Feathers, fringe and some flashing

The show was “meh” and of course way too long but the red carpet was dazzling. And I mean dazzling in terms of jewels. Most women on the red carpet were wearing statement necklaces and earrings, basically dripping in diamonds. Sometimes it worked and sometimes I think it may have competed with the dress. Also in full effect were feathers. Look closely and you will see feathers on the trim and hemlines and throughout many of the gowns on the carpet. Let’s just say there are a lot naked birds over in Paris who are freezing right now, having sacrificed their gorgeous plumes to the rich and famous. Read on to see what other details were trending at last night’s awards and to see my swap suggestions.

Fine Feathered Friends

I am not a fan of this asymmetrical drop waist on Priyanka. She is beautiful but I don’t think this dress fits right on her. I’d love to see just a simple white strapless gown.

And this is not going to be a popular opinion but I did not love Demi’s dress. I think it overpowered her and almost felt like a costume. And those center feathers feel like scales so I kinda feel like a dragon, a mermaid and a peacock all got in a fight. Here’s what I think a toned down version could look like. Maybe even add a crystal belt as trim at the waist.

Fringe Benefits

Texture was a big look and something we haven’t seen this much of on the carpet in a while. Instead of traditional satin or beaded gowns there was lots of movement in terms of texture.

Another fashion editor favorite last night was Teyana Taylor in Chanel. While I love how she brings the drama it just feels a bit afghan hound to me. But if you are going for it I’d rather just see the whole thing covered. The top with the sheer panel sort of reminds me a swimsuit or a figure skating look. I think it ends up distracting from the rest of the dress.

Both of these make me uncomfortable. There’s no fixing them. Amy’s is just as scary as her character in Weapons.

Black and White

While I love a classic black and white combination I strongly dislike all of these. I get that Misty Copeland is a ballerina and is throwing in a nod to the tutu with the tulle trim but the skirts is way too long and all the attention is just on her golden globes. The dress in the middle appears to be under a takeover by a frothy blob of cottage cheese. And while I love Alicia Silverstone this look does feel clueless. I tried to find a photo with a better facial expression but she looks like this in all of them. I think she knew this look would not be Cher approved.

Florals…for spring…how groundbreaking

I’m sure we all remember that quote from Miranda from The Devil Wears Prada, and I loved having THE Anna Wintour present last night. But I did actually thought these winter floral looks were really gorgeous and little different. I think it was the dark background making them feel more sophisticated and seasonal appropriate. Also note the way these dresses fit each actress perfectly, the tailoring is perfection. And they both kept hair and makeup clean and chic as to not compete with the florals on the dress.

Mellow Yellow

This is a really hard shade to wear. Kate Hudson made it iconic in How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days but it isn’t easy to do. Even with a color change I don’t love either of these dresses for either woman as far as fit.

Back to Black

It wouldn’t be the red carpet without some black gowns. Maya’s dress has feathers but I think this cut just looks so matronly on her. Then we have more feathers on Bella Thorne. I don’t know where she has been or what she has been up to but I think she has never looked better. The dark hair really suits her and I love that she did the shear thing but kept it subtle and sophisticated. I do like Zoe’s dress but I don’t love the necklace choice with it and I would have liked to see her hair down with this look.

Sculptural black dresses were also seen. I don’t totally dislike these dresses but I feel like they are overpowering each actress. They kind of remind me of those toy dolls with the snap on dresses.

Ooops.

Have you ever been cutting wrapping paper and you measure wrong? You try and stretch it even though we know that paper does not stretch. You even try to cut an extra scrap to maybe just slap it on there to fill in the space. Or sometimes we save these extra scrap pieces thinking that we may just have an irregular shaped small gift box and we can reuse it. This is how I feel about these dresses.

From the front I thought it was a nod to the Carolyn Bessette style resurgence of the simplicity of Calvin Klein in the 90s. But then she turned.

I fear this is what would happen to me if they tried to fit me into a sample size dress. They would have to cut it and then come up with something to piece it together. But this is Gwyneth Paltrow. How did the conversation go? ” Hey, let’s skip the undies for the Oscars and just go au natural?” There are some unfortunate videos out there of her trying to walk in this dress and they are very “cheeky.”

Then there is this one that reminds me of the extra scrap of wrapping paper that you try and make good use out of but it’s just not working. But I actually don’t mind this as much. But I think it definitely could have used one of the dazzling diamond necklaces making its way around. I think on someone younger this look can work.

So let’s switch it up. Above is Chase Infiniti from One Battle After Another. I do not like this purple ruffled concoction. It feels like she is dragging a Pottery Barn Teen comforter from 2010 along the carpet with her. I think something sleeker would compliment her long tresses and feel more current. I think we could steal both of these.

I’d love to see Chase in bold vibrant shade instead of the pale pastel. And a sleek and simple dress would keep the focus on her.

Excuse me, may I borrow your dress?

I feel like Elle Fanning always goes for these super pale Disney princess looks. I would have loved to see her swap dresses with Ji-young Yoo. And I think Ji-young could wear this white dress really well with her hair color.

I feel the same way about Emma Stone in her white sequin dress. It is a beautiful dress but I don’t think that light color looks great on her.

I love this black dress with the oversized bow and I think Emma’s slight frame could still carry this off nicely. I know they both have red hair but I think there is so many different ginger shades and just a slight tone difference makes one look better with black and one look better with white.

While we are talking about wearing white…

I almost hesitated to include this one because so many really loved the red and pink on best actress winner Jessie Buckley. I went back and forth. First I liked it and then something about it just bugged me. Maybe it was too strawberry shortcake pink? I played around with a lot of combinations and solid color ideas and I’m still not sure. The fit is great and I love the nod to Audrey Hepburn old Hollywood. I’d love to hear your feedback on this one.

And the winners are…

It’s a tie for me. I loved, loved, loved the shape and color of this dress on Kate Hudson. My only change would be to skip the matching necklace and keep the neckline clean and go with a statement earring. Her hair is giving Veronica Lake and the makeup is soft and natural. She is just glowing.

Nicole Kidman knows her body and she knows what works. She knows exactly how to do the hair to compliment and not compete with the dress. She knows how to do feathers without turning into a bird. She knows how to do the right shade of pale that somehow manages to make her cheeks glow. This is the red carpet look of someone who has been doing the red carpet for over 30 years. No notes needed.

And my least favorite look is really just because it scares me. Like this would be what a witch bride in my nightmares would look like. and then I kept wondering how difficult it would be for her to use the restroom with those sleeves. If it was me I would for sure have ended up accidentally dipping them into the toilet. But that’s probably while Chloe Zhao is directing Hamnet and I’m at home eating Uncrustables.

Thank you so much for reading my annual review! And definitely let me know your feedback. The best part about fashion is that there are no rules. It is an art form and a form of expression. This review is all for fun and I applaud all of these women for walking the gauntlet known as the red carpet. I would never have the courage to get out the car.

XOXO

Suzie