OSCAR FASHION DRAMA - COAST TO COAST!

The 85th annual Academy Awards aka The Oscars came and went, leavingTHE OSCAR many, wanting something more.  Argo won best picture, Daniel Day Lewis won best actor for his performance in Lincoln , Jennifer Lawrence won best actress for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook, and Seth McFarlane won least memorable host!  While the event celebrates the best Hollywood has to offer, it has also become the most important night in the year for the entire fashion world.    Every designer on the planet hopes that some Hollywood starlet will grace the red carpet in his or her design.   The global attention can be priceless - if the dress is right!

CHARLIZE THERON IN CHRISTIAN DIOR COUTUREThis year, things were a little more subdued than usual.  The strapless gown trend was almost like a uniform and honestly - not so modern.  Think prom dress.     There were a few stand out looks that were a breath of fresh air in a sea of sameness.   Here is a look at my favorites from the night.   All share a simplicity and elegance.   After all, at its best, a dress should showcase the wearers beauty.   She would wear the dress - not the other way round.

Representing the strapless, two piece look is drop dead gorgeous Charlize Theron.   Charlize is to red carpet events what supermodels are to the runway - the dream!   As a face of Christian Dior Parfum, it's no surprise she wears Christian Dior Couture.   How she wears it NEVER disappoints.   Her short cropped blond hair and sun kissed skin were the perfect compliments to this ivory understated stunner.

Looking beautiful and chic was Dustin Hoffman's wife - Lisa Hoffman. DUSTIN & LISA HOFFMAN - LISA WEARS MORGANE LE FAY  Her scooped neck strappy black dress by Morgane Le Fay was beautiful and classic chic.   Dustin is a lucky man.   Ms. Hoffman is a jewelry designer and perfumer, and her killer collaboration with Tom Binns of wearable fragrance jewelry is hot among those in the know from coast to coast!  Click Lisa Hoffman Tom Binns to learn more.

The lady in Red that got my vote was Sally Field.  SALLY FIELD IN VALENTINO Her Valentino Couture gown in signature RED silk was beautiful and flattering.   I've rarely seen a dress with sleeves that was so modern and beautiful.   Field co-starred With Daniel Day Lewis in Lincoln and is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.   Bravo to Ms. Field for her choice - sometimes more is more.

I must admit that possibly my favorite look of the night was worn by French EMMANUELLE RIVA IN LANVINactress Emmanuelle Riva.   Ms. Riva is sophisticated and accomplished and at 86 years of age - for me - was the classiest statement on the red carpet.   Her deep blue caped gown by Lanvin was French fashion at it's best.   Layers of fabric, exquisite draping, and richness that transcended a style or cut.  Designer Alber Elbaz (celebrating 10 years at the house) is a master at dress making, and with creations like this it shows.  What a treat. LISA HOFFMAN - TOM BINNS - FRAGRANCE PENDANTS    I was sorry she did not win best actress for her heart wrenching portrayal in Amour.  

 Now, when I mentioned Oscar drama "coast to coast" I was referencing the chatter that surrounded the Oscar de la Renta Fall collection show in NYC earlier this month.  Speculation was high as to the logistics and staging due to the public announcement that former Dior designer John Gallianohas been "in residence" at Oscar's atelier in NYC for a weeks before the runway show.   As this was Galliano's first public project since his firing in 2011, it was a hot topic.  Some said Galliano would take a bow with Oscar, or sit front row at the show - he did not.   I knew he would not.  Why would he?   Despite his massive fall from grace, Galliano was the most celebrated Couture designer in the world for 15 years.   His guest visit at ODLR was charming, but not life changing.   But the speculation did sell newspapers.   Oscar's collection has been sparkling a little brighter for the past few years, after the head of Galliano's atelier left that post and moved to NY for ODLR.   Galliano was not pleased at the time, but seems to have warmed to the idea.  That little detail was never mentioned in the main stream press.   They prefer the story that Anna Wintour of Vogue coordinated the whole "in residence" post - so be it.   

I have some films to catch up on - do you?   Pass the popcorn!

**Click photos to learn more about each fashion house**