Oscars Outfits Once Mocked Now Iconic
For nearly 100 years, Hollywood elites have gathered to honor not only the cinematic achievements of the year gone by but also the best of the best in terms of fashion choices. The Oscars fashion choices have ranged from ethereal to extreme, from timeless to trendy, but no matter what, the heads seem to turn almost as much as when the winner for best picture is announced.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the infamous Oscar fashion looks that became iconic after being criticized and joked upon when they first appeared. Who knew that the outfit choices of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars would become some of the most memorable fashion looks ever.
Elizabeth Hurley’s Black Versace Gown
Elizabeth Hurley wore a black Versace gown to the 1994 Oscars. It was a daring choice, with its plunging neckline, thigh-high slit, and daringly low back, but it was the other celebrities of the time that really caused the gown to become iconic. Before it was even seen on the red carpet, it had been featured in People and Vanity Fair and was making headlines as one of the most unexpected ensembles of the night.
The night of the awards ceremony, Hurley walked out of the Beverly Hills Hotel in a security guard’s arms, cementing her place in Oscar’s history. People were generally critical of the dress because of its daringly revealing nature. However, it quickly became one of the most talked about outfits of the event, and a symbol of the “sex sells” attitude that was so present in the mid-90s.
Today, Hurley’s Versace Black Gown is an iconic piece of fashion history. It has been recreated in many shapes and sizes, and although it is still as daring and revealing as it was when Hurley first wore it, society’s attitude towards it has changed.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pink Ralph Lauren Gown
Gwyneth Paltrow made her Oscars debut in 1996 when she presented an award. She was one of the youngest attendees, and she decided to brighten up the black-tie ceremony by wearing a Ralph Lauren gown that was such a shocking shade of pink, it was almost offensive. The neo-coco gown was sheer with a leg-baring slit in the skirt and a delicate, crystal-embroidered bodice.
At the time, the gown was roundly mocked, with some fashion critics calling it “too brash” and “too sweet”, and the public finding it a little too reminiscent of a 6-year-old’s birthday dress. But it wasn’t long before the look, which Paltrow named her “Naked Dress”, would become iconic.
The pink Ralph Lauren gown has now become one of the most iconic looks in Academy Awards history. Its ultra-feminine design has been recreated many times since then, most famously by Reese Witherspoon and the late Carrie Fisher, who donned similar garments to their Oscars turns.
Cher’s Iconic Bob Mackie Ensemble
Cher’s iconic Bob Mackie creation appeared on America’s TVs in the middle of March back in 1986. The entire look of the Oscar moment was truly remarkable and if anything can be said about Cher’s Oscar moment is that it was epic.
The spandex and sequin ensemble was widely mocked and talked about after it appeared on the red carpet. A lot of people found it too gaudy, over the top even, and it was definitely not the expected look for a formal award ceremony.
However, Bob Mackie’s creation has lasted the test of time. With its thick applique trim, billowing sleeves, and intricate beading, it has become one of the most iconic looks in Academy Awards history.
And it’s probably the craziest and most outrageous look of the night every time. Cher’s Bob Mackie creation was a clear harbinger of the trend of over-the-top looks we would see in the Oscars for years to come.
Jennifer Lopez’s Green Versace Gown
Jennifer Lopez’s Green Versace Gown at the 2000 Oscars set the tone for what we would call the “red carpet moment”. Lopez strolled the red carpet in a daring, jungle print Versace gown that featured a plunging neckline and thigh-high slit. Her style choice quickly made her one of the most talked about celebrities of the night.
At the time, the gown received a lot of criticism for being too revealing and theatric, with some people calling it “tacky” and “unflattering”. It seemed like the fashion critics of the time were convinced that Lopez’s career would be over after donning such a risque look.
But lo and behold, the green Versace gown is now one of the most memorable looks of Oscars gowns in history. Worn by a sea of replicas, including Kim Kardashian (who wore it to the 2001 Grammy Awards) and Kim Basinger (who wore it to the 2002 Academy Awards), the dress quickly became a fashion icon. Now, almost 20 years after its debut, the green Versace gown is still as talked about now as it was the night J-Lo graced the red carpet.
The Academy Awards is an event that has become synonymous with the most daring and iconic fashion ensembles. Throughout its history, the Oscars have seen a variety of outfits that were at first seen as outrageous and outrageous and later become iconic. From Elizabeth Hurley’s Versace Black Dress to Gwyneth Paltrow’s pink Ralph Lauren gown, and from Cher’s Bob Mackie ensemble to Jennifer Lopez’s green Versace gown, these notorious looks have truly become iconic moments in Oscar’s history.
Now, in the 21st century, daring and avant-garde fashion choices have become almost expected at the Oscars. But that doesn’t mean that these glamorous ensembles will not stay in our memories for years to come. Thanks to these daring fashion statements, Oscars night is still one of the most exciting and memorable nights of the year.
