2009 Oscars - How Did we Do?

Last week, we had fun with some ideas for vintage gowns that the Best Actress Oscar nominees could wear. How did we do?

We wanted Kate Winslet to wear a gold Vionnet gown from the 1930s. She wore an asymmetric Yves St. Laurent gown in grey ombré with a black lace overlay. This is one of my least favorite gowns of the night. As the winner of the award, I would have loved to see Kate in gold. Oh well.

We wanted to see Meryl Streep in something other than black, and even though we chose red or deep pink, this soft grey gown by Alberta Ferretti will do. Thanks for listening, Meryl! I think the gown and her hair suit her and she looks beautiful.

Most of you disagreed with me, but I really wanted to see Melissa Leo go bohemian with her gown choice. Instead she opted for this copper gown by Badgley Miska that hearkens to the early 1940's. Although I love the copper color, which goes beautifully with her hair, the horizontal ruching of the bodice does not suit Leo in the least. She needs more of a curvy waist to carry this look. Her hair is a disaster, and this morning it is being said she had the worst hairstyle of the night. I wish she had just let her curls go.

We wanted to see Angelina Jolie wear something dramatic and edgy. Instead she opted for safe and elegant in this black Elie Saab gown. Lovely, but rather understated. Has Angelina grown up on us?

We wanted to see Anne Hathaway go for drama in Dior. Instead she did go with drama but in a different way. She is luminous in this Armani Prive gown that is completely covered in graduated irridescent pailletes and crystals. Way to knock it out of the ballpark, Anne!

So who did wear vintage?

Penelope Cruz wore a white vintage 1950's gown by Pierre Balmain. She won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

My personal favorites of the night?

Natalie Portman in pink and gold by Rodarte.

Freida Pinto in vivid blue John Galiano.

Most people disagree, but I absolutely loved Beyonce in this gold and black fishtail hem gown. It's very different and dramatic, and she looks smokin' hot!

How I Would Dress the Oscar Nominees - Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway has been nominated for Best Actress for her role in Rachel Getting Married. Hathaway has a unique characteristic of looking good in just about anything, and wearing it well.

Hathaway at the 2008 Oscars

Hathaway at the 2007 Oscars

Hathaway at the premier of "Rachel Getting Married"

I saved Hathaway for last because I couldn't decide who I would like to see her wear. She would look equally smashing in 1940's Adrian, 1960's Norell, or 1980's St. Laurent. In the end, though, I knew it was Hathaway who could carry off the drama of 1950's Dior. And I would love to see Hathaway in any of these gorgeous gowns.

Would you rather see her wear this 1951 Dior gown of gold embroidery on maroon tulle or.....

....this 1955 gown made famous in Avedon's photo of Dovima with the Elephants......

.....or this 1957 Dior gown of red polka dots. The hem climbs slightly higher in the front, as you can see in the mirror.

Which would you choose?

How I Would Dress the Oscar Nominees - Melissa Leo

Melissa Leo has been nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her role in Frozen River. This is a first time nomination for Leo, and she hasn't seen much time on the red carpet.

Leo (right) at Critic's Choice Awards 2009

Leo at Director's Guild Awards 2009

Since Melissa Leo isn't well known, her "style persona " hasn't been developed yet. With her wild reddish hair, she has a rather bohemian mystic and I'd love to see her use that to her advantage. What better to dress her in than in a 1970's designer print?

Would you rather see Leo wear this Albert Capraro ethereal silk gown from 1975......

....or this print gown with dramatic sleeves from Lillie Rubin 1975?

How I Would Dress the Oscar Nominees - Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep received a Best Actress nomination for her role in Doubt. Streep likes to cover her arms, which isn't a problem, but I'd love to see her in some color. Black is doing nothing for her.

Streep at the 2008 Oscars

Streep at the 2004 Oscars

I can't think of anyone who did color better than Valentino, and since he retired this past year, it is appropriate that someone choose vintage Valentino to wear. For me, that someone is Meryl Streep.

Would you rather see Streep wear this color block chiffon gown in shades of pink and grey with purple chiffon yoke and sleeves from Valentino's Fall/Winter 1986 Haute Couture line.....

....or this Valentino red gown from the Fall/Winter 1965 Haute Couture line. The dress has a deep decollete wtih draped panels hanging at the center front. The matching cape is of red tulle with tufts of ostrich feathers held in place with gold embroidery and red rhinestones.

Tough choice. Which do you like?

How I Would Dress the Oscar Nominees - Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is nominated for Best Actress for her role in Changeling. Of all the nominees, I think Jolie has the personality to carry off a vintage gown by Versace - Gianni, not Donnatella. And I really would like to see her bring some daring and edge back to her wardrobe.

Jolie at the 2000 Oscars

Jolie at the 2004 Oscars

Would you rather see Jolie wear this 1988 two-piece black dress with it's bodice that snaps open to reveal a rhinestone covered bustier.....

...or this 1995 gown with overskirt and train made of industrial weight vinyl. The gown is lined in an opaque fabric except for the back above the overskirt, which remains clear.

Which would you choose?

How I Would Dress the Oscar Nominees - Kate Winslet

Let's have some fun this week! The Academy Awards takes place this coming Sunday, February 22. I'd love to see more vintage evening gowns worn on the red carpet, so let's choose a dress for the Best Actress nominees.

Kate Winslet is nominated for her role in The Reader.

Winslet at the 2006 Oscars

Winslet at the 2007 Oscars

I think Kate would look great wearing the designs of Madeleine Vionnet from the 1930's.

Would you rather see Kate in this 1938 gold lamé sheath with a net overskirt embroidered in graduated gold lamé circles or....

...this 1936 white bias cut satin gown with its asymmetric one-shoulder design and line of rhinestone bows all the way down the side?

Which would you choose?