In an incredible night of glitz and glamour, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 95th Oscars. What a magnificent occasion of pure elegance and sleek modernity, showcasing a rainbow of colours from red, green, pastel pink, purple and yellow – a contemporary mix with Hollywood glamour that stood out in a range of voluminous gowns, corset boning, neutral tones and million dollar jewels that bedazzled. The Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood had the world’s most excellent fashion on a unique champagne-hued step and repeat.

The Academy Awards – one of the most-watched red carpet events in the world, generating an estimated global viewership of several hundred million last year – adopted a champagne-hued carpet on Sunday, 12th March 2023, while remaining an international stage of high-end fashion. 

Men’s fashion at the Oscars has improved, showcasing eclectic styles juxtaposed against tailored suits and non-conventional colour codes such as turquoise. Viva Magenta, the Pantone colour of the year, was not a hit on the champagne-hued carpet compared to monochrome, pastel pink and metallic hues.

Tribute blue ribbons also appeared in support of the UNHCR, the U.N. Refugee Agency, which coordinated the #WithRefugees ribbon as an emblem of solidarity with refugees forced to flee their homes.

The Oscar For Best Dressed Goes to…

Here is a rundown of my top looks amongst an array of haute couture at Oscar night.

(See a list of the winners here) https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2023

1. Fan Bingbing in Tony Ward Couture stepped onto the champagne-hued carpet in statement jewels by Lorraine Schwartz and Tony Ward Couture, consisting of a silver beaded gown paired with a silk taffeta evening coat in emerald green.
2. Michelle Yeoh in Dior Haute Couture. The night’s best actress winner for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once looked ethereal in a Dior Haute Couture gown crafted by feathers embroidered on ivory silk organza. Her diamond jewels by Moussaieff included a necklace woven into Yeoh’s hair. A devoted fan of Richard Mille watches, Yeoh also wore the brand’s RM 07-02 Sapphire timepiece, customised on a white strap to match Yeoh’s gown. 
3. Angela Bassett in Moschino looked stunning in a purple organza gown by Moschino, beautifully draped and featuring a bow neckline. Bassett completed the look with diamonds by Bulgari, including a high-jewellery Serpenti necklace.
4. Cara Delevingne in Elie Saab wowed in her crimson Elie Saab one-shoulder silk gown and Bulgari high jewellery, including a Serpenti choker embellished with 62.85 carats of white diamonds.
5. Rihanna in Alaïa created a frenzy on social media when she arrived at the 2023 Oscars in a custom look by Alaia, a black leather-band dress worn over a black jersey bodysuit.  The best song nominee for “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther; Wakanda Forever, Rihanna accessorised her look with jewels by Moussaieff.
6. Lady Gaga in Versace also wore a look that showcased the night’s trends in corset boning, a gown that was fresh from Donatella Versace’s that premiered in Los Angeles a few days before the 2023 Oscars. Gaga wore Tiffany & Co jewellery, including a diamond and platinum necklace from the house’s archives, estimated to have been produced between 1955 and 1965.
7. Halle Bailey in Dolce & Gabbana stunned in a custom turquoise tulle gown by Dolce & Gabbana, featuring a hand-pleated corset bodice and full skirt. Her diamonds by De Beers jewellers included the Midnight Aura necklace from the house’s The Alchemist of Light collection, featuring 74.63 carats of diamonds. 
8. Danai Gurira in Jason Wu. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star looked exquisite in a strapless gown with a distressed neckline from Jason Wu’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection, complemented with diamond jewels by Messika, including the diamond Divine Enigma choker used to highlight Gurira’s beautiful hairstyle.
9. Jamie Lee Curtis in Dolce & Gabbana. Best supporting actress winner for Everything Everywhere All at Once graced the red carpet in a blush-hued gown from the Italian label’s Alta Moda collection. The dress was fully hand-embroidered with Swarovski crystals featuring exposed boning detailing.
10. Hong Chau in Prada best-supporting actress nominee for The Whale, stunned in a custom-made Prada gown featuring a train embellished with fringes and black sequins. The designer also added a Mandarin collar to the neckline – a homage to Chau’s heritage. Pearl and diamond jewels by Mikimoto and Panerai’s Luminor Due Luna watch completed her look.

Hollywood Award Gift Suites. 

The tradition of gifting stars with expensive items during award season stems back to the 1990s. Hollywood award gift suites offer nominated celebrities, award presenters and top influencers gifts from several brands. Most gifting suites hosted around significant events, such as the Academy Awards, are not affiliated with the latter. However, it is a chance for brands to increase awareness and exposure amongst celebrities and influencers. 

Nathalie Dubois, CEO of the DPA luxe gift suite, was back in the Brentwood Rooms of The Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, featuring unique and unforgettable international brands. Originally from France, Nathalie Dubois is renowned for hosting professional and well-organised suites and has proven exceptionally innovative and successful in celebrity gift suites. This year’s line-up of innovative brands included Fallen Stars, Magician Facialist, Sakai Clinic 62, Scent Si Bon, Skin Medica, and Historically Modern Designs, amongst other brands. DPA also occurs in the most prominent film festivals such as Cannes, Venice or Toronto. DPA also celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 and its 18th year, producing gift suites worldwide. You can find details on DPA at www.dpagroup.org.

Wow! Creations is a Los Angeles-based creative marketing and publicity company specialising in creating Celebrity / VIP Gift bags filled with high-end consumer products for Hollywood Award Shows / Film Festivals / Beauty Pageants / Charity Events / Sports events / Individual Gifting Experiences, and Launch parties for emerging companies. It is not associated with the Oscars or the Academy of Arts and Sciences. http://www.wowcreationsmedia.com/ 

GBK Brand Bar operates and curates a high-end, bespoke general & gift store concept exclusively at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in the heart of West Hollywood. https://www.gbkbrandbar.com/

Debbie Durkin’s EcoLuxe Pre-Oscar Gift Suite and Luncheon took place at the prestigious Beverly Hilton Hotel OASIS GARDEN in celebration of the 2023 Oscars. https://www.instagram.com/producerdeb/

Melissa McAvoy Gifting. McAvoy has created a unique niche in growing her clients’ brands through Celebrity Gifting Lounges. This year, Melissa McAvoy hosted many celebrities, presenters and influencers at Valerie Beverley Hills. https://www.luxuryexperienceco.com/

Pre-Oscar Event Highlights.

Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood

Founded in 2004, UPTOWN Magazine celebrates the luxury lifestyle of professional and influential urban consumers nationwide by creating a national magazine with city-specific editions in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, D.C., and Charlotte. On Wednesday, 8th March 2023, the luxury car brand and the culture publication honoured Cedric the Entertainer, Kym Whitley, Deon Cole, and Guy Torry for their contributions to American culture, arts, and entertainment. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of hip hop, as Guy Torry’s iconic documentary “Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy” explores the intersection of the music genre and Black comedy during a significant time in the 1990s. Anthony Anderson was on hand to present Cedric the Entertainer his award. 

Essence Black Women in Hollywood (include pictures) 

ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards is an annual celebration that honours pioneering and immensely talented Black women in Hollywood – both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. On Thursday, 9th March 2023, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, CA, ESSENCE marked this momentous occasion honouring luminaries: executive Tara Duncan (President, Freeform and Onyx Collective), director Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), SAG, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice and NAACP-nominated actress Danielle Deadwyler (Till), actress Dominique Thorne (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), and Emmy-Winning Actress & Activist Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary). Coca-Cola™ sponsors the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, and Netflix’s Queen Charlotte will be available on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com.

DriveH2 Green Pre-Oscar Gala

DriveH2 is a public service initiative by Energy Independence Now (EIN), an environmental non-profit committed to educating the world about the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The organisation engages in comprehensive research, policy advocacy and public outreach to promote the widespread adoption of a diverse zero emissions portfolio. 

Non-profit environmental group Energy Independence Now (EIN) and a gathering of eco-conscious celebrities, athletes and influencers gathered at the beautiful Petersen Automotive Museum on Thursday, 9th March 2023, for the Hollywood Community and supporters committed to research, green innovation, policy advocacy and public outreach to promote diverse, equitable zero emissions solutions. The event will bring an unforgettable night of entertainment, cars, celebrity chef-procured cuisine, sustainable cocktails and a glimpse into a more sustainable future.

Written by Styleiconnat – LA Style Correspondent of Relentless Magazine.