Celebrity Fashion At The Oscars: 2007 A Quick Review

The 79th annual academy awards was televised last night on ABC. From start to finish it was a big 3 hour breath of fresh air! The network made Hollywood glam look as easy as A-B-C! I felt like I was dreaming when the red carpet pre-oscar show began. It was glamorous, faced paced and Sophisticated! Chris Connelly and Lisa Ling kept the pace running smoothly. A brilliant use of captions below the stars told us what they were wearing. What a concept! The actors could actually speak and talk about their art instead of the canned "who are you wearing???". GWYNETH PALTROW wears a Zac Posen gown, KATE WINSLET in Valentino and Chopard jewelry, CATE BLANCHETT in Giorgio Armani Privé - a silver one-shoulder Swarovski crystal mesh gown with tulle overlay and jet black paillette floral motif, PENELOPE CRUZ dazzles in a strapless Versace gown and Chopard jewels, plus Daniel Swarovski clutch, JENNIFER LOPEZ wears a Marchesa gown with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, REESE WITHERSPOON in Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci with jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels, HELEN MIRREN is in a Christian Lacroix gown with Chopard jewels, BEYONCÉ in Giorgio Armani Privé. The whole idea reminded me of Hollywood from days gone by. Instead of feeling like we were watching one big commercial, we felt like we were watching stars shine "broadway" style. I thought of the times I watched the oscars on the living room floor of my grandmother's house when I was 10. My cousins and I would line up stretched out on our stomachs across the rug. Our scrunched up fists holding up our heads would go numb as the Hollywood royalty dazzled us. Grandma's house was in a suburb close to New York City, but it felt like it was light years away from that magical place called Hollywood! I had that same feeling watching the 79th annual academy awards. The fashion was a major part of the show. Glamour was definitely back. There were no swans or ballerina tutu's on the red carpet. The industry was represented as well in the pre-oscar show by Vogue Editor at Large , Andre Leon Talley. Its was great to see him tone down his fabulousness and be the true professional he is. It was also great to see him looking so dapper in men's clothes. You almost forget sometimes. (Trust me, if you have ever been in his office you'd know what I'm talking about.)
Ellen Degeneres was a perfect host. She has the kind of demeanor that makes you smile the moment she takes the stage. It is a sense of trust we all have with her because we know she won't lead us astray. Her humor is good natured and friendly. Wearing one of her famous pant suit looks she made the whole idea cool with white shoes and an open collar shirt. The comedian is a big fan of Victor & Rolf , Gucci, & Dolce &Gabbana. Ellen also pointed out just how diverse the nominees were this year. The amount of Mexican nominees was unprecedented. It really reminds us what an amazing time we live in. Our generation is one where farm girls become super models, Out and Proud lesbians can host Talk shows, and Marky Mark can be nominated for an Oscar! To say that you can achieve anything if you try hard enough is an understatement.

One stand out style star was newcomer Jennifer Hudson. She was blessed by two Oscars this night! Her Oscar de la Renta ensemble was elegant with its fitted silver python shrug jacket over a long brown satin gown ruched just right to showcase her curvaceous shape. We saw footage of Jennifer as she met with the designer for their fitting in his atelier in New York. That is what makes Oscar such a class act -- (the designer that is, not the award) - he knows how to do things right! He is always there with his signature suit and tie with a smile from ear to ear! Jennifer looked amazing and how exciting to have launched her career in such a dazzling way! Nicole Kidman was the lady in Red in a Balenciaga halter dress. Its was pretty, but the red was not so flattering for her porcelain complexion. Gwyneth Paltrow was able to salvage the reputation on the red carpet. She shined in a sheer apricot Zac Posen dress. No-one can forget how her cleavage fell flat in that pink Ralph Lauren gown on her big Oscar night a few years back.

Achievement in Costumer Design deservedly went to Milena Canonerofor her superb vision of Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette! This industry veteran has been nominated eight times for her inspiring creations. The award was a perfect metaphor for such a romantic evening. See you at the movies. * Best Picture - The Departed * Best Director - Martin Scorsese - The Departed * Best Actor - Forest Whitaker - The Last King of Scotland * Best Actress - Helen Mirren - The Queen * Best Supporting Actor - Alan Arkin - Little Miss Sunshine * Best Supporting Actress -- Jennifer Hudson - Dream Girls * Best Foreign Film - The Lives of Others