The heat wasn't emanating from the medium-wattage star power on the red carpet at last night's Oscars, but it was radiating from the smoldering frocks that matched the color of the rug. Red was hard to miss on actresses ranging from 15-year-old pop tart Miley Cyrus to 83-year-old nominee Ruby Dee. But it was a color worn to varying degrees of success.
Presenter Anne Hathaway's blazing Marchesa one-shoulder gown was marked by elegantly intricate rosettes that crept up her shoulder. Other details in evidence: floral embellishments, feathers, and other décolletage décor. While Hathaway proved she finally learned something from her time on the "Devil Wears Prada" set, not to mention attending several shows at this month's New York Fashion Week, some other actresses could have used a primer in how to wear the color. Helen Mirren's custom-made gown had odd glittering granny sleeves that looked as if they were sewn on by mistake. Katherine Heigl's turn in scarlet was marred by an odd cut-out in the shoulder and a too-tight fit.
The monochromatic gowns extended beyond red. Solids, such as Amy Adams's deep green Proenza Schouler, Jessica Alba's feathery, flowery, aubergine Marchesa maternity dress, and Laura Linney's black Michael Kors were subtle statements against prints and patterns. Nicole Kidman's black gown was simply a backdrop for her cascade of jewels. Despite an odd, alien haircut that she constantly fussed with, Renee Zellweger's icy, slinky Carolina Herrera was a risky, but wise choice.
These actresses smartly stayed away from fruity frocks, such as Kelly Preston's Tropicana-orange chiffon dress, but the lack of risk made watching what was coming across the red carpet a dull sport. Single-shoulder, single-color gowns look pretty, but sometimes a party dress can truly make the party.
HEIDI KLUM: Wearing a custom John Galliano gown, the "Project Runway" host cut an elegant figure with Grace Kelly hair and jewels.
KATHERINE HEIGL: The Escada may be new, but its dated fit looked as if her stylist had rescued it from a box of Herve Leger castoffs.
MILEY CYRUS AND RUBY DEE: Forget "Hannah Montana." Let's hope Cyrus's millions of young fans toss out the cheap blond wigs and start emulating their heroine's Valentino look. Ruby Dee shows that red is ageless, especially in stunning satin Kevan Hall creation.
A LITTLE MERMAID: Marion Cotillard was one of the few actresses to take a sartorial risk in this Jean-Paul Gaultier gown with scale-like details.
PERFECTLY RUFFLED: Jennifer Garner's strapless Oscar de la Renta was a stunning example of the designer's ability to make complicated layers look simple.
DROWSY DIOR: Cameron Diaz's Dior dress is lovely, but she looked like she slept in it, and then woke up and drove directly to the show.
ANIMAL MAGNETISM: Nothing says "I'm a rebel" like wearing a Miami Beach housewife’s leopard-print nightgown to the Oscars. So "Juno" screenwriter Diablo Cody must have thought.
