Sunday, March 6, 2011

Through the Opera Glasses - 74 - My Top Ten Oscar Gowns From the 2011 Red Carpet











Last weekend my very favorite night of the year - after Christmas Eve, of course - unfolded from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Continuing a three-year tradition here at A Piece of My Mind, here are my top ten gowns from the Oscar arrivals red carpet:


1 - My favorite: Co-host Anne Hathaway's scarlet strapless Valentino gown with Victorian-style train, complete with rose detailing.

Anne made a previous appearance on my 2008 list. You can check previous Oscar gown posts by clicking on my Weekly Look at the Arts tab just below the blog header.

Photo by John Shearer


2 - Hilary Swank's feathery strapless Gucci Premiere gown dazzled.

Hilary previously appeared on my 2008 list.




Photo by Lucy Nicholson


3 - I really loved this ethereal Monique Lhuillier crystal-encrusted gown with an illusion neckline worn by Mandy Moore.








Photo by Steve Granitz


4 - This ruby-red stunner was worn by an unnamed guest of supporting actor nominee John Hawkes.








Photo by Jason Merritt


5 - Helen Mirren makes her third appearance on my Top Ten Oscar Gowns list with this sculpted Vivienne Westwood gown.








Photo by Matt Sayles


6 - John Hawkes' Winter's Bone co-star Dale Dickey shimmered in this sequined off-the-shoulder blue sheath dress.








Photo by Lucy Nicholson


7 - Jennifer Hudson rocked in this fitted tangerine Versace mermaid gown.








Photo by Jason Merritt




8 - The incredibly stunning Aishwarya Rai shone by going for understatement with a bronze sequined Armani Privet gown.












9 - Michelle Williams was luminous in this short-sleeved beaded Chanel sheath dress.









Photo by Frazer Harrison



10 - Having made the Worst Dressed List for previous Oscars, Helena Bonham Carter's restraint with this custom-designed gown by Oscar-winner Colleen Atwood was a welcome surprise. I especially loved her fan-shaped clutch.





Photo by Jason Merritt

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Great choices. I think it's hard for Anne Hathaway to look bad, and nearly impossible for Helen Mirren to - I saw a picture of her in a bikini a couple of years ago and she rocked it. She is my hero. And I really appreciate Helena Bonham-Carter's nutiness. I couldn't do it, but I'm glad she does. Great list Julia!

Akelamalu said...

Helen Mirren is just elegant and has the most fabulous figure for her age don't you think?

Janet said...

Ooh, I've been waiting for your list this year, Julia :)

I'm with the girls - love, love, love Helen Mirren!

Pamela Callow said...

Totally loved your choices, Julia! Anne Hathaway always puts together a winning look, as does Helen Mirren. For sheer gorgeousness of the gown, I loved Hilary Swank's and Mandy Moore's. And I agree, Helena B-C's clutch was wonderful!

Unknown said...

HBC's clutch was exquisite. I love that she is rebel and I think she really rocked that gown. Helen Mirren is ageless and graceful. I was also in love Scar Jo's dress, not her hair so much.

Jennie Marsland said...

Love number 3 and number 9, especially the illusion neckline. And Helena Bonham-Carter's clutch was tres chic! Thanks for the chance to see these, as I didn't see the show.

Tara MacQueen said...

I loved the dress Anne Hatheway wore at the opening segment of the Oscars - a white, glittering dress. However, Red was definitely the colour this year. LOL.

Unknown said...

Love your choices, Julia. No one really looks bad anymore, do they? Remember Cher?

Travis Cody said...

Jennifer Hudson was gorgeous. Of your list here, I think her gown is my favorite.

Now will there be a gentleman's list as well? I'm always curious to see what the trends are in formal wear for men. I prefer the classic wingtip collar and bow tie, personally. I've never liked the trend toward a long tie with a tuxedo.

Annette Gallant said...

Great picks, Julia! I loved the style of Anne Hathaway's dress, but I would have preferred a different colour. Like that gorgeous red #4 was wearing. And Helen Mirren was stunning as usual. Honestly, she could probably make a potato sack look good.

One of my other favourites didn't make your list. I thought Halle Berry's dress was wonderful. Another lady who can make anything look good.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Travis - I'm not planning a menswear red carpet post because their designs are so subtle.

My favorite formalwear for men is white tie and tails - and that is always sadly lacking at the Oscars...