When it comes to red carpet attire, there is no finer stage than the Oscars. The event, which is inspired by decades of Hollywood glamour, gives performers the chance to dress up like movie stars and showcase themselves in high-octane personalized outfits that highlight the best features of their public personas. Guests at 2022 explored modern movie star elegance with clothes that bowed to the past while being relevant to today’s issues.
Even the most carefree celebrity is now expected to be politically alert, environmentally sensitive, social media savvy, and sartorially daring. That checklist may appear overwhelming on paper, but it is far from impossible to complete. Whether it was vintage enthusiast Kirsten Dunst making a chicly sustainable choice by digging through Lily et Cie’s archives and pulling out a Christian Lacroix gown from Fall 2002, or Best Actor nominee Benedict Cumberbatch showing his support for the people of Ukraine by wearing the country’s flag on the lapel of his Giorgio Armani suit, they were able to shine a light on issues that mattered in an authentic way.
Other celebs sent a note with their choice of designer. Nothing beats witnessing a new addition to the Oscars list, as enticing as the typical luxury suspects are. It was a fantastic moment of fantasy when Liya Kebede went onto the carpet in a burgundy velvet gown from Pieter Mulier’s spring 2022 collection for Maison Alaa, introducing Mulier’s expressive skill to the millions of people watching.
The evening’s adventurous mood was maintained by such risks. Any event featuring Timothée Chalamet in Nicolas Ghesquière’s Vuitton womenswear and Kristen Stewart embracing authenticity by revisiting Chanel’s hotpants is bound to be memorable, but the surprises didn’t end there. The fresh names who emerged to the fore on the carpet were one of the most fascinating developments of the year.
Irreverent looks like Kodi Smit-powder McPhee’s blue Bottega Veneta tux and Demi Singleton’s airy pastel Miu Miu column gown seemed youthful, joyous, and like a breath of new air.
Looking at the best and boldest looks from the evening provides a quick snapshot of the red carpet’s present status. The winning designs were elegant yet distinctive, and they should inspire fashionistas for years to come.
The red carpet erupted for the first time in years for a more or less “regular” Academy Awards presentation, and the stars did not disappoint. We can’t say we were surprised to see so many people go all out with their outfits, given that the red carpet has been getting louder and glitzier as everyone attempts to move on from the lockdown era.
