The 85th Annual Academy Awards were held on February 24th, 2013. This is a show I usually never miss, but this year I only caught the tail end of them; just in time to see Ben Affleck take home Best Picture for Argo. While I missed most of the celebrity action, I was indulging in a little limelight myself; I was out on the catwalk modeling two bridal party wear collections at the Exclusive Bridal Show. Yes, on Oscar night I was busy having my hair and makeup done, putting on beautiful gowns and having lots of photos taken as I strolled down the (black) carpet. I like to think of it as practicing for the real thing. 😉
Here’s my list of this year’s best dressed ladies on the red carpet (in random order). Be sure to vote for your favorites in the poll below. You can choose as many as you like.
1. Jessica Chastain
Best Actress nominee Jessica Chastain said she was going for an old-Hollywood glamour feel, and I think she hit the nail right on the head with her look, including this beautiful gown from Armani Prive.
2. Amy Adams
Speaking of glamorous, check out Amy Adams! Some people criticized the Best Supporting Actress nominee’s dress choice for being “too much,” but really, where else are you going to wear this dress, if not to the Oscars? Perhaps we should ask her designer, Oscar De La Renta, what he thinks.
3. Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner had this violet gown custom made for her by Gucci. I have lovingly named it “The Mullet Dress” for it is all business in the front, and all party in the back. Still, it works for her. 🙂
4. Amanda Seyfried
Swinging in next, we have Amanda Seyfried in the dress that caused all the controversy. This dress was too similar to the one that Best Supporting Actress winner Anne Hathaway had planned on wearing, and upon discovering Amanda’s choice, Anne opted to change dresses at the eleventh hour. Anne ended up on the worst dressed list in her second choice Prada gown. It’s a shame since I liked her original Valentino pick even better than I like Amanda’s Alexander McQueen.
5. Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer is one curvy lady who knows how to work her assets. Like last year, she’s wearing another Tadashi Shoji gown. These two have a good thing going on. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
6. Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts hit it out of the park with this gorgeous blue velvet Marc Bouwer creation. Robin’s inclusion in the list is a bit of an unusual choice, as she was there to cover the Oscars for ABC News, as opposed to participating in the event, but credit where credit is due. She looked fabulous. Check out those pipes! And this only days after returning to work following a long recovery from a bone marrow transplant.
7. Jennifer Lawrence
A much more obvious choice was Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence in this unbelievable Dior Haute Couture masterpiece. Seriously, who did not love this dress? I’m attempting to recreate this the next time I play toilet paper bride.
8. Naomi Watts
Best Actress nominee Naomi Watts dazzled the crowd in her glittery Armani Prive dress. She gets major sexy points for that sleek shape and crafty neckline.
9. Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston looked lovely in her Valentino Couture gown. The saturated red was a fresh pop of colour on a somewhat subdued red carpet this year, and gave her skin a nice glow.
10. Alicia Vikander
I’m enamored with the delicate look of this Elie Saab dress chosen by Alicia Vikander. The Anna Karenina actress was stunning and statuesque covered in modern vintage lace and sequins.
Honourable Mentions
I usually keep this trim, but I’ve got a few this year.
1. Quvenzhane Wallis
Anyone who can rock a purse like that on the red carpet gets confidence props from me. In fact, the youngest-ever Best Actress nominee has been spotted wearing her trademark puppy purses all over the place. A different one for every occasion.
2. Aparna Danna
This one is a shout out to the hometown crowd. Aparna Danna is the wife of Canadian film composer, and newly minted Oscar winner, Mychael Danna, who took home the trophy for Best Original Score for Life of Pi. Aparna arrived on the carpet in bright purple sari custom designed for the occasion by Toronto-based fashion designer Dinesh Ramsay.
3. Samantha Bark’s necklace
There were better dresses, but I thought this was perhaps the best statement jewelry piece of the night. It’s a House of Waris for Forevermark pendant necklace. It’s crafted from 18k yellow gold, and you’re looking at a 14.67 carat Oval Forevermark Diamond.
4. Holly Sarchfield (moi!)
Okay, so I wasn’t actually at the Oscars, but this is what I was wearing on Oscar night, and hey, it’s my list. It’s a beautiful navy B&A design from Ashter Fashions that I modeled on the runway. This gorgeous gown would have fit right in on the red carpet, and I’ve lovingly dubbed it my Oscar dress.
So, what did you think of my picks? Who couldn’t you get enough of at the Academy Awards? Vote for your favourites below (you can choose more than one), and let’s see who the big winners are in the court of public opinion.
I’ve got to put my vote for my hometown girl, you’re rocking that dress, Holly!