Reed Selects: All-Time Best Oscar Lewks
This is not a drill people. The 91’st Annual Academy Awards are literally only a few short days away and we are gagged with anticipation of the fabulous frocks that will grace the red carpet. But before we can look forward, we must pay homage to those gooey gowns that came before. Thus, I have created my list of the tip top grandest of the grand Oscar gowns.
Image via HarpersBazaar.com
Who: Reese Witherspoon
What: Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci
When: 2007
Why: This has always been at the top of my lust list when it comes to Oscars Fashion. I love the texture, the hombre, that bob so blunt people could slice a block of cheddar. This was the year of the Reese’s rebirth and flourshiment. She won her best actress statue the year previous, and ended a long term love, and emerged on the Oscar red carpet a high fashion flower in full bloom.
Image via ABC.com
Who: Jennifer Lawrence
What: Christian Dior Haute Couture
When: 2013
Why: This is one of those dresses that marks a clear moment in pop culture to me. This was Lawrence’s second nomination, and it felt very sure that this night was hers. This is also where we fell in love with the sardonic and self deprecating side of her. Tripping over her dress on her way up the steps to accept her best actress statue was the absolute moment I fell in love with her.
Image via People.com
Who: Zoe Saldana
What: Givenchy Haute Couture
When: 2010
Why: This is iconic Oscar fashion at it’s absolute finest. The anti princess’ princess moment. from the blindingly embellished strapless bodice, to the exaggerated waist line and the jaw dropping tulle pops and of purple in the skirt, I am overcome with perfection. My love for this lewk is real and girl it’s deep.
Image via BBC.com
Who: Nicole Kidman
What: John Galliano for Christian Dior
When: 1997
Why: It’s Iconic, that’s why. The citron yellow mixed with the gorgeous asian embroidery and of course fur trim, how could you not just scream YUS Kween. I like to think that anytime a young gay man sees this for the first time, they think ‘Exquisite’.
Image via Latina.com
Who: Lupita Nyong’o
What: Custom Calvin Klein
When: 2015
Why: Nyong’o broke out as a style star to watch from literally the jump, but it is this custom $150,000 Calvin Klein dress, made from over 6,000 Akoya pearls that makes my best list. It literally evokes old Hollywood glam all while keeping the perfect amount of sensuality.
Image via Variety.com
Who: Julia Roberts
What: Vintage Valentino Haute Couture (circa 1992)
When: 2001
Why: Julia is no stranger to a red carpet best dressed list, but this dress, worn to eventually accept her first Oscar for her powerhouse turn in Erin Brockovich in 2001, is an absolute fan favorite. Fun Fact: Roberts says she still hangs in her closet to this day.
Image via Vogue.com
Who: Michelle Williams
What: Custom Vera Wang
When: 2006
Why: Ever the angel sprite, Williams has donned some truly whimsical and light confections on the Oscar red carpet. However, this Vera Wang creation feels her most iconic thanks mostly to the fabulous marriage of the gorgeous canary yellow and her true and bright red lip, not to mention the most stunning and classic of necklaces.
Image via Vogue.com
Who: Zendaya
What: Giambattista Valli Couture
When: 2018
Why: if you have read any recap involving myself and Zendaya you know she is my number one red carpet chameleon. She changes moods and energy depending on the event and what it is that she is trying to evoke and create for the carpet. She is fully aware of how to make a fashion moment happen. She also needs to be given credit for being able to make brown a red carpet worthy color.
Who: Hilary Swank
What: Guy Laroche
When: 2005
Why: You have to love a gown that looks absolutely comfortable. Not to mention one that makes you go from being apathetic to being in full on love with it by simply just turning around.
Image via Eonline.com
Who: Mandy Moore
What: Monique llhuillier
When: 2011
Why: It isn’t every day that a first time attendee to the Oscars nails their red carpet moment, but in Mandy Moore’s case, she done did that thing. The embellishment feels sophisticated and age appropriate, and as far as ‘naked dresses’ goes, this one still stands out at the most chic to ever bow on a carpet. And we can talk about the gorgeous coral lip moment whenever you want.
Image via Pinterest.com
Who: Lady Gaga
What: Custom Brandon Maxwell
When: 2016
Why: This is classic elegant Gaga. I loves me a trouser on the red carpet and this feels both rebellious and appropriate for the event at the exact same time. Sculpturally architected but also flattering and feminine. It was an absolutely refreshing thing to behold on the carpet. Also, I hold a very special place in my heart for this hair moment.
Image via USAToday.com
Who: Halle Berry
What: Elie Saab
When: 2002
Why: Again, there is something to be said for a nude illusion moment that feels fresh and refined. This floral emblazoned bodice that cedes to a supremely shimmered crimson wrapped skirt, is both timeless and yet uniquely singular. I also live and breath for a fabulous train moment.
Image via DailyMail.co
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Lavin (Custom Tuxedo) & Brian Atwood (Custom Platforms)
When: 2011
Why: For her stint as the co-host of the Oscars in 2011, Hathaway donned many a frock (8 to be exact), but it is this perfectly fitted tuxedo and accompanied HIGH PONY MAGIC that make my list. She manages to do here what might be my favorite fashion move to make; menswear that is perfectly tailored for the ladies. It feels overtly feminine and strong, complete with the embellished and oversized notch button closure and those rad as hell Brian Atwood Swarovski adorned platforms.
Image via HarpersBazaar.com
Who: Gwyneth Paltrow
What: Custom Ralph Lauren
When: 1999
Why: When it comes to iconic Oscar gowns, this Ralph Lauren simply must be mentioned. Classic, clean, essentially youthful in this peppy shade of pink, Paltrow looks like the perfect ingenue ready to transform into a full blown leading lady, which is SPOILER ALERT exactly what she did.
Image via Vogue.com
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci
When: 2011
Why: There simply isn’t a lewk that Cate the Great doesn’t slay. Even when you think she’s gone too far, she still gets it right on the nose. This Givenchy moment is no exception to that rule. It is a legit piece of art; the more you look at, the more you see just how divine it really is. The mixing of the lilac and yellow is a definite highlight, as is the embellished criss-crossed straps. Just as stunningly striking from the back as it is the front. Also, the Baja cali blonde bob is a total win.
Who: Penelope Cruz
What: Atelier Versace
When: 2007
Why: Of all of the princess moments that have graced the Oscar red carpet, this one takes my fashion cake. The body is fitted to a T, going well past the traditional stopping point of other ball skirted gowns allowing Cruz to show off her stunningly strong figure. Add in the shredded and flirty skirt and this feel new and alive. I’d be remiss to not mention that the color is also to die for.
Image via Pinterest.com
Who: Celine Dion
What: Christian Dior
When: 1999
Why: We give Celine Dion a lot of credit as of late for being a cutting edge fashion diva, but we are also aware she has been breaking the fashion rules for much longer. Wearing this jacket backwards is a legendary move, as is topping it all off with this sharply angular and fiercely confident chapeau.
