The 97th Academy Awards red carpet was nothing short of a high-fashion spectacle—a dazzling intersection of vintage prom nostalgia and opulent crystal embellishments. This year’s fashion narrative leaned into hyper-glamorous fantasy, where voluminous gowns met sculptural tailoring, and maximalist sparkle collided with sleek, modern elegance. From surrealist haute couture to power-dressing reinventions, the night was a masterclass in sartorial drama.
The Starlets of the Night: Prom-Core’s Leading Ladies
Ariana Grande in Schiaparelli: A Fashion Fairytale with a Surrealist Twist
Ariana Grande graced the red carpet in not one but two Schiaparelli masterpieces. However, it was her second look—a breathtaking red sequin and tulle gown with a sculptural heel attached to the back—that stole the show. The dress featured dramatic draping, a cinched bodice, and a straight neckline, evoking an otherworldly prom queen fantasy. The surrealist heel detail was an avant-garde nod to Elsa Schiaparelli’s artistic legacy, making this one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Lily-Rose Depp in Custom Chanel: The Darkly Romantic Debutante
Lily-Rose Depp exuded gothic refinement on the red carpet in a custom Chanel gown that seamlessly blended ethereal elegance with dark romanticism. Making her Oscars debut, the actress donned a breathtaking floral lace halter dress, a piece seemingly inspired by both her role as Ellen in Nosferatu and Chanel’s iconic Spring/Summer 1995 Couture collection. A true work of art, the gown required 515 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, cementing its place as one of the evening’s most mesmerizing creations.
Selena Gomez in Ralph Lauren: Old Hollywood, Reimagined
Selena Gomez turned heads in a sleek ivory column dress by Ralph Lauren, adorned with crystal-studded fringe that created a liquid shimmer effect. The plunging neckline was balanced by a soft, delicate makeup look combined with sleek ’20s-inspired hair. The look epitomized elegance with a dazzling edge.
Monica Barbaro in Dior: A Ballet of Soft Petals and Sculptural Elegance
Monica Barbaro channeled pure couture poetry in a petal-soft pink Dior gown crafted from luxurious mikado silk. Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the dress featured a hand-beaded bodice that shimmered with delicate embroidery, blooming into romantic box pleats that cascaded with regal structure. The silhouette, both sculptural and fluid, evoked a sense of ethereal grace—a testament to Dior’s timeless savoir-faire.
“The 97th Academy Awards proved that fashion is still Hollywood’s most powerful storyteller—where vintage glamour met avant-garde artistry, and every stitch, sparkle, and silhouette was a statement in itself.”
The Reign of the Power Suit: Crystal-Edged Tailoring and Tuxedo Reinventions
Lisa in Mark Gong: The Androgynous It-Girl
Lisa of Blackpink made a bold statement in a sleek Mark Gong tuxedo, proving that power dressing is as much about attitude as it is about silhouette. Featuring razor-sharp shoulders and a cinched waist, the look seamlessly fused masculine structure with feminine allure, redefining the modern tuxedo for the red carpet.
Andrew Garfield in Gucci: Effortless Elegance with a Modern Edge
Andrew Garfield brought his signature understated charm to the 97th Academy Awards in a rich chocolate-hued custom Gucci wool suit, perfectly tailored to exude timeless sophistication. The single-breasted silhouette, paired with a silk shirt and sleek leather boots, struck a balance between classic refinement and contemporary ease. Adding a touch of Hollywood cool, he accessorized with a pair of Gucci sunglasses, proving that effortless style is all about the details.
Timothée Chalamet in Givenchy: A Vision in Pastel Yellow
Never one to shy away from bold fashion statements, Timothée Chalamet illuminated the 97th Academy Awards in a full Givenchy creation by Sarah Burton, bathed in a dreamy pastel yellow—a hue as soft as it was striking. The impeccably tailored ensemble fused modern elegance with avant-garde energy, a testament to Chalamet’s fearless approach to red-carpet dressing.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Burton shared, “Timothée represents the youth and embodies the spirit of today. His incredible talent and fearless style has always been a great inspiration to me. I loved collaborating on this look together.“
Colman Domingo in Valentino: Regal Red Carpet Mastery
Colman Domingo delivered pure sartorial excellence at the 97th Academy Awards in a Valentino custom creation by Alessandro Michele, exuding his signature blend of refinement and charisma. The striking ensemble featured a red shantung silk double-breasted jacket, its rich texture, and impeccable tailoring radiating modern regality, paired effortlessly with classic black wool trousers.
A Night of Dazzling Jewels: Archival Elegance on the Oscars Red Carpet
The 97th Academy Awards sparkled with heritage craftsmanship and high-jewelry mastery, as stars adorned themselves with archival Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Chopard creations:
- Robert wore a Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. brooch (1956) in platinum, 18k gold, rubies, and diamonds—an ode to nature-inspired artistry.
- Gal embraced sculptural elegance in an Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. necklace (1980), crafted in 18k gold and platinum with diamonds.
- Zoe Saldana stunned in a Cartier Leopard necklace, an iconic feline-inspired piece exuding untamed sophistication.
- Meg dazzled in a Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Stitches bracelet (35+ carats of diamonds) and a 7-carat round brilliant diamond ring in platinum.
- Mikey Madison layered Tiffany & Co. diamond-set pieces, blending modern elegance with archival grandeur.
- Demi Moore radiated timeless glamour in Chopard diamonds, proving that classic brilliance never fades.
A New Era of Red Carpet Spectacle
This year’s Academy Awards cemented the red carpet as a theatrical fashion stage, where designers and celebrities collaborated to craft visual storytelling through couture. Prom-Core and Crystal Glam weren’t just fleeting trends—they represented a deeper movement towards fantasy-driven fashion and hyper-personalized couture moments. As Hollywood continues to push the boundaries between past and present, one question remains: will this era of decadent maximalism persist, or is a minimalist renaissance on the horizon?
