While The Oscars are held to celebrate the successes of those in the film industry, the red carpet before the award ceremony features just as many opportunities to acknowledge the brilliant works by fashion designers. Here are some of the brilliant works of art worn on the red carpet at the 89th Academy Awards.
1. Janelle Monáe — Elie Saab Couture
Arguably the most dramatic look on the carpet, the beaded Elie Saab gown Janelle Monáe decided to wear for her first Oscars experience incorporates the classic ballgown structure with daring, ornate detailing. The continued detailing along the mesh bodice allows the flow of the dress to continue from head to toe.
2. Auli'i Cravalho — Rubin Singer
Sixteen-year-old Auli'i Cravalho, known for her portrayal of Moana strutted down the carpet in a beautiful gold-detailed, white Rubin Singer dress. The elegant train gave a sophisticated touch to the already very mature actress while the gold, floral-like geometric detailing is a unique aspect of the Singer gown.
3. Darby Stanchfield — Georges Chakra
The white gown worn by Darby Stanchfield was part of Lebanese designer Georges Chakra's Spring 2017 Couture collection. While the gown featured a unique gauze cape and draping along the bottom half, Stanchfield paired the dress with a red clutch and turquoise earrings, which stood out beautifully against the white dress.
4. Riz Ahmed — Ermenegildo Zegna Couture
Yes, it's true. Not every suit is the same, and men can stand out on the carpet, too. While I'm normally a fan of navy suits paired with brown shoes, the lighter blue of this suit ties together nicely with the sleek blackness of the shoes that also incorporate blue detailing.
5. Octavia Spencer — Marchesa
Octavia Spencer, looking beautiful as always, wowed in a silver gown that featured a beaded, feathered skirt and wrapped bodice. The wide bateau neckline and off the shoulder cap sleeves paired well with Spencer's short hairstyle.
6. Emma Stone — Givenchy Haute Couture
The Swarovski crystal decorated gown gave off a slight 1920's vibe with the beautiful ombre fringe-work. Designed by Riccardo Tisci, the beautiful gold and bronze coloring of the dress worked perfectly with Emma Stone's hair color, skin, and makeup. She also donned a Planned Parenthood pin.
7. Taraji P. Henson — Alberta Ferretti
Probably my favorite gown of the evening, the deep blue velvet dress by Alberta Ferretti features a thigh-high slit and plunging off the shoulder cut. The stunning diamond necklace compliments the neckline of the gown by mimicking the deep V.
8. Chrissy Teigen — Zuhair Murad Couture
This isn't the first time Chrissy Teigen has chosen a Zuhair Murad gown, and for clear reason. Featuring a semi-sheer bodice covered with sequined swirls mirroring those on the bottom and back of the gown, the dress also incorporated a chiffon train, high cut leg, beaded waist band, and one sheer sleeve.
9. David Oyelowo — Dolce & Gabbana
While there may not be anything groundbreaking about a white suit jacket, the inner black accent gave a new look to a classic tux. David Oyelowo is normally one to make the best-dressed lists and this outfit won't an exception.
10. Emma Roberts — Armani Privé
This particular Armani gown was part of their January 2005 collection. Featuring a two-tiered skirt, contrasting top and bodice pieces, delicate beadwork and a satin cummerbund, Emma Roberts proved that a new gown isn't necessary on the carpet.
11. Hailee Steinfeld — Ralph & Russo
This particular dress features floral detailing against a sheer fabric, paired with a high neck and beautiful ruffles along the back. Opting for an updo, Hailee Steinfeld showed off the various aspects of the Ralph & Russo gown.
12. Brie Larson — Oscar de la Renta
Brie Larson, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress last year took to the carpet in a black Oscar de la Renta gown. The dress, which features a twisting train and sharp V neckline also gave a peek at Larson's shoes.
13. Viola Davis — Armani Privé
This Armani Privé gown is my favorite outfit Viola Davis has worn on the carpet to date. The red silk fabric brings out her radiant skin and bright smile and the mixture of a halter and off the shoulder neckline show off her shoulders and add even more elegance to the already gorgeous dress.
14. Ava DuVernay — Ashi Studio
Ava DuVernay decided to wear this particular dress to make a statement. Designed by Mohammed Ashi, a designer from a Muslim-majority country, the silver, long-sleeved lace gown features a large skirt and high neckline.
15. Karlie Kloss — Stella McCartney
The white Stella McCartney dress worn by Karlie Kloss allowed for the blue ACLU ribbon to stand out vibrantly. The completely white, floor-length gown, featuring an asymmetrical cape was paired with a thick choker.
16. Mahershala Ali — Ermenegildo Zegna Couture
Entirely black suits are a personal favorite of mine. Accented with a checkered pocket handkerchief, Mahershala Ali looked incredibly handsome in the Ermenegildo Zegna suit.
17. Isabelle Huppert — Armani Privé
The nude gown from Armani is delicate, elegant, sophisticated and glamorous. The silver beading trailing down the entirety of the dress in a rain-drop like fashion is a subtle yet stunning touch. Paired with a belt a cuffed earrings the Best Actress nominee looked radiant.
18. Naomie Harris — Calvin Klein By Appointment
Even though this dress may appear simple at first glance, if you look closely you can see the many sequins on the sleek, white fabric. The bralette bodice and mid-length skirt is a more modern look against the cape. Paired with asymmetrical silver and yellow shoes and dangling earrings, Naomie Harris looked absolutely beautiful.
19. Cynthia Erivo — Paolo Sebastian
Seen in Paolo Sebastian's 2016 Fall Couture collection this beautifully detailed floral embroidered gown is a true work of art. Incorporating a variety of colors, the gown is unlike any other on the carpet.
20. Kirsten Dunst — Dior Haute Couture
A typical black dress is always in fashion. The slight high-low lift to the skirt of the dress is a perfect way to show off the shoes—an aspect of any outfit that shouldn't go unnoticed.