Finding the Perfect Oscar Frock

Finding the perfect dress to wear on the red carpet at the Oscars is not a task to be taken lightly. Winning a coveted statuette is not the only chance a best actress nominee has to shine on the biggest and most glamorous night on the film industry’s calendar.

They know that many battles are won and lost on the red carpet.

Oscar night fashion is not just about looking stylish - it’s about looking beautiful, radiant and classy, and the right look can help lift a B-list starlet into the upper echelons of celebrity.

And it’s not just about the dress. It’s the right hairstyle, perfect skin and make-up. Battle? It’s a minefield.

“There is so much pressure to look good,” says Ciona Johnson, an A-list make-up artist who counts Renee Zellweger, Keira Knightley, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cameron Diaz among her celebrity clients.

“The whole process can start a few weeks before a big awards ceremony when they start getting their facials, or beauty treatments, as well as their manicures and pedicures.”

“The final look is a creation by a lot of very talented people who collaborate to make that perfect red-carpet picture.”

There’s the personal trainer, beauty therapist, designer, stylist, hairdresser and make-up artist. For those who want it, there is also the cosmetic surgeon.

The dress itself will be discussed with the stylist weeks in advance and made to fit the star perfectly.

“It’s very important for actresses to get it right,” says fashion stylist and writer Alex Fullerton. “Stars will be working with their stylists a couple of months in advance to make sure they look immaculate.”

“Many celebrities like to wear metallic dresses because it really makes them shine.”

Alex’s personal favourite Oscar frock was Penelope Cruz’ strapless Versace dress that the Volver star wore in 2008.

Cate Blanchett was another darling of last Oscars. Her one-shoulder steel-coloured Swarovski crystal mesh gown, by Giorgio Armani Prive, was a fashion-pack favourite.

Nominated for two Oscars - best actress and best supporting actress awards - Blanchett is unlikely to ditch her style because of her advancing pregnancy.

Like many Hollywood leading ladies, Blanchett is likely to stay loyal to her designers of choice. Think Renee Zellweger in Caroline Herrera, or Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph Lauren.

“Cate Blanchett has always been a big fan of Armani Prive, and has also worn Valentino,” says Alex.

“She always picks dresses that look quite tough, like an armour, but whatever she chooses she always looks very elegant and majestic, and designers love her to wear their designs.”

So key trends to spot at this year’s Oscars are Grecian; strapless; or one shoulder.

Answer the following questions:

1. Can you describe the Oscar ceremony itself?

2. What do many celebrities like to do? Why?

3. What do stylists usually do before the ceremony?

4. Who is Cate Blanchett? Can you mention some of the films with her?

5. What can you tell about Penelope Cruz’ strapless Versace dress?

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Date: 2016-04-22; view: 956