There was a time, long ago, when the Oscars weren’t the be-all and end-all of red carpet fashion events. These were the days before celebrity stylists and glam squads, when the stars chose their own dresses or at the most, turned to their favourite designer for a special creation.
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While this left a lot more room for error — and refreshingly daring looks — it also more clearly highlighted each individual actress’s personal style. For every chic Givenchy creation that Audrey Hepburn wore (she had a close relationship with the designer), there was a boundary-pushing look worn by Cher or a glam statement from Diana Ross. All of which spoke directly to their individual personalities.
Of course, there are stars who take risks today — Tilda Swinton’s cerebral choices, and the edgy and age-appropriate looks worn by ingenues like Zendaya and Janelle Monae immediately pop to mind — but one can’t help to think that the overarching perfection of it all, from high-def contouring to whimsical nail art, makes it a less than thrilling affair.
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On the heels of the 2018 Oscars, we take a look at the best and worst (but those are kind of the best, too) Oscars red carpet looks of all time.
Be sure to come back to GlobalNews.ca for full coverage of the 2018 Oscars on Sunday, March 4.
Best dresses
Grace Kelly in Edith Head, 1955
Faye Dunaway in Theadora Van Runkle, 1968
Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy, 1975
Lauren Hutton in Halston, 1975
Debbie Allen, 1982
Diana Ross, 1982
Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein, 1996
Sharon Stone in a Vera Wang skirt, 1998
Michelle Williams in Vera Wang, 2006
Lupita Nyong’o in Prada, 2013
Worst dresses
Bette Davis, 1955
Cher in Bob Mackie, 1973
Elizabeth Taylor in Valentino, 1993
Whoopie Goldberg, 1993
Kate Winslet in Alexander McQueen, 1998
Faith Hill in Versace, 2002
Diane Keaton in Ralph Lauren, 2004
Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel, 2010
Heidi Klum in Marchesa, 2016