Celebrities were putting on the ritz — and the glitz — on the Academy Awards red carpet Sunday night.
And rightfully so. Styles seen on the runways of New York Fashion Week earlier this month didn’t skimp on sparkle. Plus, it’s the Oscars! If you can’t step up the shimmer for Hollywood’s biggest night, when can you?
Alicia Vikander delivered in a dusty yellow custom Louis Vuitton gown with silver embellishments. Some other glitzy gals included Saoirse Ronan (V-neck sequined Calvin Klein in emerald), Daisy Ridley (heavily beaded pale aqua beauty from Chanel) and Naomi Watts (sequin-drenched fitted Armani in iridescent purple).
Sofia Vergara looked divine in a dark Marchesa with some beaded detail along the sweetheart neckline and a figure-flattering sash. She walked the carpet solo, though, because hubby and Pittsburgh native Joe Manganiello was away filming a new project, she said.
Others opted to bring the bling with some major statement jewelry, particularly jaw-dropping danglers. Olivia Munn’s sexy 12-carat serpent-wrap bracelet by Forevermark Diamonds was the perfect complement to her no-fuss single-shoulder Stella McCartney gown in tangerine. Whoopi Goldberg edged up her sleek black shoulder-baring gown (inspired by Bette Davis in “All About Eve”) with some arm and hand candy (one of which looked like a spider) by Sevan Bicakci. Charlize Theron dressed up the plunging neckline of her red-hot Dior dress with a long necklace. Meanwhile, Brie Larson’s statement belt was just the right touch to her royal blue Gucci gown.
In the beauty department, most showed up fresh-faced and looked fabulous. There also were some refreshing partial updos.
Of course, the guys looked good, too. Sam Smith received praise for his tailored-to-perfection tuxedo. Nine-year-old actor Jacob Tremblay looked sharp in Armani, proving a classic tux and bow tie look good at any age. Top pick: Kevin Hart’s Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket trimmed in black stones.
Then there were those who were in a league of their own. First, the better. Rooney Mara’s sheer lace Givenchy with a diamond stomach cutout, Lady Gaga’s pure white gown-pants hybrid by Brandon Maxwell, Kerry Washington’s Atelier Versace gladiator-chic leather look, and Cate Blanchett’s dreamy seafoam Armani covered in delicate blossoms.
And for the worst: Heidi Klum’s lavender-ish Versace pick looked like someone fell asleep at the sewing machine. Jennifer Jason Leigh took the natural makeup trend a little too literally. (Was she wearing any?) Her rose Rodarte gown with ruffle floral appliques looked more suited for the prom, too. Still on the fence: Olivia Wilde in a barely there Valentino. If she made it through the night without any wardrobe malfunctions, we’ll give her a pass!
Sara Bauknecht: sbauknecht@post-gazette.com or on Twitter and Instagram @SaraB_PG.
First Published: February 29, 2016, 3:37 a.m.
