After a standout awards season, we’ve finally reached the pinnacle—the 2020 Oscars night. The red carpet was a bit more subdued, with many black looks, some white, and a few flashes of color. Though, as they say, the devil is in the details. See which gowns rose to the top of the best dressed list—from Charlize Theron in fitted Dior Couture to Saoirse Ronan in whimsical-chic Gucci to Florence Pugh in an eye-catching green Louis Vuitton.
Charlize Theron
What: Dior Haute Couture and Tiffany & Co. jewelry
Why: This sculptural black gown is the ideal silhouette for Theron’s statuesque frame, with a slit up to there and off-the-shoulder detail. It highlights a sparkling Tiffany & Co. diamond pendant necklace perfectly.
Penelope Cruz
What: Chanel
Why: The ageless actress is wearing a custom gown based off a dress from the house’s 1995 Haute Couture collection, complete with camellia flower, a pearl belt, a bow, and an asymmetrical hemline. In other words, all of our Chanel dreams come true.
Cynthia Erivo
What: Atelier Versace
Why: Erivo has been a breakout red carpet star this season, culminating in this fitted gown that has all of the fashion super-hero vibes a girl could wish for.
Saoirse Ronan
What: Custom Gucci
Why: Ronan stood out in a sea of black in this black, ivory, and lavender gown with deep V-neck, silk duchesse-waist ruffles and moiré skirt, finished with Gucci High Jewelry earrings and ring. It’s elegant, but risk-taking—the ideal combination for a nominee.
Florence Pugh
What: Louis Vuitton dress, Louis Vuitton High Jewelry, and Maria Tash earring
Why: This tiered custom gown in a vibrant shade of Kelly green is youthful and sweet, befitting the young actress. An eye-catching necklace finishes the look.
Brie Larson
What: Celine by Hedi Slimane and Bulgari jewelry
Why: Larson shines in a sequin cape dress—composed of more than 120,000 sequins, 110,000 glass beads, 13,000 Swarowski crystals, and 6,500 pink strass jewels, requiring over 1,200 hours of hand embroidery. We’re calling it well worth it.
Janelle Monáe
What: Ralph Lauren Collection
Why: Never one to shy from a dramatic look, Monáe brought it in a custom crystal-laquered silk lamé tulle mesh evening dress. The real pièce de résistance? A draped hood. The gown is fully hand-embroidered with over 168,000 Swarovski crystals.
Natalie Portman
What: Dior Haute Couture and Cartier jewels
Why: Portman is lovely and timeless in a black gown with sheer gold overlay and gilded rope belt. The true standout is a black floor-length cape that is embroidered with the names of all the female directors who were not nominated tonight. We love a fashion and a feminist statement all in one.
Renée Zellweger
What: Armani Prive gown and David Webb ring
Why: What’s not to love about a minimal shape, white-sequin, one-shoulder gown? It’s form-fitting, flattering, minimal, and cool. The actress’ short hair complements the look perfectly.
source: harpersbazaar
