep hoping for more color on this gal, but brown– or bronze? copper? – was at least a highly unexpected choice. It suits Emma’s hair and complexion beautifully. And the graphic eye makeup is like, thee thing this year. Lucy Boynton’s had graphic liner all but tattooed on her eyelids this season but I prefer a smokier look using color like we see on Emma. Also, I’m so ready for the bold shoulder looks circa Balenciaga 2008 to come back? The more Judy Jetson, the better. Makeup by Rachel Goodwin, hair by Mara Roszak.
Regina King in Oscar de la Renta
She’s already won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress as I write this, but what a perfect look to win in- classically glamorous, looking like the absolute best version of yourself. Which one of us wouldn’t mind wearing this and looking like this? I love a white gown, too; I find white gowns almost more alluring and elegant than black because there’s a striking modernity to them that black can’t quite capture. And Regina’s hair is the haircut of the era- we’ll remember the midlength bob as the definitive cut of the 2000-teens. Makeup by Ashunta Sheriff, hair by Angela Parrantes.
Linda Cardellini in Christian Siriano
I screamed when I first saw this and yelled, “THANK YOU!” This is your grand “Why Not?!” moment. I feel like “best dressed” and “worst dressed” lists aren’t even relevant here because you clearly don’t care about that- you’re in it for the fun. If it’s available to you, why not wear something this insane? Why not wear something this over the top? Who cares if you look like a cake or an exploding ribbon factory or whatever stuff people will say. You obviously know you’re not exactly going to be able to hide when you walk out in this, so own it. I love it. Also, that bun with the long center-part bangs is just the cutest. Makeup by Hinako, hair by Dave Stanwell.
And … because apparently someone had to be fashionably late and did NOT walk the red carpet … here’s a bootleg shot of Lupita Nyong’O, who surely will make my official list once the full gown appears because FEATHERS DUH:
Alright now go off: Which were your faves? Who did you miss? LMK! xo, MR
Image credits in order of appearance: Steve Granitz/WireImage, Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock, Getty Images, Steve Granitz/WireImage, Getty Images, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY, Instagram @lupitanyongo
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