While I was initially shocked that the designer of one of my all-time favorite red carpet looks (see gorgeous white dress with cape to your right, please) would seemingly dismiss Oscar fashion, I got his point. For any of us, when going to a special event, we care more about looking pretty than trendy."What's worn on the red carpet has nothing to do with what's going on in contemporary fashion. It's really a kind of bubble of 1950s Barbie clothes."
This year's Oscars proved no exception. Everyone looked very pretty. While I'll leave it to Joan Rivers to decide whose dress was prettier than the others, my job is to discuss the hair. I think it is worth looking to the red carpet as an influence on hair trends, particularly as we move into bridal and prom season. What I noticed most often on the Oscar red carpet was an easiness with the hairstyles. Some of my favorites:
There were very few up-dos, but the one who got it perfect was Olivia Wilde. It had the right amount of height, softness, and perfect blend of looseness with hold. She looked simply elegant.
There was lot of short hair on the red carpet, thanks to all of last year's great pixie cuts. Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, and Kristin Chenoweth all continued to show us how short hair can be both edgy and classy. But my favorite short hair style was Jennifer Lawrence. Just by sweeping her hair off her face, she looked cool and fresh. She has pulled off so many styles with her short hair, it's fun to see just how versatile a short cut can be.
And I applaud Lupita Nyongo, who has been wowing us with her outfits this red carpet season, but at the Oscars showed how the right accessory can completely make the outfit (by which I mean her headband and not her Oscar, although that's a mighty nice accessory as well.)
As much as I appreciate drama in my red carpet looks, I have to say the best long hair styles were those which were the most understated. Angelina Jolie and Kerry Washington, in particular, looked comfortable and relaxed, yet pretty and polished at the same time.
What I realized about the looks I felt were unsuccessful was that it seemed like the stylist was trying too hard, or had forgotten that these ladies would be moving around in these styles and not just posing for an editorial shoot. Amy Adams' hair was so flat and constricted, it seemed in complete opposition to her bubbly personality. I hate to even post it here because I think she's great, but....
.....see what I mean?
The sideswept look is so pretty, but watching Kate Hudson standing to the side of the stage after presenting an award, I noticed she kept fixing and smoothing her hair while the winner gave his speech. It made me realize that this is probably a hard look to maintain all night.
To Tom Ford's point, this look would totally fit on a 1950's runway. But today's Oscar style does need to be somewhat contemporary. Because when Ellen wants everyone to jump in for a selfie, there is no time to grab your train or fix your hair.
No comments:
Post a Comment