Oscars 2022: Golden era of glamour amid red carpet clamour

Some unexpected fashion trends hit the red carpet at one of the most surprising Oscars ceremonies.

Jessica Chastain was a knockout in Gucci. Picture: Getty Images

It was an Oscars of upsets and surprises. And like the ceremony itself, there were some unexpected fashion takes that no one saw coming, although no one was harmed in their unveiling.

Perhaps it was the shock of being back in the world after two years of pandemic dressing, but Old Hollywood boudoir style was a mini trend that offered some of the most entrancing looks.

Jessica Chastain’s Gucci gown was the knockout of the ceremony – a bronze to lilac gown in shimmering sequins that channelled a vintage peignoir, the skirt trimmed with ruffles instead of marabou, perfect for swanning around a plush 1950s bedroom, or holding a statuette on stage, as it turns out.

Maya Rudolph’s orange feather-trimmed gown was another take on the style, something Rosalind Russell might have worn as Auntie Mame in her later years. And Nicky Hilton’s feather-cuffed dress was a 70s take on the trend.

On that note, a number of guests appeared to channel stars of yesteryear with a contemporary spin. Zoe Kravitz was a modern Audrey Hepburn in pale pink Saint Laurent, finished with gamine fringe, a simple diamond necklace and a smattering of tattoos.

Fashion favourite Zendaya channelled Sharon Stone’s 1998 Oscars white shirt and evening skirt look; Zendaya’s Valentino ensemble saw the white shirt cropped below the bust and the skirt get its shimmer from sequins rather than satin.

Stars shimmer on Oscars red carpet once again

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And Uma Thurman – presenting the best actor award with her Pulp Fiction co-stars John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson – looked back to her own character in the film, Mia Wallace. Wearing a polished white satin button-down with a slimline black satin skirt, it was a polished take on Wallace’s white cotton shirt and black flared pants in the famous dance scene.

Among the other favourites of the night were Lupita Nyong’o in gold-embellished Prada, Nicole Kidman in a dusty blue column with puffed peplum, and Olivia Colman in a spectacular pleated silver 70s-inspired gown. Kristen Stewart was divisive in a Chanel shorts ensemble with a shirt unbuttoned nearly to the navel.

The past two years have seen men’s fashion take a U-turn of epic proportions, with the classic black tuxedo taking a back seat for fashion-forward men.

This year’s Oscars continued the trend, albeit slightly more subdued from recent outings.

The most striking turn was taken by Wesley Snipes in a claret-coloured ensemble by Givenchy, comprising a jacket, shorts over leggings, and a sporran-like flag of fabric. Colourful suits and tuxedos were also a strong trend.

Australian Best Supporting Actor nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee opted for ice blue Bottega Veneta, singer Sebastian Yatra chose a pale pink tuxedo, and Simu Liu a fiery red suit accented with gold jewellery.

At a time of international upheaval, a small cohort of attendees including Penelope Cruz, Jamie Lee Curtis and Jason Momoa wore blue ribbons to support refugees, while others including Benedict Cumberbatch wore badges in the colours of the Ukraine flag.