The Fashion Oscars

The Oscars are as much a celebration of cinema as it is of style and each year there are winners and losers. It is further one of the few red carpet events where Hollywood's A-list pull out all stops wearing some of the most glamorous gowns and jewels in an attempt to shine like the stars they are. Hence, Oscar night is as much about trophies as it is frocks, and having a red carpet winning dress means as much as being in the inner sanctum of Hollywood's celluloid aristocracy (i.e. have won a trophy) with the possibility of being in every fashion publication around the world.

Designers have long realised the PR interest the Oscars generate, as actresses wearing the most-coveted dresses will grace magazine covers around the globe for a long while to come. It seems worthwhile (and lucrative) for designers to lobby stylists and assistants far in advance of the world televised event. Giorgio Armani takes his couture Prive collection to LA for example, offering a private show and fittings to nominees and attendees. Jimmy Choo is also no stranger to the many Hollywood cinderella's and each year offers a bespoke colouring service to match any dress.

Judging by the mood of the season, most actresses went for strapless gowns in a mixture of deep hues - such as Reese Witherspoon's violet dress or Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga scarlet gown - or shades of nude, such as Penelepe Cruz's blush-toned Versace dress or Rachel Weisz in an oyster-coloured Vera Wang creation. Semi-Grecian, jewelled necklines and corseted dresses were in vogue. These actresses all looked nothing less than glamorous on the red carpet.

But like each year, there are winners and losers. Losers this year include The Devil Wears Prada actress Anne Hathaway, who's demure bow-tied dress was more suited to someone 20 years her senior, and Cameron Diaz, who opted for a giant frontal fold, much like an OTT wedding ensemble. Not to mention Jennifer Lopez or Gwyneth Paltrow in a hideous mermaid Proenza Schouler creation.