Award season comes to a close with the most glamorous night of them all - The Academy Awards. The night was filled with well-deserved wins like; Guillermo Del Toro for Best Animated Feature for ‘Pinocchio’ (which coincidentally made him the first director to win Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Animated Feature in Academy Awards history), Ruth Carter took home the Oscar for Costume Design in ‘Wakanda Forever’, EEAAO also triumphed with wins from Ke Huy Quan for Actor in a Supporting Role (yes, I cried big boy tears!), a historic win for Michelle Yeoh for Actress in a Leading Role, and the film also won the highly coveted Best Picture - just to name a few!
We also (finally!) got a full trailer for ‘The Little Mermaid’ starring Halle Bailey as Ariel, and Melissa McCarthy as the baddest baddie - Ursula! But the star of the show was definitely the emotional support donkey from ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ that host Jimmy Kimmel brought out on stage with him; I didn’t know I needed an emotional support donkey until that very moment. Okay, now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s move on to why all 5 of you are here (hi, mom!) – my list of the best dressed at the 95th Academy Awards!
*symphonic orchestral music plays*
*Anferne glides onto the gilded stage and delivers a witty bit*
And the nominees are…
Florence Pugh in Custom Valentino Couture
Kicking things off with the first dramatic gasp of the night brought to me by the incredible Florence Pugh and her stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray. The tremendous Florence Pugh stepped onto the red-excuse me-champagne carpet in a voluminous Valentino Le Club Couture design (look number 87 of the SS23 collection, to be exact), giving yet another punk-princess moment. The look featured a draped taffeta dress with faille bow details over a pair of black stretch cady culotte shorts. She completed the look with the most gorgeous Tiffany & Co. necklace you’ve ever seen and pink tourmaline diamond earrings. A VISION.
Rihanna in Alaïa
Rihanna showed up on her own time (slay!) to her first Academy Awards nomination, and she continued to show off her baby bump while reminding everyone that she will never not, SERVE (as if we needed reminding.) Her stylist, Jahleel Weaver, styled Rih Rih in a gorgeous form fitting Alaïa number featuring a semi-sheer bodice with a turtleneck, long sleeves, and leather paneling details with cut-outs that framed her adorable expecting belly! They finished the look with jewlery from Moussaieff.
Emily Blunt in Valentino
Emily Blunt wore Valentino (for crying out loud), and she gave me everything she needed to give me as a presenter; including a really funny bit with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson! Jessica Paster styled Emily in a minimalistic off-the-shoulder seamless gown that boasted the ultimate modern-simplicity. The gown featured a streamlined off-the-shoulder neckline, long-sleeves, in a straight-cut silhouette. She accompanied the look with dramatic Chopard jewels and Alexandre Birman heels.
Sofia Carson in Giambattista Valli Couture
Sofia Carson once again graces my list because why wouldn’t she? Stylist Nicolas Bru and Sofi ALWAYS deliver! And oh, boy did they devour tonight in a show-stopping Giambattista Valli number! This was truly my second gasp of the night, the look featured a criss-cross off-the-shoulder neckline with a peek-a-boo cut-out detail, delicate ruching on the bodice, and a drop waist that lead to a full princess ball gown skirt. The look kept giving with a fit-for-a-queen necklace by Chopard.
Hong Chau in Custom Prada
The Whale star, Hong Chau showed up with exquisite vibes to The Oscar’s champagne carpet in a custom Prada evening gown styled by styling duo Zadrian Smith and Sarah Edmiston (from ZadrianAndSarah). The classic glamorous look featured a pristine mandarin collar, a sleeveless pink gown in a straight silhouette with an attached paillette embellished train. The team paired the look with Mikimoto pearl drop earrings and a Panerai timepiece!
Lady Gaga in Versace
Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance at the Oscar’s and my, did she ARRIVE! I’m being modest - stylist Sandra Amador and Gaga SHUT. IT. DOWN. Gaga (my besties’ Mother) wore a fresh-off-the-runway show-stopping evening gown from Versace (look number 75 from Versace’s FW 2023 RTW collection, to be exact.) The look featured a sheer pointed bustier bodice with exposed corset boning, an exaggerated drop-waist, and a wool-silk box-pleat A-line skirt outfitted with a vintage ‘Nastro Gianni’ belt featuring a Medusa head detail. The final touches included Tiffany & Co. jewelry and glam make-up with a striking red lip.
Fan Bingbing in Tony Ward Couture
The Chinese A-Lister entered the champagne carpet and definitely outdid many. Fan BingBing wore a Tony Ward Couture evening gown that boasted Hollywood glam perfection styled by Wish Gui. The dramatic gown featured a hand-embroidered charleston dress with a deep v-neckline, and a green taffeta overskirt with voluminous structured-puff sleeves. Finishing the serve were statement drop earrings. A lot of people would be scared dude, and I’ll name ‘em… a lot of people would be scared.
Angela Bassett in Custom Moschino
Queen Mother, Angela Bassett arrived at The Oscar’s in custom Moschino by Jeremy Scott styled by Jennifer Austin. Stunning in purple, the color of royalty, the gown featured a twisted bow-accentuated neckline in a gorgeous trumpet silhouette. Finishing touches included an exquisite serpentine Bulgari necklace, Judith Leiber cocktail purse, and Sarah Flint heels.
Cara Delevingne in Custom Elie Saab Couture
Cara was once again a perfect moment with the impeccable styling of the Rob Zangardi. One of the few bold red looks of the night, which only made Cara stand-out even more! The look featured a one-shouldered full skirt silhouette with a dramatic bow detail at the shoulder, fitted bodice, and peek-a-boo slit for the leg-serve. Oh, and it had POCKETS! Diamonds from Bulgari, and Stuart Weitzman heels finished the look! Just a little chef’s kiss moment for everyone to drool over.
Danai Gurira in Jason Wu
The statuesque Danai Gurira graced the Academy Awards in a Jason Wu evening gown styled by Thomas Carter Phillips. The look featured a prominent square neckline with raw-edged detailing and a full A-line skirt. To add a bit of glam, the look was accompanied by Messika jewelry. I have yet to not like anything I see her in at events or red carpets, and don’t even get me started on her wardrobe in the ‘Black Panther’ movies!
Pedro Pascal in Zegna
Daddy, I mean, Pedro Pascal sent hearts fluttering (including mine.) upon his arrival to the Academy Awards’ champagne carpet in a dashing Zegna look styled by Julie Ragolia. Pedrito, el papasito, wore a peak lapel tuxedo dinner jacket with a high band collar dress shirt, and matching trousers. Y para acabar de amarrar, he was decked out in Bulgari jewelry.
Riz Ahmed in Custom Prada
Riz Ahmed brought Rizzcore (yes, that’s right, RIZZCORE!) to the Academy Awards in a custom suit by Prada also styled by Julie Ragolia. He looked so foine in a single-breasted peak lapel tuxedo jacket, with a chest-baring two-toned undershirt that featured an exaggerated (and pointy) full cutaway collar. Okay, you can pick up your jaw off the floor now. Yes, I’m talking to myself.
Halle Berry in Tamara Ralph
Halle Berry made a triumphant appearance at the Academy Awards in a flawless look, as a red carpet legend should! Lindsay Flores styled Halle in a Tamara Ralph evening gown that gave us all a moment of utter bliss. The look featured a halter neckline with a thigh-high slit truly made for the Gods, The gown came adorned with striking rose gold pave crystal hardware that I just know where individually placed on her neckline and hip by fashion cherubs. To give it a heavenly kiss the look was paired with Pomellato earrings.
Salma Hayek in Gucci
One of my Mexican Queens attended the Academy Awards in a bombastic orange Gucci gown styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray with no side eye! Salma Hayek, like in many occasions, understood the assignment. The gown featured a crisscross halter neckline, with a peek-a-boo cut-out at the chest and open back, fitted bodice, and a cascading fringe paillette skirt. IT. MOVED. LIKE. LAVA. Que perrisima Mi Salma del alma!
Harry Shum Jr. in Custom Adeam
Back to the men, because they did show out this evening. The debonair Harry Shum Jr. gave a nod to his heritage in a custom look by (notably) womenswear brand, Adeam. Warren Alfie Baker styled the actor in a white double-breasted tuxedo jacket, featuring midnight blue details and a matching sash belt. I love it when men push the bounds of what is a tuxedo at these events. The look was paired with Louboutin shoes and an Omega timepiece.
Michael B. Jordan in Custom Louis Vuitton
I have a friend who literally shakes at the thought of Michael B. Jordan. And let’s face it who doesn’t, the man is HOT. My friend would probably let this man do unspeakable things to him and not bat an eyelash - ditto. MBJ was styled by Jason Bolden in custom Louis Vuitton. The tuxedo featured a classic double-breasted silhouette with a peak lapel and a parure of brooches by Tiffany & Co. paired with matching trousers tailored to perfection. The look kept giving with Louboutin shoes and more Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Andrew Garfield in Custom Fendi
It’s no surprise I have Andrew Garfield on my list, fight me, Andrew just gives me the vibes each and every time. Styled by Warren Alfie Baker, Andrew wore a custom Fendi tuxedo suit. The look featured a double-breasted jacket with peak lapels, matching trousers, and a white dress shirt with black buttoning and a handsome bowtie. A quintessential men’s look - but he still gave me what I needed. The look was finished with David Yurman jewelry and an Omega timepiece.
Reece Feldman in Dickson Lim
Reece was this year's social ambassador for The Oscar’s - straight from the TikTok universe - and his look did NOT disappoint. Tabitha Sanchez styled Reece in a Dickson Lim suit with all-black everything, AND GLOVES by Lael Osness - I love gloves. They added a bit of sparkle with Emanuele Bicocchi jewelry, and finished the slay with Marsell footwear.
Paul Mescal in Gucci
I’d like a drink with Paul Mescal, maybe a Mescal drink… he looks like he just knows how to have a good time. Paul was styled by Felicity Kay in a two-toned Gucci suit that featured a double-breasted closure and a peak lapel with a rose boutonnière, the contrasting trouser featured a flared hem. Paul and Felicity accessorized the look with Cartier jewelry.
Mindy Kaling in Custom Vera Wang
Aside from Mindy Kaling’s drama, her simple yet eye-catching look won me over - so no, I’m not tuning her out! Molly Dickson styled Mindy in a custom Vera Wang gown. The gown featured a sweetheart bustier neckline with thin shoulder straps, a sheer bodice with exposed boning and tulip peplum hem, and attached elongated off-the-shoulder sleeves. She accessorized the look with Boucheron jewelry.
Janelle Monáe in Custom Vera Wang
Last but not least, Janelle Monáe! The Knives Out: Glass Onion star graced the Academy Awards in a refreshing custom two-tone Vera Wang gown styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn. The look featured a plunge sweetheart neckline with an asymmetrical orange skirt. She complimented the look with a World Of Reza choker and diamonds.
Honorable Mentions…
Before I reveal who win’s this category I want to recognize a few artists that came close to snagging a spot on my list: Halle Bailey in custom Dolce & Gabbana by Nichole Goodman, Tems in Lever Couture by Dunsin Wright, Michelle Yeoh in Dior Haute Couture and Sandra Oh in Giambattista Valli by Jordan Johnson Chung, Melissa McCarthy in Christian Siriano by Katja Cahill, Elizabeth Banks in Vivienne Westwood by Erin Walsh, Harvey Guillen in Christian Siriano by Michael Fusco, Monica Barbaro in Elie Saab Couture by Jeanann Williams, Jessica Chastain in custom Gucci and Elizabeth Olsen in Givenchy by Elizabeth Stewart, Jennifer Connelly in custom Louis Vuitton by Leslie Fremar, Zoe Saldana in Fendi by Petra Flannery, and Ana De Armas in custom Louis Vuitton by Samantha McMillen. A round of applause, please!
And The Oscar Goes To…
Topping my list is someone who I have loved for quite some time, and is really taking the industry by storm (I’m so excited for this!) Florence Pugh in custom Valentino styled by the amazing Rebecca Corbin-Murray. It was my first gasp of the night, and I just could not get the look out of my head. From the voluminous drama, the juxtapositions, the perfect complimenting jewels, and the hair, Florence and Rebecca gave me EVERYTHING and more - pure princess punk perfezione.
Y ataquense mamonas porque Florence Pugh deserves this spot! But I do want to know from you, was Florence also your favorite, or do you select someone else entirely? Let me know in the comments below, or as always slide into my DM’s!