Since the Oscars and related parties occur just once a year, the stars have one major opportunity—and plenty of time to prepare—to wow with jaw-dropping couture and jewels worthy of that red carpet walk that Americans love. Here’s a highly opinionated (just my own, but please weigh in with yours) scorecard regarding ensembles that were memorable, just okay, or left me scratching my head for various reasons.
Style Hits
Victoria Beckam: In a slim-fitting grey column gown of her own design at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the slender celeb looked beautiful, even though she donned just a single gemstone ring.
Glenn Close: Her Zac Posen gown and tuxedo jacket were chic and age-appropriate, and the Bulgari diamond drop earrings were the perfect extra-feminine touch.
Melissa McCarthy: While many disagree, I think the Harry Winston colorless diamond drop earrings perfectly balanced the jeweled neckline of her Marina Rinaldi dress.
Stacy Keibler: In the spirit of an Oscar statuette, George Clooney’s girlfriend rocked the gold Marchesa gown and complementary tone Lorraine Schwartz drop earrings.
Octavia Spencer: Her colorless Neil Lane diamond drop earrings and ring worked perfectly with her beaded white Tadashi Shoji dress; the balance in tones and textures between jewels and garment were ideal.
Gwyneth Paltrow: The structural Tom Ford frock and cape suited Paltrow’s willowy frame, and the architectural Anna Hu diamond jewels were a great choice to match.
Angelina Jolie: In a striking Atelier Versace gown, Jolie cleverly used a pair of Neil Lane diamond pins on the back. Plus, her exposed right leg continues to provide fun commentary for everyone.
Not a Hit, But Not a Miss
Jessica Chastain: A pair of Harry Winston yellow diamond drops kind of got lost against that beautifully embroidered Alexander McQueen gown. Solution: sculptural, metal-intense gold jewels that would have complemented the motifs of the garment.
Disappointing—and Here’s Why
Miley Cyrus: Her silver mermaid-style gown—and dark tan—aged her, and the style itself seemed out-of-date.
Busy Phillips: Outstanding opal earrings from Irene Neuwirth, but the drab colors of the Dolce & Gabbana dress lacked the oomph and energy of the jewels, and all competed with her neon pink shoes.
Rooney Mara: Just one jewel—a Fred Leighton antique picture frame ring—that wasn’t even visible.
Emma Stone: The Louis Vuitton jewels were okay—though not over-the-top interesting—but the Giambattista Valli dress looked a lot like the Balenciaga one worn by Nicole Kidman a few years ago.
Natalie Portman: Her red polka dot vintage Christian Dior gown hinted at Minnie Mouse, while the Harry Winston v-neck necklace—despite all the diamonds—did little to work with the too-sweet style.
Who were your faves?
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