“Red Carpet Royalty: A Timeless Journey Through Oscars Fashion History
The lights, the cameras, the glamour – the Oscars red carpet has long been a stage for Hollywood’s biggest stars to dazzle and delight. But beyond the awards themselves, it’s the fashion that truly steals the show. From Old Hollywood’s golden era to the present day, the Academy Awards have played host to some of the most iconic, daring, and unforgettable style moments in history.
In this article, we’ll take you on a captivating journey through the decades, revisiting the top style moments that have made the Oscars red carpet a benchmark for glamour and sophistication. From the elegant evening gowns of the 1930s to the bold, boundary-pushing looks of today, we’ll explore the evolution of Oscars fashion and the A-listers who have made it unforgettable.
Waterproofing and Staying in Place
For celebrities, award shows can be an emotional experience, whether they’re listening to powerful speeches or winning awards. This is why waterproof makeup is a must-have for any red carpet event. According to celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff, who has worked with Empire star Taraji P. Henson, “You need waterproof makeup that won’t budge.” Sheriff swears by waterproof products such as lip liners, eyeliners, mascaras, concealer, smudge-proof eye and cheek creams, as well as setting sprays that keep the face locked and loaded regardless of tears.
Tips for a Long-Lasting Look
To prevent concealer or highlighter flashback, which can be an unflattering bright cast under the eyes when being photographed, Sheriff mixes a translucent powder with a colored powder. “This helps to offset the flashback and still keep the under-eye looking rested and fresh,” she explains. Additionally, setting sprays are essential for keeping the makeup in place all night long.
Staying in Place Under the Spotlight
Celebrity hairstylist Marcia Hamilton, who has worked with Alicia Keys, knows the importance of keeping hair in place on the red carpet. To prevent static in hair, Hamilton sprays Phytolaque Soie hairspray on her brush before brushing curls out to keep everything bouncy and free of flyaways. For curly hair, using a hairspray specifically designed for curls and styles can make all the difference.
Hair and Beauty Hacks
The Power of Duct Tape
Celebrity stylist Janet Mandell, who has dressed big names such as Ariana Grande and Gigi Hadid, swears by duct tape for keeping cleavage intact on the red carpet. “Use duct tape to pull the breasts up instead of pasties,” Mandell advises. “Duct tape is much stronger, keeps the cleavage natural, and keeps your breasts up and tight all night long.”
Adding Extra Grip to Shoes
Walking in heels on any surface can be a recipe for disaster. To provide extra grip, Mandell recommends adding sandpaper to the bottom of your shoe. This hack can increase confidence and reduce the risk of injury.
Removing Deodorant Stains
Celebrity stylist Jenny Rodriguez, who has worked with everyone from red carpet host Giuliana Rancic to actress and reality star Kyle Richards, has seen her share of mishaps. But she knows just what to do when it comes to deodorant stains. “I’ve used a nylon sock to remove deodorant stains off dresses and it actually works really well,” she reveals.
Enhancing the Look
Adding Shine to the Face
According to celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert Neil Scibelli, who has worked with supermodels Molly Sims and Elle Macpherson, adding shine in the right areas of the face can make all the difference. “To keep the cheekbones looking fresh and dewy, I use a translucent powder away from the cheeks and focus on mattifying just on the center of the face — between the brows, the sides of the nose, the center of the chin,” he explains. “This helps to bring out the highlights and high points of the face without looking oily during red carpet flashes.”
Playing Up the Eye Look
A well-defined eye look can add drama and glamour to any red carpet photo moment. To enhance the lashline and add depth to the iris, Scibelli recommends focusing on the high points of the face. “When clients want a more defined eye, without wearing any heavy makeup, I use a combination of eyeshadows and eyeliner to create a subtle yet striking look,” he says.
Highlighting the High Points of the Face
Highlighting the high points of the face, such as cheekbones and brow bone, can add definition and radiance to the overall look. Scibelli recommends using a translucent powder to create a natural-looking glow. “This helps to bring out the highlights and high points of the face without looking oily during red carpet flashes,” he explains.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through the decades of Oscars fashion, it’s clear that the red carpet has played a significant role in shaping the world of style and entertainment. From the glamorous gowns of the 1930s to the modern, daring looks of today, the Oscars have consistently been a platform for celebrities to make bold statements and push the boundaries of fashion. Throughout the article, we’ve highlighted some of the most iconic and influential style moments in Oscars history, from Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance to Billy Porter’s groundbreaking tuxedo gown. These moments not only reflect the cultural and social attitudes of their time but also demonstrate the power of fashion to inspire, provoke, and bring people together.
The significance of Oscars fashion extends far beyond the realm of entertainment, with implications for the fashion industry, social justice, and cultural identity. The red carpet has long been a platform for celebrities to use their influence to raise awareness about important issues, from sustainability to diversity and inclusion. As we look to the future, it’s likely that Oscars fashion will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing values and attitudes of our society. With the growing importance of sustainability and social responsibility in the fashion industry, we can expect to see more eco-friendly and inclusive designs on the red carpet. Moreover, the increasing diversity of the Oscars nominees and attendees will likely lead to a more vibrant and eclectic mix of styles, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the film industry.
As we await the next Oscars ceremony, we’re reminded that fashion is not just about clothes; it’s about self-expression, empowerment, and community. The red carpet is a powerful symbol of the human desire to connect, to inspire, and to be seen. As we look to the future of Oscars fashion, we’re left with a profound question: what will be the next defining moment in red carpet history? Will it be a bold statement about sustainability, a celebration of diversity and inclusion, or a daring challenge to traditional notions of style and beauty? Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: the Oscars red carpet will continue to be a source of fascination, inspiration, and joy, a testament to the enduring power of fashion to captivate, to provoke, and to bring us together. And so, as the curtain closes on another year of Oscars fashion, we’re left with a lasting impression: the red carpet is not just a runway; it’s a reflection of our shared humanity, a celebration of our differences, and a reminder that, in the