Oscars 2023: Champagne Carpet Recap
The 95th Academy Awards were held Sunday night at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. And history was made thanks to wins for Asian actors Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, along with Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter becoming the first Black woman to win two Oscars and best original song winner “Naatu Naatu” marking the first victory in the category for an Indian film. With performances from Rihanna and Lady Gaga, it was a night to remember. Here are the trends I spotted on the champagne carpet and of course, my favorite looks of the night.
Rihanna’s Quick Changes
The only thing missing from her Super Bowl performance was a wardrobe change, but Rihanna did not disappoint at last night’s awards ceremony. First appearing on the red carpet in a partially sheer and leather black Alaïa dress. Then she hit the stage to perform her song “Lift Me Up” from Wakanda Forever in a black bra embellished with a curtain of crystals featuring sheer mesh straps. It was perfectly paired with black pants with golden floral designs. Her black leather opera gloves (an accessory we’ve seen a lot this awards season) were custom made by Maison Margiela. Cameras also caught Rihanna behind the scenes with her boyfriend A$AP Rocky dressed in a custom-made siren green Bottega Veneta silk bustier, skirt and shearling stole. Accessorized again with leather gloves in mint.
Stark White
The absence of color on champagne carpet is a daring move. From Halle Berry to Michelle Yeoh, these ladies proved that minimalist color can be angelic, sexy and in some cases intrusive (re: Tems blocking the view of some audience members).
Shimmery Black
On the contrast, a lot of celebrity stylists opted for classic black, which is never an issue. But the more shimmer, the better for this walk on the carpet. From Ava Duvernay’s off the shoulder shimmer and Danai Gurira’s phenomenal up do secured in place by a diamond hair piece to Lady Gaga’s sheer corset with diamond accessories, here’s who shimmered and shook in black.
Spring Forward
A nod to the vibrant blooms and liveliness of Spring, yellow and pink were seen quite a bit on last night’s carpet. The monochromatic trench coat and color-blocked dressed are among the worst looks of the night. But the peek-a-boo effect of Oscar winner Ruth Carter’s hot pink under her Pantone celandine-colored gown was a favorite of the night. Ruth’s matching pink Valentino heels were the perfect touch.
Bringing Sexy Back
The men’s styling really packed a heavy punch this awards season and that momentum continued at last night’s Academy Awards. It’s so refreshing to see pants that meet the shoes, flared legs (Reese Feldman) and now even some cuffs on the pants (Lenny Kravitz and Paul Mescal). Exaggerated collars (Riz Ahmed), embroidered jackets (Brian Tyree Henry and Jay Ellis), brooches and leather band watches were also among some of favorite trends too. Christian Siriano even gave us an embroidered peplum!
Best Dressed
Of course, there were some looks that were impeccably styled making the most fashionable statements on the carpet. Here are the looks I loved the most. Share your favorite looks in the comments.
