Top 5 Trends: Oscars 2020
Awards season continued last weekend with the 92nd Oscars. The night was marked by historic wins and memorable red carpet moments. Just a week after the BAFTAs (which enforced a more eco-friendly dress code), sustainability continued to be addressed on the red carpet. Joaquin Phoenix arrived in the same Stella McCartney tuxedo that he’s worn throughout awards season, while Saoirse Ronan’s gown was made from the same fabric that Gucci used for her gown at the BAFTAs. Laura Dern also addressed the underlying theme by re-wearing one of her favorite black dresses. Before wearing it on Sunday, Laura Dern wore her slinky black dress to the Sheba Humanitarian Awards Gala in 1995 and to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2013.
Capes were an unexpected standout this season, embraced by the likes of Brie Larson and Tracee Ellis Ross. The most talked-about, however, was Natalie Portman’s black and gold Dior cape dress. The dress was a statement in more ways than one as it was embroidered with the last names of eight female directors, who were snubbed in the Best Director category this year.
The always stylish Billy Porter brought show-stopping glamour to the red carpet. His custom Giles Deacon Couture outfit featured a gold feathered top and voluminous printed skirt inspired by the royals. Feathers are quickly becoming an eveningwear staple, as Lashana Lynch and Sandra Oh sported the same extravagant fabric.
Read on for the most noteworthy red carpet trends of the evening.
Superhero Chic
Capes were a style standout on the red carpet last Sunday. Natalie Portman drew attention to the trend with her black and gold Dior cape dress. The dress was a statement in more ways than one as it was embroidered with the last names of eight female directors, who were snubbed in the Best Director category this year. Brie Larson also wore a cape to the annual event, while Tracee Ellis Ross saved her cape for the after-party.
Exposed Corsetry
Designers continue to find new ways to interpret the corset. At the Oscars, celebs wore gowns with exposed structural elements for a more subtle variation of the eveningwear staple. Scarlett Johansson sparkled in a metallic Oscar de la Renta gown with a fringed bodice and exposed corset, while Erin Lim’s emerald dress featured contrasting boning that transformed structural elements into decorative detailing.
Party Plumage
Feathers ruled the red carpet at both the main event and the after-party. Billy Porter, a consistent fashion favorite, did not disappoint at the Oscars. His custom Giles Deacon Couture outfit featured a gold feathered top and voluminous printed skirt inspired by the royals. Lashana Lynch wore a strapless Michael Kors gown featuring a feather trim, while Sandra Oh’s extravagant metallic gown featured a deep neckline and feather collar.
Retro Prep
Collars were an unexpected favorite this season. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actress, Julia Butters wore a custom Christian Siriano gown with a collared top and tiered ruffle sleeves. Christina Ricci and Sarah Paulson brought retro flair to the Vanity Fair after party in gowns featuring buttoned up tops and contrasting dickey collars. Kaitlyn Dever’s vintage Balmain gown transported us back to the 40s with a deep V neckline and exaggerated wing collar.
Mermaid Moment
The Oscars red carpet was full of modern takes on traditional eveningwear dressing. This season, celebs embraced the mermaid and peplum silhouettes. Kelly Marie Tran’s Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown turned heads. Its voluminous skirt and extra-long bodice created the quintessential mermaid shape. Saoirse Ronan opted for an exaggerated peplum shape. Her Gucci gown followed the sustainable theme seen throughout the Oscars. The black fabric on the Little Women star’s dress was the same fabric that Gucci used for her gown at the BAFTAs last weekend.
