Ground-breaking style moment marks a sashay away from tradition
IT WAS a red carpet of two halves – the classic and the surprising – but it was Billy Porter who managed to upstage even Lady Gaga by stepping out in the ultimate tuxedo dress, writes fashion editor Stephanie Smith.
The star of Kinky Boots and TV series Pose wowed in a Christian Siriano floor-sweeping gown with cropped tux jacket, white shirt and black bow tie. It was a showstopper, heralded a triumph by style commentators and a ground-breaking fashion moment that could spark a move away from the tribal tuxedo suit traditionally worn by the vast majority of male Oscars guests.
Lady Gaga charmed her British fans by choosing a classic black full-skirted strapless wiggle gown by Alexander McQueen, teamed with a £30m Tiffany & Co necklace previously worn by Audrey Hepburn. A bit merry widow, but classy.
Best Actress Olivia Colman wore an emerald forest green by Prada, swathed with a huge chiffon scarf that unfurled to a train. Flattering, but slightly overwhelming – bare arms might have balanced the look.
Fellow nominee Glenn Close missed out on the prize but came dressed to conquer in Oscar gold, courtesy of a gown by Wes Holden for Carolina Herrera. It featured a train, cape slits, long sleeves, a wrap front, a full skirt and pleats. Full marks for trend ticking, but sometimes, less is more, especially in garish gold.