
The year leading up to the 93rd Academy Awards may have looked very different, but one welcome constant was the parade of stunning creations on the red carpet on the iconic night. From a blue duchess satin gown by Louis Vuitton on Regina King and a yellow Cher-inspired cutout Valentino number on Zendaya, to a gilded Vera Wang dress on Andra Day and Angela Bassett in a 1980s-inspired moment by Alberta Ferretti, the ladies brought it for the night and took some chances along the way. We also have to tip our hat to LaKeith Stanfield, who did not sleep on the men's style front, wearing a jumpsuit by Saint Laurent. See who came in hot to the 93rd annual Academy Awards—and who took home a BAZAAR best dressed nod for their efforts.
1
Zendaya
What: Custom Valentino Haute Couture and Bulgari jewels
Why: The major beauty made an impressive entrance in custom lemon-yellow Valentino Haute Couture featuring a strapless silhouette and cutout detail, while simultaneously debuting a coordinating diamond necklace worth $6 million by Bulgari. Not only did she give a sneak peek at the brand’s 2021 high-jewelry collection, Magnifica, she single-handedly redefined the idiom worth a million bucks.
2
Andra Day
What: Custom Vera Wang Haute and Tiffany & Co. jewels
Why: The United States vs. Billie Holiday star and Best Actress nominee took a true star turn in a cutout, asymmetrical custom liquid-gold metal-mesh gown (created with the help of metal welders) from Vera Wang's new Haute label. She paired her disco-chic standout dress with more than $2 million worth of Tiffany & Co. diamonds.
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3
Vanessa Kirby
What: Custom Gucci and Cartier High Jewelry
Why: The Best Actress nominee for Pieces of a Woman is pretty yet edgy in a custom pale-rose silk gazar column gown with a box pleat train by Alessandro Michele for Gucci. The ultra-feminine hue was offset by a deep-red lip, dark nails, and a subtle cutout detail at the waist. Cartier jewels finished the sleek, '90s-inspired moment.
4
Amanda Seyfried
What: Giorgio Armani Privé and Forevermark jewelry
Why: The Best Supporting Actress nominee was all Hollywood glamour in this haute couture scarlet strapless ball gown spun out of plissé tulle, featuring a deep-V neckline with ruffle accents and a sweeping, dramatic full skirt. Her pretty updo, diamond earrings, and red pout polished off the look.
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5
Viola Davis
What: Custom Alexander McQueen and Forevermark jewelry
Why: No stranger to the Oscars red carpet, Viola Davis—up for a lead actress statue—was a vision in a white thistle appliqué gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. She finished the look with a Jimmy Choo Venus clutch.
6
H.E.R.
What: Custom Dundas and Chopard jewels
Why: We're getting Stevie Nicks-meets-Aaliyah vibes from the songstress, who went with a custom, embellished cobalt-blue flared-leg jumpsuit with a hooded cape by Dundas. The singer accessorized with Bonnie Clyde sunglasses and Chopard jewels.
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7
Carey Mulligan
What: Valentino Haute Couture and Sophia Webster heels
Why: Mulligan went for the gold in a stunning Valentino Haute Couture gown that boasted a cutout waist (a major trend of the night). Though the actress may be in line with the recurring themes of the evening, she stood out in this gilded masterpiece.
8
Angela Bassett
What: Custom Alberta Ferretti and Chopard jewels
Why: Angela Bassett embodied agelessness in a custom red crepe off-the-shoulder gown with draped organza shoulders and a train by Alberta Ferretti. The '80s-influenced look is all about drama, worn with Chopard jewels and sleek hair tucked behind the ears.
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9
Laura Dern
What: Oscar de la Renta and Pomellato jewelry
Why: You could say Laura Dern is a bird of another feather, standing out in a red-carpet crowd that largely embraced cutouts, red, and gold. The full-coverage black-and white gown with a drop-waist and stunning feather skirt was well worth the risk.
10
LaKeith Stanfield
What: Custom Saint Laurent
Why: We love a man who loves fashion. With this custom Saint Laurent look by Anthony Vaccarello, Best Supporting Actor nominee LaKeith Stanfield proved (once again) that he's willing to redefine what creates a red-carpet moment. His black-and-white '70s-inspired outfit featured a wide, open shirt collar under a belted jumpsuit, paired with brown-lensed sunglasses and a silver chain.
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11
Regina King
What: Custom Louis Vuitton and Forevermark jewelry
Why: The actress nailed the 2021 Oscars red carpet in crystal-encrusted blue duchess satin by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton. The embroidered gown boasted dramatic flay-away sleeves and a deep-V neckline. King paired the elegant dress with a simple, sleek bob and diamond earrings.
12
Margot Robbie
What: Custom Chanel Haute Couture
Why: Margot Robbie appeared on the evening's carpet not as an actress, but as a producer of the highly lauded Promising Young Woman. She dressed for the occasion in a custom sheath in ennobled metallic lace with a low back and thin straps, inspired by look 47 from the fall-winter 2019/20 haute couture collection by Virginie Viard.