THE MOST TALKED-ABOUT DRESSES IN OSCAR HISTORY

The red carpet at the Oscars is a showcase of elegance and sophistication that has captivated the world for over 90 years. Each year, celebrities dazzle with their fashion choices, ranging from classic to bold, making their arrival at this event one of the most eagerly awaited runways of the year. Since it was first televised in 1961, the red carpet has transformed into an event in itself, with millions of viewers around the world eager to see the dresses, suits, and accessories chosen by the stars for this moment. Below, we explore in detail the 16 most unforgettable looks to have graced this iconic runway.

AUDREY HEPBURN IN GIVENCHY (1954)

In 1954, Audrey Hepburn appeared at the Oscars in a white lace dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy. The dress, featuring pastel embroidered details and a bateau neckline, accentuated her silhouette flawlessly. This appearance marked the beginning of a fashion relationship that would define her legacy and turn her into a fashion icon. Her minimalist and sophisticated style solidified her as "Hollywood's princess." Years later, Givenchy would become her favorite designer, and their collaboration would become one of the most iconic in the history of film and fashion.

GRACE KELLY IN EDITH HEAD (1955)

In 1955, before becoming the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly stunned the world in a mint silk dress designed by Edith Head at the Oscars. The dress, in an elegant celadon tone, was a perfect reflection of the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. This is the same night Kelly won the Oscar for Best Actress for The Country Girl, and her presence on the red carpet represented a unique combination of beauty, sophistication, and timeless elegance.

BARBRA STREISAND IN ARNOLD SCAASI (1969)

In 1969, Barbra Streisand made one of the most surprising moments in Oscars history when she won, alongside Katharine Hepburn, the Oscar for Best Actress. Streisand wore a black sequined pantsuit by Arnold Scaasi, which accidentally became transparent under the lights of the ceremony. Her confidence in wearing such a daring outfit and her emotional speech made this one of the most unforgettable moments in Oscars history.

ELIZABETH TAYLOR IN EDITH HEAD (1970)

Elizabeth Taylor, known for her luxury and glamour, dazzled at the 1970 Oscars in a violet chiffon dress by Edith Head. The outfit perfectly complemented her captivating violet eyes, and her jewelry—including a 69-carat diamond necklace, a gift from her husband Richard Burton—added even more glamour to the look. This was one of Taylor's standout moments on the red carpet, reflecting her unique style and her status as a film diva.

CHER IN BOB MACKIE (1986)

Cher broke all fashion conventions at the 1986 Oscars with a dress designed by Bob Mackie. The black outfit, with sheer elements, a daring neckline, and feather details, sparked a revolution on the red carpet. The design, bold and provocative, was a manifestation of Cher’s extroverted personality, and her choice was seen as a direct response to the Academy, which had not nominated her for Mask. This look marked the beginning of a series of Cher’s appearances on the red carpet that challenged norms and showcased her unmistakable style.

CHER IN BOB MACKIE (1988)

Cher surprised everyone again in 1988 with another dress by Bob Mackie. This time, she chose a sheer design with lace and embellishments that provocatively accentuated her figure. This look, blending sensuality and sophistication, was perfect for a moment when Cher not only won the Oscar for Best Actress for Moonstruck but also reaffirmed her status as the queen of bold style.

CINDY CRAWFORD IN VERSACE (1991)

Renowned supermodel Cindy Crawford made a memorable appearance at the 1991 Oscars in a red dress by Versace that left an indelible mark on red carpet fashion. The perfect fit of the dress, its sensuality, and her natural elegance not only solidified her status as a top model but also marked the beginning of her public relationship with Richard Gere. This look is remembered as one of the most iconic in Oscars history and continues to inspire the fashion world.

CELINE DION IN JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR (1999)

In 1999, Celine Dion broke with red carpet tradition when she chose a white tuxedo designed by John Galliano for Dior. The jacket, worn inside out, shattered all the event's conventions, which were still dominated by long, classic dresses. Accompanied by a white fedora and diamond-studded sunglasses, Dion became one of the first celebrities to use the red carpet to make an innovative fashion statement.

GWYNETH PALTROW IN RALPH LAUREN (1999)

Gwyneth Paltrow caused a sensation at the 1999 Oscars when she appeared in a pastel pink taffeta dress designed by Ralph Lauren. The dress, evoking classic Hollywood style, was one of the most elegant appearances of the night. Additionally, Paltrow won the Oscar for Best Actress for Shakespeare in Love, making this look one of the most representative of the 90s red carpet.

BJÖRK IN MARJAN PEJOSKI (2001)

In 2001, Björk starred in one of the most unusual moments on the red carpet when she wore a swan-shaped dress designed by Marjan Pejoski. What stood out about this look was its eccentric character, combining elements of art and provocation. The singer even laid ostrich eggs while walking down the carpet, creating one of the most surreal images in Oscars history.

HALLE BERRY IN ELIE SAAB (2002)

Halle Berry captivated the world in a nude dress by Elie Saab at the 2002 Oscars. This look was memorable not only for the delicacy and elegance of the design but also because Berry became the first African-American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball. This historic moment, combined with the stunning dress, made it one of the most emblematic in Oscars history.

ANGELINA JOLIE IN VERSACE (2012)

In 2012, Angelina Jolie became a viral sensation with her strapless black dress from Atelier Versace. More than the dress itself, the look was memorable because of Jolie’s famous leg, which appeared through a slit in the skirt. This moment turned into a meme, and the leg even got its own Twitter profile, marking a milestone in Oscars fashion culture.

MERYL STREEP IN LANVIN (2012)

In 2012, Meryl Streep, receiving her third Oscar for The Iron Lady, dazzled in a golden Lanvin dress. The dress, with its shine reflecting the statuette she had just won, became one of the most elegant moments of the ceremony, reaffirming Streep as the queen of the red carpet and a symbol of sophisticated style.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE IN DIOR (2013)

Jennifer Lawrence made her first appearance on the Oscars red carpet as a winner in 2013 in a pale pink Dior Haute Couture dress. The elegant design, with a wide skirt and dramatic train, solidified her as one of the most important figures in fashion. Her fall while ascending the stairs, though embarrassing, made the moment even more endearing and memorable for viewers.

LADY GAGA IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN (2019)

Lady Gaga showcased her ability to master classic glamour in 2019 with a black Alexander McQueen dress. The design, reminiscent of Old Hollywood, featured the same yellow diamonds from Tiffany & Co. that Audrey Hepburn wore for Breakfast at Tiffany's. This look, blending classic elegance with modernity, paid homage to the history of film and fashion.

ZENDAYA IN VALENTINO (2022)

Zendaya, known for her ability to reinvent fashion, shone at the 2022 Oscars in a Valentino ensemble made up of a long skirt and a short white top. This look, a tribute to Sharon Stone’s iconic style in 1998, was a perfect example of Zendaya's influence on modern fashion. Her presence on the red carpet solidified her status as one of the most influential figures of the moment.

The Oscars red carpet remains a unique fashion runway, where celebrities not only present dazzling dresses and suits but also make style statements that are etched in the collective memory. These 16 looks have transcended decades, setting new trends and keeping the magic of the red carpet alive, making those who wear them legends in both fashion and film.