Written by Danielle Spence
Photos courtesy of EOnline.com
My first reaction after watching the 2014 Academy Awards red carpet is utter shock. I am such a critic when I watch red carpets and a harsh one at that, but this year was different. It’s so impressive that the nominees kept their looks fresh and elegant and at the same time they adopted the current trends into their own personal style. In no particular order, here are my thoughts on the red carpet looks.
Kate Hudson wearing Atelier Versace
You can’t deny that this is an amazing look on Kate. I love how the ivory fabric pops against her skin tone and it’s the perfect length. My favorite element of the look has to be the built-in cape. The ruching gathers the fabric perfectly along her curves and the simple beading adds texture to the dress. Her soft curls and smoky-eye makeup are the perfect finishing touches to her head-to-toe look. This is definitely one of my favorite looks of the night.
Emma Watson wearing Vera Wang
I knew that there would be metallics on the red carpet and Emma Watson took this trend to the next level. The silhouette fits her body shape perfectly and you can tell she loves what she’s wearing. I would have to say my favorite part of the look is her hair and makeup. Her side-swept messy ponytail makes a statement that nobody else can pull off. The red lip works really well because it’s a bright hue against her brown hair and charcoal-gray gown. I love how she’s not afraid to take risks on the red carpet. She looks amazing.
Lupita Nyong’o wearing custom Prada
As the spokeswoman for Miu Miu, it makes sense that she chose to wear Prada on the red carpet. Lupita had her princess moment wearing a pale blue, custom-made gown. Let’s not forget that she’s the only nominee on the red carpet to wear a headband! I applaud her for setting the trend rather than following the trend. It was hard to see on television, but the fabric sparkled! Needless to say, this was my favorite gown of the night. She is not only a winner on the red carpet, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Brava, Lupita, Brava!
Kerry Washington wearing Jason Wu
There were many women on the red carpet donning the best accessory: a pregnant belly. Kerry Washington has to be wearing my favorite pregnant look of the night. I’ll be honest, at first I wasn’t a fan of the dress, but when I saw her walk on stage her dress moved so gracefully that I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. Her hair and makeup looks dark and glamorous, but it doesn’t distract from her overall look.
Charlize Theron wearing Dior Haute Couture
So many people say that Charlize can do no wrong when it comes to red carpet fashion, but I disagree. I’m not a fan of her black dior gown. My least favorite element has to be the top portion of the dress. It doesn’t look like her chest fits the bodice and I don’t care for the invisible straps. I will say that the skirt and train are very beautiful. I love the pleating and sheer fabric on the skirt. Unfortunately, this look fell flat for me. Definitely not one of my favorite looks of the night.
Sandra Bullock wearing Alexander McQueen
Throughout the red carpet season, Sandra Bullock has worn Stella McCartney, Prabal Gurung, and Lanvin. She completely changed it up by wearing Alexander McQueen and I’m so glad she did because she looked amazing! Navy blue pops on her skin tone and the draping hugs her curves exquisitely. She was the only one to wear her hair to one side and it balances the draping on her dress. Take note because this is how to pull off old-Hollywood glamour.
Cate Blanchett wearing Armani Prive
This woman knows how to wear a dress. The delicate appliqué on the see-through fabric is absolutely gorgeous. I love how her skin tone matches the fabric perfectly. Her lack of accessories keeps the look simple and elegant. Her hair is soft and her makeup is light and clean. This is my favorite look that Cate has ever worn because it’s understated. She’s making a statement without wild colors and accessories. Simplicity is next to Godliness and she pulls it off with flying colors. It’s the perfect dress to wear as an Academy Award winner.
Jennifer Lawrence wearing Dior haute couture
Everyone knew that Jennifer was going to wear Dior, but her red gown stunned on the red carpet. I thought I was over the peplum trend, but J. Law made me love it all over again. The silhouette is so pretty and I love her statement necklace. She wore her necklace the same way last year, but I don’t blame her for repeating. Her swept back hair gives the look a modern twist. I can’t help but have a little bit of a girl crush on her. She is the epitome of chic and sexy.
Amy Adams wearing Gucci couture
There were elements of Amy Adams look that I loved and others that I hated. Let’s start with the best first. Her dress is killer! Navy blue is definitely her color and it fits her like a glove. The detail on the dress adds an elegant touch and the length is perfect. Now for the worst part: I hate her hair. I like that it’s up, but I don’t like how it’s styled. It doesn’t look well put together because it has an odd wave pattern. Great dress, just not the best styling.
