Oscar Wrap-Up!

The Academy Awards are one of my absolute favorite events of the year! I patiently wait every award show season for the end-all, be-all of award shows, and when the day arrives, I usually clear my schedule of anything non-Oscar related. The dresses worn always fascinate me, especially as an aspiring designer. I am always astounded at the originality in the dress designs, and the twists put on them year to year--especially because eveningwear is .so. not by forte. There were some beautifully dressed celebs this year, and what would a red carpet be without some un-fab flops. I loved the Cavalli dress Taraji P. Henson, left, wore. The layers looked torn, but it was done with a subtle elegance. Greys, pale neutrals, and pops of color dominated the color pallette of the red carpet, but per usual, black was a chic choice for many. For the men, the classic tux was well represented, although Mickey Rourke decided to switch things up with a white suit, wallet chains, and photo-locket of his recently deceased dog, Loki, dangling from his neck. I was thrilled with most of the award recipients this year. Sean Penn gave an amazing and heart-breaking performance in "Milk" this year--if you haven't seen it, do it now! And Heath Ledger was much deserved for his win for "The Dark Knight;" what a bittersweet win. The little-movie-that-could, "Slumdog Millionaire" took best pic, among other awards, and while I haven't seen it yet, the critical acclaim and general buzz about this movie made it almost a sure bet.

Red Carpet Re-Cap :)

Vanessa Hudgens & Zac Efron

Marchesa dress, Dolce & Gabbana suit

Viola Davis in Reem Acra

The kids from Slumdog Millionaire

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Haute Couture

One of my girlcrushes, Natalie Portman in Rodarte

[love the dress, color, all of it!]

Robert Downey, Jr. and his wife

Mickey Rourke in Gaultier

Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain

Amanda Seyfried in Valentino Couture

I like this dress, but theres something about it on her I am not a fan of...

Miley Cyrus in Zuhair Murad

this dress has potential...ditch the belt, and some of the skirt volume maybe?

The dress did have a great back cut-out, though...

Robin Wright-Penn and Sean Penn
Monique Lhullier dress, Armani suit

Meryl Streep in Alberta Ferretti

Nicole Kidman in L'Wren Scott

Marisa Tomei in Atelier Versace
loved the knife pleats on the train!

The Ledger family;
Mom, Dad, and sister Kate

John Legend & friend
Prada suit

Jennifer Aniston looking amazing in Valentino
her simple braided bangs fit her laid-back vibe perfectly

Fabulous host Hugh Jackman in Burberry

Jessica Biel in Prada
possibly my least favorite look of the evening. Maybe if it was shorter, and she wasn't wearing black, closed-toed mules with it?

Marion Cotillard in Dior Haute Couture

James Franco and his lady friend.
swoon.

Kate Winslet looking stunning in Yves Saint Laurent
I love the fabric, and its two-toned quality.

Heidi Klum in RM by Rouland Moret
always different, always fabulous-ly dressed...the hair on the other hand, meh.

Halle Berry in Marchesa.
love the black and gold combo.

Beyonce in House of Dereon
not a fan of this one. at all.

Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera
pretty dress, but she blends in with the red carpet...

Josh Brolin and Diane Lane in his & hers Dolce & Gabbana

Brad & Angie in Tom Ford & Elie Saab
one of my favorite power couples.

Frieda Pinto in John Galliano
fabulous.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive
I want to be her best friend. Must start tailoring my designs to her. :)

Emile Hirsch in Armani
cutie pie, wearing a white knot in support of equal rights. kudos.

Alicia Keyes in Armani
love the color.

and as a special treat, the hilarious and fabulous opening by hugh jackman. he needs to be back on broadway like whoa.