SA designers talk winning style
Four top talents share the gowns they’d love to see on their favourite stars at this year’s Oscars.
Suzaan Heyns
My starting point This dress, with its dramatic harness and flowing chiffon, is inspired by female sensuality and strength. Who I’d like to wear it Elle Fanning is a creative free spirit and part of the New Hollywood royalty. She makes brave and varied choices and combines Indie charm and innocence with a bit of a dark side. My all-time favourite Oscar dress Marjan Pejoski’s astounding swan design for Bjork is widely regarded as the most controversial redcarpet dress ever. And in classic Bjork style, it was worn with a wry smile and lots of pride.
Warrick Gautier
My starting point The idea of all things regal, from architecture, interior design and art to great jewels, inspired this tribute to amazing star power. Who I’d like to wear it Keira Knightley is my choice! She’s a strong woman with pure internal beauty and her style is eternal with an edge. My all-time favourite Oscar dress It has to be Madonna at the 1991 Oscars. I loved her homage to Marilyn Monroe – a sparkly number in ivory, complete with a fur shawl. And the best accessory? Michael Jackson on her arm!
My starting point This dress was inspired by the movie Black Swan and its called ‘Midnight Reveal’. The design incorporates innocence, fragility, darkness and sensuality. Who I’d like to wear it Zoe Saldana always attracts attention on the red carpet and she would bring great sophistication to this design. My all-time favourite Oscar dress I love Barbies as well as pink, so I choose Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph Lauren at the 1999 awards. She looked like an Old Hollywood prom queen, the personification of elegance and natural beauty. My starting point Femininity, flowers and fragrance inspired this curve-hugging lace gown, which would sparkle with millions of hand-sewn beads and sequins. Who I’d like to wear it I envision Charlize Theron wearing this. She’s modern, elegant, strong and independent. My all-time favourite Oscar dress I can’t choose just one, so I nominate Gwyneth Paltrow in a white Tom Ford dress with matching cape in 2012, Hilary Swank wearing a backless blue Guy Laroche design in 2005 and Lupita Nyong’o in a pleated Grecian Prada gown in 2014.