This year’s Academy Awards saw a mix of elegance and predictability on the red carpet, with high-profile stylists advocating for more daring fashion choices and individual expression.
This Monday morning, many avid fans and commentators of the Academy Awards woke up early in anticipation of the iconic Oscars’ red carpet moments. However, for some, this year’s fashion choices evoked a sense of disappointment rather than excitement. “The looks just did not look” appealing this season, said celebrity stylist Rishi Raj during a phone conversation. He expressed dissatisfaction with the overall aesthetic at the Oscars, describing it as elegant but predictable. “Classic silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, refined styling—everything was elegant and polished but predictable,” he observed.
The Academy Awards, known for showcasing groundbreaking fashion, has often delivered show-stopping looks over the years, such as Nicole Kidman’s yellow gown by John Galliano for Christian Dior in 1997 and Julia Roberts’ elegant Armani suit at the 1990 Golden Globes. Yet, this year, Raj noted a lack of spontaneity and real risk-taking in the celebrity fashion displayed at the event.
Henna Parimoo, the fashion styling department lead at Pearl Academy, highlighted a resurgence of old-world Hollywood glamour, noting that many celebrities embraced vintage aesthetics this year. For instance, Selena Gomez donned a Ralph Lauren dress reminiscent of the classic silhouettes made famous by yesteryear actors, while Elle Fanning appeared in a piece by Sarah Burton for Givenchy. Parimoo commented, “This revival isn’t just about aesthetics—it taps into a broader cultural moment.”
Parimoo pointed out that during uncertain times, audiences often gravitate towards nostalgic representations of beauty and aspiration, which can be found in the polished elegance of old Hollywood. She remarked that vintage styles photograph beautifully, enhancing their appeal on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. Raj echoed this sentiment, suggesting that social media has accelerated the fashion cycle, leading to a desire for more timeless looks rather than ephemeral trends.
In contrast to past eras when memorable fashion moments made a significant impact, Raj noted that modern events often see celebrities dressing within “a highly PR-driven” framework that prioritizes public perception over personal expression. “Celebrities aren’t dressing for themselves; they’re dressing for brand deals, movie promotions, and social media approval,” he said.
While there have been exceptions with celebrities like Cynthia Erivo and Ranveer Singh known for their bold fashion choices, Parimoo commented that the overall trend tends to fall within a “safe” zone. This need for approval leaves many looks feeling bland, with stars often stepping carefully to avoid negative online backlash while also attempting to stand out.
The rapid pace of online commentary also plays a role in shaping today’s fashion landscape. “The moment a look debuts, it’s dissected, memed, praised, and criticised within hours,” Raj explained, noting that this creates a sense of monotony as fashion trends quickly follow one another. This is particularly noticeable in Bollywood, where the global audience adds additional layers of complexity to styling decisions.
Moreover, gender dynamics come into play in terms of scrutiny on fashion choices. Parimoo observed that women in entertainment are often expected to showcase their fashion as an extension of their identity and roles, receiving far more intense analysis than their male counterparts. This discrepancy leads to an imbalance in fashion discourse, with men often receiving praise for minor deviations from the norm.
Raj suggested that the focus should shift towards recognizing the evolving landscape of men’s fashion and considering how it can be redefined. A balanced discussion that acknowledges both men’s and women’s contributions may lead to a more expressive and diverse arena for red carpet fashion.
Looking ahead, both Raj and Parimoo voiced the need for greater unpredictability and individuality in artist fashion choices. To reclaim the Oscars red carpet as a terrain for daring styles, stars may need to rekindle personal expression over adherence to trends or public expectations. As long as fashion continues to rely on curated images, spectators may find themselves hoping for the right kind of spectacle yet again, only to awaken the next year feeling as if they had missed an opportunity for something more inspiring.
Source: Noah Wire Services
