The New York Narrative

Hi Everyone,

It’s finally here: Oscars Red Carpet!

We’ve got a range of looks from the Ladies, Gents, and everyone in between. There were a lot of looks to cover so dive right in and enjoy!

How does it stack up to last years offerings? Take a look, sound off, and enjoy!

— Christian

Cate Blanchett- Armani Prive

Let’s just get this out of the way: Cate Blanchett wiped the floor with any other broad daring to make a mark on the Red Carpet. Her dramatic sea foam feathery Armani Prive showstopper is a work of art. I’m not sure what more else can be said here, because I cannot find a single thing wrong with this look.

From those dramatic shoulders to that exquisitely tailored train this is a full blown home run. Perfectly upswept waves, diamond oceanic inspired jewels, and a flawless face of make-up Ru Paul would be envious of completed Ms.Blanchett’s Oscars look. One that’ll go down in History for sure.

Oscar Winner Realness: Cate and Julianne Moore posed with director Todd Haynes who worked with the classic beauties in “Carol” and “Far From Heaven,” respectively. 

Brie Larson- Gucci

Best Actress winner (!!!) Brie Larson was picture perfect in her custom royal Blue Gucci organza creation looking every bit the Movie Star. Ms. Larson gliding down that Red Carpet towards her win full of confidence and ease.

The 26 year old beauty looked age appropriate as everything about this dress— from the crystal wreath belt, the cross front layered sheer bust, to the tiered flirty ballgown—was glamorous without being “too much.” This is the kind of gown you win an Academy Award in.

Brie Larson- Monse

Please note the gorgeous detail in Brie’s sandy blonde mane: a crystal wreath hairpiece to compliment that belt. Stunning.

While the Gucci was a lot of gown, it made sense for Ms.Larson to do a quick change but into this velvet salmon Monse Grecian inspired gown? Total head-scratcher. Why? Like, really though, why? The only thing that’s good here are those gorgeous (and perfectly matched) Roger Vivier crystal ball heels. Those are a work of art.

It should be noted that at 6 AM post-Oscars morning, Brie swung by “Live! With Kelly and Michael” to chat about her win donning another Gucci winner, this time a super cool floral bomber jacket, and looking gorgeous while doing it. It’s hard to see but she had the most perfect ponytail I have ever seen. 

Rachel McAdams- August Getty

Best Supporting Actress nominee (“Spotlight”) Rachel McAdams proved yet again that she’s got the body-oddy-oddy to pull anything off in the most gorgeous shade of Green.

In theory this August Getty dramatic high slitted halter gown is a knockout, but, I am sorry I cannot get past those creases. Everything else is perfect; the hair, the make-up, the heels…but those creases are just…I can’t…such a shame.

Rachel McAdams- Naeem Khan

Switching gears completely, Ms.McAdams quick changed into a gorgeous sugary beaded offering by Naeem Khan. The simplistic late 70’s early 80’s Halston vibe of this fits Ms.McAdams perfectly and to say the fit is light years better is an understatement.

In an ideal world. she’d have worn this gown in the Green hue of the August Getty for the ceremony. If only…

Julianne Moore- Chanel

Step aside, ladies, Julianne Moore is here.

Strutting down the Red Carpet in an oh-so-chic and sophisticated Chanel beaded and lace gown, the Oscar winner gave us a bit of Art Deco in her cut out bust with an air of that Old Hollywood charm she so effortlessly radiates.

Unfortunately not nominated for her performance in “Freeheld,” Ms.Moore presented looking every inch the Movie Star she is. This is how to do Black on the Red Carpet; lots of texture making the right kind of statement. Those Chopard jewels and glossy waves should get an award all their own.

Margot Robbie- Tom Ford

“Suicide Squad” bombshell Margot Robbie turned to Julianne’s BFF Tom Ford for her shimmering long sleeved shoulder padded sequin column gown looking like the sexiest Oscar statue in existence.

While I’m loving that bag, I’m loving it on any other Red Carpet than the Oscars; it’s distracting, too severe, and really not event appropriate. The effortless hair is also fantastic, but should have just a tad more wave to it as it looks like an afterthought. Close but no cigar.

Naomi Watts- Armani

Naomi Watts’ Red Carpet mojo was ever-present Sunday evening rocking a gorgeous sequin-y Armani column gown reminiscent of inside a seashell in breathtaking shades of Blue, Purple, and a hint of Fuchsia. Partner Liev Shreiber looked dapper and complimentary as usual in a classic Black tux.

Thankfully Ms.Watts figured out the asymmetrical haircut thing she’s been struggling with as of late. Her diamond necklace hit just the right place on her collarbone and the clutch didn’t distract from her stunning gown; nothing was overcooked here. It’s like she’s a Red Carpet mermaid. Absolutely beautiful.

Jared Leto- Gucci

Jared Leto loves Fashion and Fashion loves Jated Leto. Never one to dissapoint or shy away from a good Fashion moment, Mr.Leto embraced the quirk happening at Gucci choosing a slim Black suit with contrast Red piping and matching carnation pin over the classic Menswear finishing.

It’s unique, fun, and fits his personality (not to mention personal style) perfectly. Those velvet slippers with embroidered serpents are beyond covetable. A fantastic and refreshing take on the Menswear game.

Jennifer Lawrence- Dior 

Oh, Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer…

From the waist up I could get on board with this, and I truly always love a Gothic Glamour moment, but what is actually happening here? Besides the fact that it looks like two dresses in one, nominee Jennifer Lawrence is the face of Dior and should have been made something custom, glamorous, and showstopping.

This looks like student work to be quite honest and between Dior and Ms.Lawrence’s creative team, they all know better.

While I love her hair it does seem on the casual side for the Oscars but a case could be made it was supposed to keep the look youthful? I don’t know…I am just disappointed. I’m not alone here, Tim Gunn is in agreement.

Jennifer Lawrence- Alexander Wang

And the “what’s happening here?” continues. Is it me or do Ms.Lawrence’s boobs look long and pulled down? This is bordering on what a Porn Star would wear to whatever Porn Star Awards there are. Is her shoe even on? All I can say is her body is enviable and she’s gorgeous. I’m so confused…

Jake Gyllenhaal- Salvatore Ferragamo

Old Hollywood handsome. That’s all I can say for Jake G, he looks perfect.

Rami Malek- Zagna

Crisp and modern, “Mister Robot” powerhouse Rami Malek’s sans tie buttoned up Zegna ensemble is a refreshing and youthful yet sophisticated take on how to do evening. He’s the epitome of cool here.

Anthony Mackie

Anothy Mackie’s suit is a great reference on how to do classic Menswear offering right. Major points for whoever dressed Mr.Mackie as he has a very muscular physique and the cut is perfect. He’s not being shoved into a suit that’s too slim— no fat guy little coat here.

Lady Gaga- Brandon Maxwell

Lady Gaga turned to BFF Brandon Maxwell for a spectacular, and just the right level of dramatic, custom waist cape cream jumpsuit. Embracing the Old Hollywood glam she’s been giving us all award season, her platinum Veronica Lake waves and smokey make-up corresponded perfectly.

Had the bust not been so squished and the crotch not so baggy, this would have been a full blown A+.

Alicia Vikander- Louis Vuitton

Look! Bubble hems are back and in a good way! Best Support Actress winner Alicia Vikander not only gave us “Beauty and The Beast” Belle Realness in her lemon-y strapless gown, but also a stunning awards season look that was youthful and appropriate. It’s very hard to pull off Yellow but Ms.Vikander has an air of vintage Audrey Hepburn with a touch of modernity with that fun textured top-knot balancing the look just right.

Ms.Vikander is the face of LV and was made something gorgeous and custom…hmmm, Ms.Lawrence, please take note…

Not sure she really needed to change into that long sleeve sequin LV dress, but apparently wearing confusing drab dresses to the after party was a thing. Swear she borrowed that from a Golden Girl.

Heidi Klum- Marchesa

It’s official: Worst Dressed goes to a one Ms.Heidi Klum in Marchesa’s new line of Quinceanera-wear.

Patricia Arquette- Marina Rinaldi

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…rolling my eyes so hard I can see my brain.

Jennifer Garner- Versace

Anything but basic Black, Jennifer Garner was all kinds of regal and gorgeous in a custom off the shoulder bustier Versace gown with tiered train and panels of sequin and pleated satin.

Ms.Garner most certainly had a Grace Kelly moment with a clean yet textured up-swept do, classic manicure, and just the right jewels. She looks so incredibly stunning, doing classic in the best way possibly. There’s nothing safe or boring here.

Kate Hudson- Maria Lucia Hohan

Oh, Kate, come on honey. We talked about this.

Saoirse Ronan- Calvin Klein

Saoirse Ronan brought some Disco Diva to the Academy via a stunning Green sequin Calvin Klein deep V gown with slight cut-outs and just the right amount of side-boob.

Not only is this age appropriate and accessorized just right with easy waves and only one statement ring and earring, but this may be Ms.Ronan’s  best Fashion all awards season.

Emily Blunt- Prada

The cutest pregnant girl in all the land, Emily Blunt looked happy and glowy in a blush embellished custom Prada gown with caramel waves and matching make-up.

Taylor Swift- Alexandre Vauthier

Kate Hudson should have worn this Alexandre Vauthier shine to matte gown. It’s the right amount of va-va-voom without bordering on tramp and with her new shoulder length lob slicked back it would have been sophisticated sexy.

Instead, Taylor Swift and her severe”Mars Attacks” bob (see below for my distaste of the cut debuting at the Grammy’s) got their hands on it. I’m at a loss for words.

Charlotte Rampling- Armani

Not sure Charlotte Rampling could look more miserable to be attending the Academy Awards. Thrilled she wore her house slippers on the Red Carpet. Thanks, Char.

Andie MacDowell

Welcome to the Oscars, Andie MacDowell’s breasts.

Charlize Theron- Dior

Not sure I really need to say anything. She’s legit perfection personified. This is what we call a Movie Star. This is also more ammunition that Dior is capable of much, much more…

Kevin Hart- Dolce & Gabbana

Kevin Hart is another man who likes to have fun with Fashion— there aren’t a lot so when I see one I take notice. While Mr.Hart’s D&G gem studded blazer is a little home sewn it’s also really fun. The suit overall fits great and the monochromatic shades of Black all compliment one another.

Mark Ruffalo- Valentino

Mark Ruffalo chose right in his custom Velentino blazer that is a fantastic shade of Blue. Look how happy he looks! Like all of award season, wife Sunrise was the best plus one rocking a Gypsy-inspired Valentino as well.

Diane Kruger- Reem Acra

There’s a lot going on with this Reem Acra beaded and fringed gown. This is not an easy piece to pull off and to no one’s surprise Diane Kruger did it with ease. This incredibly intricate stunner is a modern take on the flapper and would look as if it was custom made for the German beauty.

Ms.Kruger was statuesque and confident accessorizing with a small clutch and dark manicure. Seriously the most gorgeous shade of scarlet I have ever seen and that braid? Can’t even talk about it, so good.

Sophie Turner- Galvan

Taking a major tumble from such a strong outing at the SAG awards a few weeks back, Sophie Turner’s Galvan gown not only is a tad too big for her but it’s also completely washed her out. Scraggly hair and matronly jewels rounded out her look.

Emily Ratajkowski- Stephen Khalil

Look who’s right back on my naughty list. Emily Ratajkowski felt the need to remind us all she has a perfect body. Can we actually call this Fashion?

Amy Adams- Versace

Amy Adams? Gorgeous and beyond talented. Versace? Stunning and sexy? It’s a great marriage as we’ve seen in the past, but not sure this was the best Versace and Amy combo.

Kerry Washington- Versace

Kerry Washington’s Fashion choices over the last two years have been a full blown roller coaster of emotions.She had one of the strongest promo tour outings a few years back with “Django Unchained” and has since floundered a bit. Has she gotten her sea legs back?

Something unlike any other gown on Sunday night was Ms.Washington’s Dominatrix-esque leather bodice and cream skirt slitted Versace gown. Definitely not for everyone, but it was a risk and one I feel payed off. I’d remove those heinous cap toe office pumps for a sexy stacked platform if I had my way.

Ms.Washington changed into a sexy beaded and neon gown, also by Versace, featuring a stunning back detail.

Jennifer Jason Leigh- Marchesa

First time nominee (not sure how she hasn’t been in the running before) Jennifer Jason Leigh has had a pretty good run this Award season from Rodarte to Roland Mouret. Very ladylike and a little unexpected, Ms.Jason Leigh chose a powder pink fitted and fluted Marchesa number with signature details and embroidered tulle flowers.

While I applaud the esteemed actress for a risk, and with that said, this by no means was the right choice. Not only is it not the best color for her but turning to designers she’s been favoring all season would have made more sense. I mean, look how uncomfortable she looks. Imagine if she’d won? Yikes.

Kelly Ripa- Dennis Basso

Not to upstage Movie Stars she’d interview, Tinker Bell herself Kelly Ripa’s tiny little body was statuesque and confident in a Black-Grey Dennis Basso beaded gown and a purposefully messy do. Sun-kissed skin and a dark manicure perfected the look.

Kate Bosworth- Ralph & Russo

Kate Bosworth’s plumed Ralph & Russo gown is sartorial and quite beautiful. Ms.Bosworth let the details take center stage allowing for a pink pucker and a crystal clutch.

Jeremy Renner- Salvatore Ferragamo 

Definition of a perfectly tailored tux: Jeremy Renner in Salvatore Ferragamo.

Elizabeth Banks- Ralph & Russo

Elizabeth Banks took a cue from her “Hunger Games” alter ego Effie in a dramatic and exquisite Ralph & Russo cream caped jumpsuit. This is how I like my Elizabeth Banks, when she brings her A-Game to the Red Carpet.

I really wish she was a presenter at the ceremony as this would have been fantastic on the Red Carpet and translated beautifully on TV. Shocked on one else go their hands on this. I couldn’t be happier she waited to debut an asymmetrical choppy cut till post-show choosing a soft curl and make-up. Let’s hope that’s for a role.

Michael Fassbender- Tom Ford

Another handsome man in another handsome suit, Michael Fassbender’s shiny Tom Ford tux had just the right amount of cuff and lets hope the right amount of legroom. Please view “Shame” if you don’t get that reference.

Kate Winslet- Ralph Lauren

Kate Winslet’s overlys shiny Ralph Lauren translated much better on TV than it did with the flash bulbs. While she didn’t step too too outside her comfort zone (shocker) I did appreciate her hair a bit more at ease and cooler over the standard curls or rigid updo she chooses.

Rooney Mara- Givenchy

Rooney Mara’s Givenchy gown is truly a gorgeous piece of art. It’s too bad it was saved for Rooney Mara.

Eddie Redmayne- Alexander McQueen

Oscar winner and nominee of the night Eddie Redmayne must have been dying in that velvet Alexander McQueen blazer as it was a gorgeous day in Los Angeles Sunday. Love he did Black with texture, but this was not the best fit from every angle which is unusual for the stylish Brit.

His wife on the other hand did maternity right in her McQueen gown with ridiculously beautiful neck detailing and matching clutch. Points for the matching witch-vibe waves.

Daisy Ridley- Chanel

“Star Wars” starlet and general cute person Daisy Ridley got the chance to wear an elegant dress from an elegant house, Chanel, but the cut and overall appeal is very matronly for the 23 year old. Her Louboutin’s are perfect though, so, at least something good came from this.

Miranda Kerr- Kaufman Franco

We get it, you’re a Victoria Secret Supermodel. This gets a resounding “meh” from me.

Olivia Wilde- Valentino

Olivia Wilde has been in my good graces for quite some time, until now. While the fan detail at the back of this Valentino is something else, as is that insanely cool clutch, from the front the fit is super weird and unflattering. Even the choker and braided hair don’t work here. Something tells me she’ll be off my naughty list soon.

Gwen Stefani- Yanina Couture

I still can’t quite grasp if I like what’s happening here. What I certainly know I do not like are those tacky long acrylics. Either way Gwen Stefani is aging backwards like a Vampire. She’s Benjamin Button.

Anne Hathaway-  Naeem Khan

Anne Hathaway unfortunately did not chose the most flattering maternity wear, please see your buddy Emily Blunt on how to do that properly, but props for that killer Cleopatra eye and high braid pony. Do we think Anne Hathaway is ever going to be likable again? I wonder.

Mindy Kaling- Salvatore Perez

Mindy Kaling sticks to who she trusts on the Red Carpet and it’s continued to pay off. “The Mindy Project” costume designer Salvatore Perez created a textural Black gown with tux-inspired detailing and high slit for the beautiful actress. Aside from being appealing the gown is flattering as are her new caramel locks which are a nice update for the actress.

Ryan Gosling- Gucci

Ryan Gosling is drinking the water over at Gucci choosing a perfectly cut slim fit suit by the Italian house. His White bow-tie crisp White shirt pairing is modern and fresh. If you didn’t catch him presenting find the clip, it was hysterical.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel- Tom Ford and Zuhair Murad

While I am loving Justin Timberlake’s shiny Tom Ford le smoking jacket, I am puzzled by Jessica Biel’s last minute look. First off please stand up straight, Jessica. You’re giving yourself a generally dumpy presentation. Secondly, who chose this for you? The color alone should be outlawed…

Emelia Clarke- Miu Miu

Emelia Clarke’s style is so incredibly inconsistent I can’t even humor this polka-dot Miu Miu gown. Saved from someone like Anne Hathaway post-pregnancy this could have really worked.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Sam Johnson- Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen

It would be an understatement to say that Aaron Taylor-Johnson and wife Sam should have coordinated their prints a little better. Aaron’s jacket is fun and playful while Sam’s McQueen is matronly and drab. Anyone else dizzy?

Tina Fey- Versace

First off, look at that waist—damn, girl! Tina Fey was a total smokeshow in this strapless Versace number that was a gorgeous shade of Purple making the funnylady ooze confidence. Unfortunately her hair is a little too severe, but I can look the other way. Was the necklace needed?

 

Olivia Munn- Stella McCartney

Olivia Munn looks like a full blown Supermodel. Her Stella McCartney crepe caped gown is an intoxicating shade while the cut is perfect for the actress. The simplicity of just a bracelet as her accessory makes this is a winning look.

Reese Witherspoon- Oscar de la Renta

Reese Witherspoon apparently thought she was going to a beauty pageant choosing a taffeta factory masquerading as an Oscar de la Renta gown with exposed bustier and ruffle detailing. If you’d like to see an outstanding Reese Witherspoon Purple Oscar moment, click here for one of the best Nina Ricci collaborations in History.

Lily Collins- Saint Laurent

Lily Collins looks dead.

Sofia Vergara- Marchesa and Mark Zunino

When do we think Sofia Vergara is just going to show up on a Red Carper in a skirt and nothing else? No top, no bra. Just her big ol’ yabbo’s hanging out? It’s gonna happen…

Priyanka Chopra- Zuhair Murad

Priyanka Chopra’s Zuhair Murad confection is pretty enough but is anyone else having as much sheer fatigue as I am? That belt is also killing the allure here. It looks like something she pulled from inside a carburetor.

All images courtesy of Getty.

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