Big names in fashion get in shape for the Oscars
The weeks of catwalk shows which immediately precede Oscar night serve as a crucial shop window for designers. In pole position this year is Versace, whose finale procession of floor-length gowns shown in Milan had something to please all tastes and all colourings. Another designer likely to score big-name support on the red carpet is Valentino. Valentino has form at the Oscars - having dressed Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett on the nights they won, his dresses are considered something of a lucky charm. His retirement last month is likely to trigger a sentimental desire among his many celebrity fans to pay tribute to one of the great masters of eveningwear.Chanel and Dior are both likely to notch up heavyweight names on their teams.The buzz in the fashion industry is that in fashion terms, tomorrow might just be the most exciting Oscar night for years. The explosion of interest in red carpet fashion has stifled what was once one of the most unpredictable - and sometimes hilarious - nights in the fashion calendar.Fear of ending up in the “what were they thinking?” column has encouraged safe, bland choices. Oscar dressing has become about big business, not self-expression.This year’s list of nominees in the all-important best actress and best supporting actress categories suggests tomorrow may offer more than the inoffensively pretty dresses which have dominated recent ceremonies. Two of the five best actress nominees, Marion Cotillard and Julie Christie, choose their outfits without the help of stylists - almost unheard of in Hollywood. Fellow nominees in this category Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett are known for their adventurous choices, while the newcomer Ellen Page, star of Juno, is a wild card - albeit one being dressed by established Los Angeles stylist Samantha McMillen.Most-wanted actress of the night among designers will be Cate Blanchett. Blanchett has a double shot at podium glory, being nominated in two categories, as best actress for Elizabeth: the Golden Age and as best supporting actress for her take on Bob Dylan in I’m Not There. She is also pregnant, which is a media advantage.
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