Awards season is upon us, and one of the biggest events in the Hollywood calendar – the Oscars - is just around the corner. But our favourite thing about the Academy Awards, aside from all the gossip and red carpet coverage? It’s who’ll be wearing what.
The Oscars are the ultimate Hollywood Fashion Show – where the red carpet becomes the runway, and with celebrity sites like gofugyourself.com ready to pick up on every fashion faux pas out there, the job of a Hollywood stylist is a notoriously stressful one.
Usually Oscar fashion is all about the frocks – what’s hot and what’s not (with Hollywood stylists making or breaking their career over a certain actresses look) – but the accessories have always played an important part too.
Starlets are famed for piling on the gems to add some glamour to their outfit, with big jewelry houses lending out their best sparklers to Hollywood’s finest – a tradition that goes back to 1944, when Oscar nominee Jennifer Jones was reported to wear a diamond necklace and earrings borrowed from famed Fifth Avenue jeweller, Harry Winston.
Since then, an actress’ accessories have been as important to Oscar fashion as their outfits. In 1970, Elizabeth Taylor made headlines when she wore a 69-carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton Diamond (a gift from Richard Burton) – and her dress by Edith Head was designed specifically to complement the rare gem (worth three million dollars!).
But her high-end jewels were nothing compared to Oprah Winfrey, who set the record for wearing the most diamonds EVER on stage in 1999 – a whopping $71 million!
Whilst we’re not suggesting you whip out hundreds of dollars of diamonds, this is the month to look to the red carpet for accessories inspiration.
With actresses (and their stylists) more fashion conscious than ever, the red carpet has its very own fashion tribes – from red carpets regulars resplendent in couture, to the up and coming starlets working it in cutting edge designers. So which one will be inspiring your look this month?
Perfectly Pretty
The Actresses: Established and probably up for an award, these young starlets are fashion conscious but don’t want to look to ‘out-there’. With a legion of Hollywood stylists behind them, they need to look acceptance speech ready and avoid, horror of horrors, ending up on the ‘What were they thinking?!’ pages the next day. Wearing a sequined, chiffon or pale toned gown, typical ‘pretty’ girls include Natalie Portman, Emily Blunt, and Anne Hathaway.
The Dress: A predictably pretty couture dress from failsafe designers like Marchesa, Armani Prive, Elie Saab, or Monique L’Hullier. Expect romantic ruffles and perfectly coiffed hair.
Accessorize with…Something simple to offset a fairytale gown. Natalie would love this Swan Ring from Leila Kasahnipour. A Gemma Redux Liz Bracelet adds just the right amount of sparkle, and you can’t go wrong with a Poupee Couture Crystal Clutch.
Effortless Elegance
The Actresses: These red carpet regulars and well-established actresses have been going to Awards Ceremonies for years, and know what works. Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Kate Winslet always manage to pull of an elegant but understated look – nothing to short or revealing, with just the right amount of sparkle. Expect darker tones and long lengths.
The Dress: These ladies stick to designers who know how to flatter a feminine figure – like celebrity favourite Victoria Beckham, Roland Mouret, Oscar de la Renta, and Givenchy.
Accessorize with…Something grown up and elegant – minimal and modern jewelry that looks high end. These Arosha Whirling Earrings and Joanna Dahdah ring will complement a chic updo and column gown.
The Fashion Mavericks
The Actresses: Often on the ‘worst dressed’ list, we think these ladies should be commended for trying something different, and not sticking to the cookie cutter Hollywood look. Lovers of avant-garde, conceptual fashion like Tilda Swinton are always one to watch on the red carpet (wearing this season’s Jil Sander straight off the catwalk at the Golden Globes) or truly eclectic dressers like Helena Bonham Carter – who wore mismatched shoes on the red carpet!
The Dress: High fashion, conceptual styles, – designers like Jil Sander, Viktor and Rolf, Vivienne Westwood – or a no-name dress.
Accessorize with…Be a maverick yourself by wearing a bold printed scarf to a glamorous event – tie in your hair or round you neck or waist for an offbeat look. We love Squarelust’s Deer and Green Serpent designs. Wear a wacky cocktail ring on your finger – like this interesting Freehand piece in sterling silver.
Front Row Favourites
The Actresses: Probably the ‘face’ or muse of a design house, these fashion forward starlets are always papped in the latest look, seen at the hottest parties, and regulars on the front row during fashion week. Designers are begging to dress them, so they often hit the red carpet in an on trend ensemble. Stylish ladies like Zoe Saldana, Diane Kruger, Emma Watson, January Jones, Carey Mulligan, and Marianne Cotillard can be counted on to make an edgier outfit choice than a frothy ball gown.
The Dress: Something fun and edgy but a hot young designer – or whoever they are playing muse to. So for January Jones – Versace, Marianne Cotillard – Dior, Emma Watson – Burberry.
Accessorize with…We can see Blake Lively (Chanel’s new muse) wearing the Black Pearl Necklace by Little Glass Clementine. For something a little more cutting edge, A Leda Otto necklace fits the bill – or a Ram Ring by Leila Kashanipour.
