Awards? What awards? For many, Oscar night is the world’s most elaborate fashion show, a chance for the sartorially minded to revel in the beauty (and occasional beastliness) of Hollywood glamour.
Just in case you can’t wait until the weekend, Metro has assembled an expert panel to drop a few hints about what to expect on this year’s Academy Awards runway.
The Ladies
Los Angeles-based Ali Rahimi is an awards show pro, having dressed stars like Amy Adams, Anjelica Huston and Jane Lynch for their respective romps down the red carpet. And although he won’t tell us who, don’t be surprised to see one of his gowns floating into The Kodak Theatre on Sunday.
“In the past few years the trend has been discovering new designers – not just sticking with the same old guard – and feeling comfortable enough to take a chance and wear colour or fabrics that are a little more out there. There’s always going to be black, but I think we’re also going to see a lot more fabrics like silk taffeta, which is very malleable to drape different designs in, silk duchess, crepe, and we’re seeing a lot of wonderfully complicated, intricate knits as well.”
The Gents
Menswear designer Dimitri Chris has been stitching up his niche on the Montreal fashion scene for the past decade, and is the veteran of not one, but two prêt-à-porter collections during la belle ville’s Fashion Week. His use of shape and creative combinations has singled him out as one to watch.
“If a guy doesn’t wear a traditional black tuxedo and tie he will automatically stand out and not necessarily in the right way. So to make a good statement, I think the men should opt for a real knotted bowtie, preferably in a pattern rather than solid black. They can also try a less conventional tuxedo with a lightweight velvet dinner jacket or a full-on silk tux in a navy or dark gray instead of the classic black. A pocket square is a must.”
The Shoes
Stuart Weitzman’s “million-dollar shoes” have been an Oscars staple since 2002, and his work can be seen supporting many of the world’s most famous arches. Out of respect for the economy, Weitzman says he won’t be debuting a six-figure creation this year, but reassures us there will still be plenty of glamourous footwork.
“Lots and lots of platforms — the higher the better, as well as some unique feather detail designs, crystals, of course, and colour palette of nudes and metallics. Stars are always ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing the latest in cutting-edge fashion, so expect the unexpected, especially from Maggie Gyllenhaal and Penelope Cruz.”
