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Forget flash, disregard dazzle when these stars come outUnderstated elegance likely Oscar fashion trend
(CNN) -- Every year, there are two Oscar guessing games: Who's going to win? And what will they wear? While critics and film fans ponder the first question, others wonder about the second. Who will be the fairest of all? The most handsome? This year, all fashion-conscious eyes will be on Oscar nominee Julia Roberts, predicts Tom Julian, style commentator for official Academy Awards Web site Oscar.com. "In tracking the past seven years, we have not had Julia Roberts in any way, shape or form," says Julian, a trend analyst for creative services company Fallon Worldwide. "She will be highly coveted by designers, highly watched and highly visible." Pity poor Ms. Roberts' people. The phones have probably not stopped ringing since -- well, ever. "If there was a mood or influence that might be visually different, we could see designs playing off of 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' with Asian detailing," the analyst adds. Stylistically, the outfits stars wore at the Golden Globe ceremony indicate a move toward classic elegance, says Julian. Last year's Oscars also hinted at that trend. Think Julianne Moore in basic black by Chanel Couture and Winona Ryder's 1940s-inspired gown in cream-trimmed black. Glamour, not glitzThis year's emphasis on glamour over glitz is likely a reflection of the economic downturn as well. "It's not going to be too overdone," he adds. "A lot of people are citing the look of Charlize Theron in Vera Wang." Stars and fashion houses that have longstanding relationships -- Jodie Foster and Giorgio Armani, for example, seem to go together like Cinderella and her glass slipper -- have probably been talking about ensembles for weeks. And, of course, designers woo nominees with offers of clothing, sending sketches or garment bags full of choices to their homes and personal stylists. The stars themselves may add additional pizzazz. "We are already hearing about the self-creations -- the one-of-a-kind statements for so many of the women," says Julian, citing "early buzz" from New York runway shows. "The shows are going on in Milan now, and Paris will happen," he says. "As soon as those wrap, we'll have a better idea because we might know that so- and-so was at the Versace or Armani show." Rich fabric, accessoriesFabrics to watch will include silk organza, leather, velvet and lace in rich fall colors, he says. And this year's look will be head to toe, with an emphasis on outerwear as well as what goes under it.
"In Gucci's show for fall there was a big gold tuxedo with a gold jacket and shirt," says Julian, describing the color as "a strong gold with a bit of iridescence and a rich finish." Oscar won't leave the men behind in other ways, the analyst adds, pointing to tuxedos trimmed in velvet, fur and leather. "I don't mean raccoon lapels or anything, maybe a fur-factor finish." Tuxedo coats will be cut a bit longer for a "strong silhouette," says Julian, who also predicts accents such as Western-style shirts, snap-button fronts and top stitching. "We do continue to hear about the accessory opportunity," he says. Translation: hair. Style up front"At the Golden Globes, we were seeing more of a men's hair statement than ever before -- from spiked and shiny to pushed and styled," says Julian. "It's not just slick-back-and-go anymore." Last year's Oscar jewelry options were diamonds in complementary colors.
"The younger Hollywood types were wanting to get these jewelry pieces but alter the design and then keep them," Julian says. Jewels in particular -- but frequently dresses and other formal wear -- are often loaned to celebrities for Oscar night. Some are then given to the stars as gifts. Badgley Mischka and Versace have been known to give designs to the stars who wear them. Armani and Chanel generally do not. There are always exceptions. And there are other designers to watch, too, such as Prada, Yves St. Laurent, Randolph Duke and Valentino. Although Stella McCartney's work hasn't been seen at the Oscars "in a big way" since Cameron Diaz turned out in a McCartney creation three years ago, the designer's much-ballyhooed wedding dress for Madonna may indicate a return to the red carpet this year. Armani is kingA regular on that carpet is Armani. "And this year, I don't think he will disappoint, says Julian. "He will continue to inspire." In addition to the Armani-doting Foster, celebrities noted for their devotion to Armani include Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush -- nominated again this year for his work in "Quills" -- and "Gladiator" best-actor nominee Russell Crowe. Still, there should be plenty of variety for fashion watchers. "We've got a wide range of nominees, from Benicio Del Toro to Ang Lee that cover the spectrum," says Julian, who admits looking forward to potentially astonishing new looks as well as "tragic moments" in fashion. As for specific predictions, Julian is cautious, though he does hazard a guess on Kate Hudson, nominated as best supporting actress in "Almost Famous." "One thing we can say about Kate is she was married in Vera Wang, her mother (Goldie Hawn) wears a lot of Vera Wang, and she wore Vera Wang to the Golden Globes," he observes. "I wouldn't be surprised if she wore Vera Wang this year." Watch and seeThere's only one way to know, of course. Tune in. "It will be interesting to see how Joan Allen (best-actress nominee for 'The Contender') transforms herself," says Julian. "In past years, it's been simple gowns in reds and blue-greens. I wonder if she's going to shift this year." Possibilities are as endless as the parade of celebrities, as last year's event proved. After years of barely there Bob Mackie glam, the 72nd Academy Awards show gave us Cher, admittedly dressed "like a grown-up" in black velvet. Points for slap-you-silly style went to Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of 'South Park,' for their drag show a-la Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow. What will it be this year? Comics in drag or dramatic actors in couture? Women pretty in pink or men in black? Time will tell soon enough, and the Oscars will be history -- perhaps even fashion history. RELATED STORIES:
Academy announces Oscar nominations RELATED SITES:
Oscar.com Homepage |
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