We all know the Academy Awards are the perfect time for actresses to get their glam on and wear their dream dress down the red carpet. Most spend countless hours trying to find the perfect one, but what about the designers? Style.com interviewed ten designers to find out which of Hollywood’s main ladies (those nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress) they would like to dress, and what they’d put them in
Cate Blanchett, nominated for both awards for her roles in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and I’m Not There, had two designers vying for her. Peter Som envisioned a peacock green and blue chiffon and tulle number, with a ruched bodice and train emerging from the hemline. “Peacocks are regal, and Cate Blanchett embodies a regal elegance” he said.
Jason Wu had a different take on things, his vision for the star was an electric purple, micro pleated, goddess gown, that would focus on an elegant bare shoulder line. When asked if Blanchett’s pregnancy posed a challenge, he replied, “The opportunity just presented me with an even bigger, more beautiful canvas to work with”. Cate didnt wear either of the looks, she opted instead for a Dries Van Noten in deep purple, but she still looked gorgeous.
Marion Cottilard, French screen siren, who won Best Actress for her role in La Vie En Rose, served as inspiration for designer Barbara Tfank. Tfank created a black and silver crepe dress, with vantage diamante shoulder buttons, and a waterfall train. Tfank said, “She can carry it off. She understands glamour and knows how to move”. Marion showed up to receive her Oscar in mermaid inspired Gaultier Paris Couture that turned heads the whole night.
One actress who’s outfit caused quite a stir was Tilda Swinton. Her severe, black velvet, one shouldered Lanvin gown was not loved by most, though the outfit was in step with the actresses previous odd fashion picks. Richard Chai however said he “envisioned her in something softer, a dress that would reveal a sense of who she is”. Chai, a long time fan of Swinton’s, drew up a pale crinkle-chiffon column, he felt would enhance her subtle beauty.
Costello Tagliapietra also had some ideas, this time for Amy Ryan, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in Gone Baby Gone. He envisioned the stunner in draped, gold panne velvet, with a bluson bodice, and slits in back to reveal the shoulder blades. “We are minimalists… But thats our way, our job is to enhance Amy Ryan’s beauty”. In reality, Amy chose to wear a simple, one shoulder gown from Calvin Klein Collection in navy.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.
