What They Wore: Oscar Night '09
While most of America was tuned into the 81st Academy Awards on Sunday night, your WhoWhatWear.com editors were busy abusing our Tivos—pausing and rewinding E!'s red carpet coverage to get a thorough review of everyone's outfits! Since the Oscars are the pinnacle of the award show season, we expected the usual overflow of jaw-dropping ensembles. Surprisingly, the evening was oddly underwhelming and for the most part, the looks were merely serviceable. But even though we weren't inundated with amazing outfits galore, we did see a few standout gowns that deserve another minute in the spotlight. For today's Oscar review, we pulled some looks directly from the red carpet—with a few post-party getups thrown in the mix too—for you to peruse and debate. As always, we selected the ladies (and dresses) that surprised us or interested us, rather than simply giving you the usual suspects. Hope you enjoy!
Sarah Jessica Parker
We kick off today's splendid roundup with Sarah Jessica Parker, as the notoriously well-dressed actress graced the Kodak Theater in a voluminous Dior Haute Couture gown. The celestial dress was a one-of-a-kind for the evening, with pretty tulle detailing and a wide belt that flattered Parker's phenomenal figure. SJP finalized her gorgeous selection with Fred Leighton jewelry, including a diamond and gold bangle, diamond flower earclips, and a nine-carat cushion-cut diamond ring.
Gwen Stefani
We can always count on Gwen Stefani to appear on the red carpet in something that makes a fabulous statement. Sunday night she did just that, showing up at the Vanity Fair party in a delicately structured Chanel couture dress. The black gown was much edgier than most of the evening's looks, but perfectly styled with a pair of Roger Vivier peep-toe pumps and Bulgari's diamond stud earrings. The sum of this look was modern and marvelous—just like Stefani herself!
Natalie Portman
When it comes to major events, Natalie Portman is usually a well-dressed wild card who shows up in an unexpected, but usually dazzling, frock. Portman kept up said sartorial reputation on Oscar night, when she showed up in a brilliant fuchsia gown by Rodarte. The strapless silhouette and sorbet-like shade made for the perfect fusion of classic and au courant, propelling Portman to the top of endless best-dressed lists. We also appreciate the spot-on finishing touches: six-carat diamond drop earrings by Kwiat and some dark polish.
Zooey Deschanel
Amidst all the very serious gowns and extremely grown-up (dare we say, dowdy) dresses, there were a few youthful looks. One such breath of fresh air came courtesy of the queen of quirky—the lovely Zooey Deschanel. The bright-eyed actress shined, literally, in a short, silver sequin and lace Elie Saab dress. Deschanel complimented her sweet cocktail frock with equally stellar accessories, specifically a Ferragamo clutch and a pair of charcoal suede peep-toe pumps by Moschino Cheap and Chic.
Angelina Jolie
Sometimes all it takes to truly make waves on the red carpet is the perfect black dress. Angelina Jolie reminded us of this fashion fact in her floor-length raven Elie Saab Couture Dress. The silk mousseline gown was custom-made, so it hugged her body exquisitely. To finish, the actress punched up her already-untouchable status with a pair of 115-carat Lorraine Schwartz emerald teardrop earrings (plus a matching 65-carat ring) and a Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch. In short: she looked super luxurious and very villainess chic.
Kate Bosworth
Though Kate Bosworth beams a great deal on her own, her knee-length Alexander McQueen dress brought about even more radiance! The fully beaded frock (which is from the designer's resort collection) paired with a smart box bag, gold sandals, and matching gold bracelet was hands-down one of the chicest ensembles of the night. Taking her slicked-back hairdo into consideration, Bosworth's overall look conjures visions of old school glamour, à la Grace Kelly.
Freida Pinto
Seeing as this is the first Academy Award show for the Slumdog Millionaire actress, Freida Pinto, we'd say she fared quite well for herself! Pinto stayed on par with Hollywood's other leading ladies in a beaded asymmetrical blue gown by John Galliano. Though you can't see them in this photo, Pinto also slipped into some fabulous Jimmy Choo metallic peep-toe heels that corresponded well with her silver clutch.
Marisa Tomei
If the Marisa Tomei photo confuses you ("That wasn't her Oscar dress!"), rest assured that our reporting is accurate. While Tomei killed the red carpet in a super stunning Versace dress, she changed for the after-parties. That’s right, like many of her peers, Tomei sported two different looks for Oscar night—talk about glamour! Seen here heading to the Vanity Fair after-party, Tomei changed from the aforementioned gorgeous Versace gown to a multi-colored Juan Carlos Obando dress, which she wore with Verdura Maltese Cross Cuffs and Jimmy Choo pumps. We appreciate and adore the first gown, but also love the easy whimsy of her second, more casual, look.
Evan Rachel Wood
Though we normally prefer the young ladies of Hollywood to take risks, we concede that the Academy Awards might not be the best place to try a new trend. That said, we must admit that we swooned for Evan Rachel Wood's wildly gorgeous, extremely classic dress. Wood's gown is a part of the Elie Saab Couture Spring/Summer 09 collection and we think the ivory silk mousseline and silk satin dress is the epitome of silver screen glamour. As for her accessories, Wood also selected a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes, Sergio Rossi bag, and Neil Lane jewelry, including a Darkened Diamond Bracelet and Chandelier Earrings.
Dita Von Teese
Between her perfectly polished maquillage and fondness for evening gowns, Dita Von Teese is practically Oscar Night-ready at all times. Nevertheless, the burlesque beauty kicked things up a notch on the actual evening in a shocking sulfur-yellow satin gown by Christian Lacroix. The knotted, knee-length dress made for a lively counterpoint to Von Teese’s magenta-red Christian Louboutin heels—perfect for these Technicolor times!
Tilda Swinton
There's something about Tilda Swinton that we find endlessly captivating. Perhaps it's the fact that she doesn't give a fig about the Hollywood game and always does her own thing? Swinton's independent spirit led her to yet another sophisticated outfit choice, as she turned up at the awards ceremony in a nude blouse and black skirt from Lanvin’s Pre-Fall 09 collection. We know that her ensemble isn’t to everyone’s taste, but, no matter what the mainstream media says, we love her uncompromisingly avant-garde sense of style.
Natalia Vodianova
Natalia Vodianova never fails to brighten a room (or a red carpet, for that matter) even when she's wearing all black. Seen here at the Vanity Fair party, Vodianova selected a black single-sleeve Calvin Klein Collection dress from Fall 09. Leave it to the stunning supermodel to wear next season's dress! While some might say this dress has more catwalk attitude than a cocktail party can handle, we’re just glad that someone went for the edgy choice.
Photos of Dita Von Teese, Gwen Stefani, and Tilda Swinton, Getty Images. Photos of Freida Pinto, Angelina Jolie, Evan Rachel Wood, and Natalie Portman, INF.
Sarah Jessica Parker
We kick off today's splendid roundup with Sarah Jessica Parker, as the notoriously well-dressed actress graced the Kodak Theater in a voluminous Dior Haute Couture gown. The celestial dress was a one-of-a-kind for the evening, with pretty tulle detailing and a wide belt that flattered Parker's phenomenal figure. SJP finalized her gorgeous selection with Fred Leighton jewelry, including a diamond and gold bangle, diamond flower earclips, and a nine-carat cushion-cut diamond ring.
Gwen Stefani
We can always count on Gwen Stefani to appear on the red carpet in something that makes a fabulous statement. Sunday night she did just that, showing up at the Vanity Fair party in a delicately structured Chanel couture dress. The black gown was much edgier than most of the evening's looks, but perfectly styled with a pair of Roger Vivier peep-toe pumps and Bulgari's diamond stud earrings. The sum of this look was modern and marvelous—just like Stefani herself!
Natalie Portman
When it comes to major events, Natalie Portman is usually a well-dressed wild card who shows up in an unexpected, but usually dazzling, frock. Portman kept up said sartorial reputation on Oscar night, when she showed up in a brilliant fuchsia gown by Rodarte. The strapless silhouette and sorbet-like shade made for the perfect fusion of classic and au courant, propelling Portman to the top of endless best-dressed lists. We also appreciate the spot-on finishing touches: six-carat diamond drop earrings by Kwiat and some dark polish.
Zooey Deschanel
Amidst all the very serious gowns and extremely grown-up (dare we say, dowdy) dresses, there were a few youthful looks. One such breath of fresh air came courtesy of the queen of quirky—the lovely Zooey Deschanel. The bright-eyed actress shined, literally, in a short, silver sequin and lace Elie Saab dress. Deschanel complimented her sweet cocktail frock with equally stellar accessories, specifically a Ferragamo clutch and a pair of charcoal suede peep-toe pumps by Moschino Cheap and Chic.
Angelina Jolie
Sometimes all it takes to truly make waves on the red carpet is the perfect black dress. Angelina Jolie reminded us of this fashion fact in her floor-length raven Elie Saab Couture Dress. The silk mousseline gown was custom-made, so it hugged her body exquisitely. To finish, the actress punched up her already-untouchable status with a pair of 115-carat Lorraine Schwartz emerald teardrop earrings (plus a matching 65-carat ring) and a Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch. In short: she looked super luxurious and very villainess chic.
Kate Bosworth
Though Kate Bosworth beams a great deal on her own, her knee-length Alexander McQueen dress brought about even more radiance! The fully beaded frock (which is from the designer's resort collection) paired with a smart box bag, gold sandals, and matching gold bracelet was hands-down one of the chicest ensembles of the night. Taking her slicked-back hairdo into consideration, Bosworth's overall look conjures visions of old school glamour, à la Grace Kelly.
Freida Pinto
Seeing as this is the first Academy Award show for the Slumdog Millionaire actress, Freida Pinto, we'd say she fared quite well for herself! Pinto stayed on par with Hollywood's other leading ladies in a beaded asymmetrical blue gown by John Galliano. Though you can't see them in this photo, Pinto also slipped into some fabulous Jimmy Choo metallic peep-toe heels that corresponded well with her silver clutch.
Marisa Tomei
If the Marisa Tomei photo confuses you ("That wasn't her Oscar dress!"), rest assured that our reporting is accurate. While Tomei killed the red carpet in a super stunning Versace dress, she changed for the after-parties. That’s right, like many of her peers, Tomei sported two different looks for Oscar night—talk about glamour! Seen here heading to the Vanity Fair after-party, Tomei changed from the aforementioned gorgeous Versace gown to a multi-colored Juan Carlos Obando dress, which she wore with Verdura Maltese Cross Cuffs and Jimmy Choo pumps. We appreciate and adore the first gown, but also love the easy whimsy of her second, more casual, look.
Evan Rachel Wood
Though we normally prefer the young ladies of Hollywood to take risks, we concede that the Academy Awards might not be the best place to try a new trend. That said, we must admit that we swooned for Evan Rachel Wood's wildly gorgeous, extremely classic dress. Wood's gown is a part of the Elie Saab Couture Spring/Summer 09 collection and we think the ivory silk mousseline and silk satin dress is the epitome of silver screen glamour. As for her accessories, Wood also selected a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes, Sergio Rossi bag, and Neil Lane jewelry, including a Darkened Diamond Bracelet and Chandelier Earrings.
Dita Von Teese
Between her perfectly polished maquillage and fondness for evening gowns, Dita Von Teese is practically Oscar Night-ready at all times. Nevertheless, the burlesque beauty kicked things up a notch on the actual evening in a shocking sulfur-yellow satin gown by Christian Lacroix. The knotted, knee-length dress made for a lively counterpoint to Von Teese’s magenta-red Christian Louboutin heels—perfect for these Technicolor times!
Tilda Swinton
There's something about Tilda Swinton that we find endlessly captivating. Perhaps it's the fact that she doesn't give a fig about the Hollywood game and always does her own thing? Swinton's independent spirit led her to yet another sophisticated outfit choice, as she turned up at the awards ceremony in a nude blouse and black skirt from Lanvin’s Pre-Fall 09 collection. We know that her ensemble isn’t to everyone’s taste, but, no matter what the mainstream media says, we love her uncompromisingly avant-garde sense of style.
Natalia Vodianova
Natalia Vodianova never fails to brighten a room (or a red carpet, for that matter) even when she's wearing all black. Seen here at the Vanity Fair party, Vodianova selected a black single-sleeve Calvin Klein Collection dress from Fall 09. Leave it to the stunning supermodel to wear next season's dress! While some might say this dress has more catwalk attitude than a cocktail party can handle, we’re just glad that someone went for the edgy choice.
Photos of Dita Von Teese, Gwen Stefani, and Tilda Swinton, Getty Images. Photos of Freida Pinto, Angelina Jolie, Evan Rachel Wood, and Natalie Portman, INF.
COMMENTS (28)
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love the unique emerald accessories. her stylist is jennifer rade, who will be speaking in san francisco in the near future...check it out:
http://www.7x7.com/blogs/glamwatch/sunglass-purchasing-tips-angelinas-stylist-jennifer-rade
Seriously, you guys get more and more suck upy as the days go by. What is the deal? Natalia and Angelina look best btw SJP looks like shes bursting out of her dress? VISIT www.abundantclutter.com. You're missing one of the most fabulous and glamourous looks of the night - Penelope Cruz! In her vintage gown with the intricate detail bodice she looked absolutely stunning! My vote goes for Kate and Tilda. Kate Bosworth is impressive EVERYTIME. I love her choice of outfits because it looks young and fun and nobody else can pull of a somewhat cocktail-y dress to formal events.
Tilda's outfit is FEARLESS! I love it!!!
A Loud boooo for Angelina. Does she even have other outfits to wear than black? I've seen her wearing black or charcoal in I think 3 years! Too boring. I thought I was the only one who thought Tilda Swinton looked fabulous. Other sites dissed her, she's got style.
What a difference a swath of red lipstick can create, she looked alive...finally! Did anyone else think SJP looked like she was in some sort of costume a la the good witch from the wizard of oz? It looked silly to me. I really think all of these dresses are unimpressive except for Tilda and maybe a little bit Zooey (since she only went to the parties). But Tilda really knocked it out of the park, how fashionibly chic! You can't go wrong with Lanvin! I agree with Lori and Sill! Im sick of being bored and unimpressed, change it up! WhoWhatWear, You getting worse as the day goes on! You two seriously need to stop i liked miley cyrus' dress. i thought it was very cute and age appropriate Angelina Jolie always looks gorgeous at whatever awards show she goes too. But she shouldn't be "best dressed" all the time. All she ever wears is black.
oh and WWW PLEASE start giving us some real tips! NO MORE AWARDS/FASHION WEEK COVERAGE! Please go back to the orignal fashion blogger you guys once were :( I only really liked two gowns: TILDA SWINTON (she rocks!) and Penelope's 60-yr-old gown. Natalie's dress was so perfect for her that I really don't see myself or anyone else for that matter wearing it. You see, I would love to stroll down the produce aisle in the Penelope's Balmain sugarplum fairy gown to pick a head of iceberg. Bien por ti, Penelope! She was flawless. Really Angelina...black? how original. And SJP looks like she missed the church. I mean who where's a wedding gown to the Oscars? While it is gorgeous, it just doesn't work. I adore Gwen's Chanel number, but it seems to realistic for her. And did you see Penelope?!? GORGEOUS. Everybody has to agree that Natalie Portman was born to wear that Rodarte dress. It's not anyone that can wear fuchsia on the oscar ceremony and still look classy... Marisa Tomei's dress is AMAZING! Is she really 44 years old? She looks so damn hot! I must say there is a really eccentric squad writing here... I don't know if y'all would just be pleased if there were gold dolphins jumping out of the dress with a water-fountain with real water coming out of their hair. I think everyone looks great and I like the fact that many of the dresses are more personal, than just black and long. I have to say, I'm sooo glad there was a mix of fashion concepts, I'm soo ready for the future of the Oscars and I'm happy that so are these women, BY far Marisa Tomei shows what a true comeback Queen is BOTH dress (I don't side with the fit qoutes of negativity from the latter) were Amazing, love the choice to be daring, I am not with the followers I luv Leaders..the statements of Sarah, Penelope dresses looking like wedding gown mistakes are totally over dramatized... Ball gown my dears, Ball gowns for those who never leave the United States are very big in other parts of the world, that is why they( the woman) are soooo popular in other cultures and places and still bring in BIG BUCKS!! Its a timeless statement if you can pull it off.. SJP, lovely and I'm glad she did glam for hair, her jewerly always tastefully done, Kate, both of her dresses show her sexy but couture style, Freida I am ALL about beautiful skin, hair and never looking over done make-up wise, the dress was "cleaned" up against the Runway Version but had her ethnic taste to it LUV it! TILDA in LANVIN !!!! My I'm sooooo impressed, It was so artfully and creatively done , screw the haters and how old is she? People have a lot to learn from her, trust me..Gwen, Natalie and Angelina, I like the chances they took on cut, color and fitting, Angelina's Jewerly and Bag Immaculate! Zooey dress fits her and her personality I think it was a nice choice for her ..And as a model first actress second I am soooo glad Natalie wore her Runway dress on the Red Carpet, because Baby believe me models do still Rule, haters will always hate, if there was an Oscar for Models, A lot of women would probably kill themselves to compete, be glad ... remember the last group of jealous women turned to pillars of salt.. Ha Ha.
Yay Marisa!!! Yay Kate, Yay SJP and Penelope, Yay Anne Hathaway and double Yay for Natalia and Tilda!!!!!
Natalie Portman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Evan Rachel Wood..GORGEOUS! It's not hard to throw on a black dress and look great..Angelina..YAWN! It looks like everything else we've seen here wear. Wood and Parker, two leading ladies out of the selected group. Elegant, extravagant and statement dresses. I think long dresses at the Oscars is the way to go. What happened with Anniston, i thought she deserved some credit, at least more that Angelina Jolie. I want to mention the designers, the dress selection had to have been better then what was presented, really nothing was fabulous! My quick take:
HUH?-Marisa Tomei, Freida Pinto and Tilda Swinton
Been There, Done That-Sarah Jessica Parker
Baby Poo Color-Dita Von Teese
Casper-Evan Rachel Wood
Hot Mess-Gwen Stefani and Natalia Vodianova
Disco Ball-Zooey Deschanel
Yawn-Angelina Jolie
STUNNING-Natalie Portman PENELOPE!!!!!!!!! kate bosworth never fails to impress. and i dont care if youre team jen, angelina...DAMN.
hannahwanna.blogspot.com I love SJP's dress, but am I the only one who thinks it's too wedding-y? I thought the same thing about Penelope Cruz, although the vintage gown was amazing. SJP - Nice to see the girls came out to play!
Gwen - Over-the-top, but somehow fab in true Gwen fashion.
Natalie - Pepto Bismol.
Zooey - Cute dress, bad shoe choice.
Angie Jo - Boring dress, Ring Pop jewelry.
Kate - Nice, but the iridescent beading probably looked better in person.
Freida - Beautiful, but perhaps a tad matronly?
Marisa - Pretty and sexy.
ERW - Beautifully draped bodice, but washes her out.
Dita - Bold color, not for her.
Tilda - Tilda is queen. End of story.
Natalia - Appears to be the victim of a moth attack.
But what do I know?
i know where is Penelope and Anne Hathaway? They had gorgeous dresses. My favorite though was definitely Natalie Portman! Everyone seemed to be wearing the same color and then bam@, she steps in with a fresh bold look. Love Vodianova but her dress looks like she is going to a Halloween party, I don't care how couture it is it still looks like shredded toilet paper.
Tilda is fearless but why does she always pick dresses that make her look so bland. She's already bland as it is. she basically blends in with the top of her dress. Love Natalie Portman and SJP's dresses! Am not sure about Angelina though...she seems to always wear something 'safe.'
fashionhedonism.blogspot.com I loved Natalie Portman and Evan Rachel Wood's dresses the most, but I totally agree about Tilda Swinton. She is fearless and amazing.
chicheroin.blogspot.com where is penelope and the most gorgeous dress of night?
nothing compares to that vintage Balmain couture, why did u ignore her?
for me she was the best dress of the oscars |
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