Oscars 2007...Since You Asked...

Clive Owen - Best Dressed ManOscar night! The night where fashionistas and movie buffs can be wholly and utterly themselves. Since I am both of these, Oscar night is a sappy, glamorous, tear-stained, charmeuse-draped, guilty pleasure. Turn off the phone, order the pizza, open the wine, turn on ABC, and start taking notes...this is business.

So, since Oscar night is always about the ladies, I am starting with the men. Usually when I watch the Oscars there is a moment of bald-faced envy at a gorgeous gown or necklace, but this year my one moment of heart-pounding desire came when Clive Owen walked out on stage with Cate Blanchett. I could hardly sit still, and I think I might have actually squealed, (one of the joys of living alone is that you can have these moments and no one is there to actually verify them...) My other favorite man on the carpet was a surprising Leo DiCaprio. The pair represent both sides of the same coin of the well-dressed Hollywood man. Leo is traditional and classic, while Clive is modern - shaking things up with his black shirt and velvet lapel.

Clive Owen has been one of my favorites since the BMW Films of long ago, and while I've always considered him handsome, his good looks have never distracted me from his incredible acting. This all-black tuxedo ensemble sans tie shows him to be a tasteful risk-taker, and deadly sexy. My heart is pounding as I write this - could it be my thing for the dark hair & blue eyes? 

Leo DiCaprio - Better with AgeI've said it before about my aversion to "pretty" men; Leo DiCaprio has always been called "pretty" which is one reason why he's never been one of my favorites. I have to say though, that in recent years he's put on a bit of weight, and his filled-out features have made his "prettiness" more rugged and appealing. We'll see how this develops over the years - perhaps one day I'll actually be turned on by his acting!  

And in the handsome couple category, the Oscar goes to...

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Proenza Schouler with Peter Sarsgaard
Sacha Baron Cohen & Isla Fischer

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard are so handsome separately and even more so in combination. I cannot believe that Ms. Gyllenhall actually had a baby not too long ago - this navy and black gown sets off her fresh-faced American beauty that is always backed up with a healthy dose of sass. Sacha Baron Cohen is a very talented man, and a very good-looking one too. I'm so pleased that he has decided to forego his many characters for his red carpet appearances. His funny-lady fiance Isla Fischer is likewise a versatile kooky comedienne, but here shows off her glamorous side with class.

And so to the ladies...

Emily Blunt in Calvin Klein
Portia di Rossi in Zac Posen
Reese Witherspoon in Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci

I LOVE the trend toward sapphire/navy blue. Navy and black is a forgotten classic that is always fresh and clean.  Navy is glamorous, understated, versatile, and softens the hardness of black with just a hint of color. Navy is a winner.

Now, I've made an executive decision, and decided to NOT report on the bad fashion seen this year, just the good. Life is too short for bad fashion and there are many many places on this vast internet where you can see the worst of the worst. While I won't show them, I will state that my biggest diappointments were Jennifer Hudson - she did better at the Golden Globes without Oscar De La Renta's help, Anne Hathaway - even a faux fashion assistant should know that big bows are totally unflattering on women over the age of eight, and Cameron Diaz - wearing a messy dress and messy hair won't show Justin Timberlake that you're over him, it just shows you're a mess...

So now that that's over...

Penelope Cruz in Versace
Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive
Rachel Weisz in Vera Wang & Cartier 

While the Oscars were more colorful than the almost entirely white Golden Globes, the pale tones were again present at this awards show. Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet, Eva Green, Kirsten Dunst, and Beyonce all chose gowns on the pastel tip, with better success (for the most part) than what was seen last month.

I loved Rachel Weisz in her bias-cut Vera Wang gown, embellished with jewels in the Belle Epoque style train. I also  loved Penelope Cruz's flesh-toned Versace gown. This time she got it right - the fluffy skirt is balanced by a sleek hairstyle and pleated bodice. Cate Blanchett also scored big with her liquid Armani Prive sparkler in gunmetal grey. Glamorous and edgy...

And in the worth-mentioning category...

Jessica Biel in Oscar De La Renta
Gwyneth Paltrow in Zac Posen
Catherine Deneuve in Jean Paul Gaultier

As usual, there are a few looks that fall into that middle groun of "yes, it works, but it could be better..." and here I place Jessica Biel, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Catherine Deneuve. All three of these women are hands-down gorgeous. I loved seeing Catherine Deneuve on the red carpet - I just watched Les Desmoiselles de Rochefort the other night, so her appearance just completed the circle for me. I love her. She really is the essence of old-world glamour and beauty - a true treasure to both fashion and film. With that said, this Jean Paul Gaultier dress leaves something lacking. The black is a little harsh, and while the soft jersey is meant to be flattering, it seems sloppy on La Deneuve. Jessica Biel has the most incredibly fit body to hit Tinsel Town in a very long time, yet this halter-top gown does nothing to flatter it. She's curvy, muscular, and striking, yet this dress is loose where it should be fitted, and the sharp black belt just looks like an afterthought. I certainly admire Ms. Biel for choosing the bright pink color - a refreshing jolt in a bland palette. Gwyneth Paltrow has definitely improved from her previous red carpet missteps, but this salmon-colored pleated gown by Zac Posen is still reaching for something. It's lovely and flattering, yet that color is so close to washing her out (as it would be on anyone,) that I don't think the risk paid off.

Overall, this Oscar show was a good - if mediocre - one for fashion, with no major successes and no major failures. Ellen Degeneres proved to be a dynamic host who was able to maintain a smoothly-paced, funny program. One thing that I noted about these Oscars were the advertisements - far better than the Super Bowl! The JC Penny commercial incorporating motifs from some of the most famous films (while set to South American Getaway by Burt Bachrach - love it!) was genius, as was the Apple iPhone commercial providing a montage of famous "hellos" from famous phonecalls in film. It's nice to see that the advertising companies are coming up with new creativity for this other high-ratings night of television.

So, I'm off... I've told Dominick Dunne that I want a good old-fashioned Irish gossip with him at the Vanity Fair party, so I really must go. Who knows what conspiracy theories we'll concoct...!

For additional Oscars 2007 fashion writing, check out Faking Good Breeding and Fashion Orgasm...Enjoy! 

Comments

[Bantou]

I was impressed with Clive Owen's outfit at the 2007 Oscars. Understated Tuxedo ensemble sans the usual accoutrements, but yet compellingly chic. I share the opinion that he was the best dressed man of the night. I'd like to acquire this outfit, including the shirt. Any info on designers and where to buy would be appreciated.

[Joy]

just realized that apparently we have the same taste in Oscar fashion... posted some of the same pictures the other day too!

I LOVE Clive Owen in that suit! :) Yum!
Also loved Hugh Jackman (as always) but his hair looked a little shaggy for me...

[Annie]

Clive is tops! Sorry Bantou...no idea on what he's wearing...I just like the look of it...I could look at it all day...