February 18, 2008

10 reasons we're excited about Oscar fashion 2008

There are so many reasons to be excited about the Oscars this year. The fact that they are actually happening, for starters. The celebratory mood means conditions are ripe for some bright and, we hope, more adventurous looks on the world's biggest runway. Patty Fox, fashion coordinator for the Academy, predicted "color, color, color" for this year, and we say bring it on. We want reds (remember Catherine Zeta Jones, post "Mask of Zorro", in figure-hugging crimson Versace?), we want mustards (Michelle Williams' Vera Wang number from two years back), and, yes, we want the well-intentioned mistakes too. Unique looks like Björk's swan dress by Marjan Pejoski, Celine Dion's reverse pimp jacket by John Galliano for Dior, Trey Parker and Matt Stone's forays into drag and Dennis Rodman's Willy Wonka moment in 1997 are what make Oscars night fun.
Here's who we're going to be watching on Sunday:
1. Cate Blanchett—not only does she epitomize statuesque Hollywood beauty, she is with child. We can't wait to see how she dresses up that bump of hers.
2. Marion Cotillard—nominated for her turn as chanteuse Edith Piaf, will she inject some much needed Parisian whimsy in to Oscar night? Chanel couture perhaps? We hope so.
3. Charlotte Gainsbourg—Balenciaga muse who played Bob Dylan's first wife in "I'm Not There", is one of the most fashion-forward actresses of our times. Will she stick to Balenciaga? Or will she surprise us?
4. Helena Bonham Carter—the star of "Sweeney Todd" will no doubt bring her dark sense of romance (and her impeccable cheekbones) to the red carpet again.
5. Keira Knightly—her green dress from “Atonement” is up for auction, but what will this English rose be wearing on awards night? Will she go young and fresh, or amp up the classic glam? Either way, we predict smoky eyes and a pout.
6. The men—the list of Best Actor nominees reads like an A-Z of 21st Century Dreaminess. George Clooney (dashing), Johnny Depp (quirky), Viggo Mortensen (heroic), Daniel Day Lewis (brooding) and Tommy Lee Jones (complex). Swoon.
7. Julie Christie—after Helen Mirren's sexy senior slam dunk last year, we can't wait to see what Christie pulls out of her "mature leading lady" bag.
8. Helen Mirren—she is presenting the award for Best Actor. Last, we hear she wore no underwear. We implore her to do the same this year.
9. Ellen Page—being a 5'1" young breakout star means Page, nominated for her star performance in “Juno”, has every excuse not wear a tired old goddess gown. Instead, we pray she'll dress her age and wow us with something young and flirty. Marc Jacobs?
10. Whether they go for dramatic Galliano, classic Valentino, feminine Vera Wang or vintage haute couture, we're ready. Bring on Sunday!

February 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink