NEW YORK—As high glamour descended on the Oscars this past Sunday, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo channeled their respective “Wicked” characters on the red carpet. Grande dazzled in a pale pink ensemble, an ode to Glinda, while Erivo paid tribute to Elphaba in a breathtaking deep forest green look. Celebrities embraced classic bold colors such as red, black, and pops of pink, showcasing this year’s Oscar trends.
Ariana Grande turned heads in a stunning piece from Schiaparelli’s spring-summer 2025 line. The strapless gown descended into ethereal pleats, capturing Glinda’s elegance. Meanwhile, Erivo flaunted custom Louis Vuitton, characterized by a distinctive high collar and oversized shoulders, with long nails styled in black, gold, and emerald—a tribute to “Wicked”—crafted by manicure artist Mycah Dior. “Cynthia always astounds with not just fashion but her nail artistry,” noted Julee Wilson from Cosmopolitan.
The love affair with metallics continued, as stars like Demi Moore and Mindy Kaling donned eye-catching silver. Moore was mesmerizing in custom Giorgio Armani Privé, while Kaling sparkled in Oscar de la Renta. Felicity Jones opted for a steel gray ensemble reminiscent of her “The Brutalist” setting, and Selena Gomez radiated glamour in a metallic pink Ralph Lauren creation adorned with crystals.
According to Harper’s Bazaar’s Brooke Bobb, there was a clear nod to Hollywood’s golden era, reflecting a present-day shift towards sophisticated, vibrant fashion. Lupita Nyong’o exemplified this return to elegance with a white Chanel dress embellished with over 22,000 pearls, while Whoopi Goldberg stunned in a blue Christian Siriano gown.
Men also upped the fashion ante. Timothée Chalamet stepped out in a Sarah Burton for Givenchy design featuring a soft yellow leather ensemble. Jeff Goldblum accented an off-white Prada jacket with a floral boutonniere. Style expert Derek Guy praised Mario Lopez in midnight navy and director Jon Chu in a tailored olive jacket. Guy emphasized the importance of fit, commenting that Chu’s look was both refined and distinct.
Color patterns saw a resurgence of red, with stars like Zoe Saldaña and Storm Reid embracing the hue. Saldaña exuded sophistication in a crystal-accented Saint Laurent gown, accessorized with black opera gloves and stunning Cartier jewelry. Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus embraced her rock star persona with a dramatic black McQueen adorned with vivid details.
Elle Fanning also donned a Givenchy design by Sarah Burton, presenting classic Hollywood in a white gown with a black belt. Actor Colman Domingo continued to capture attention in bold red, walking the carpet in a striking Valentino ensemble. Julianne Hough graced the scene in ethereal Christian Dior, and Joan Chen’s fairy-like green Elie Saab gown captured imaginations.
Some celebrities took the opportunity to weave messages into their attire. Kayo Shekoni made a silent yet profound statement with footware emblazoned with “free Congo,” while Peter Straughan’s pin displayed solidarity with Ukraine. The team behind “Porcelain War” similarly donned Ukrainian flag pins. With current geopolitical tensions, these gestures resonated with audiences worldwide.
In terms of beauty, Elle’s Kathleen Hou described appearances as embodying “easy glamour,” with nude tones and subtle elegance taking precedence over extravagant makeup. Wilson applauded celebrities like Halle Berry and Demi Moore for their ageless allure, as well as the prevalence of chic, tight hairstyles worn by stars including Grande and Johansson.
Across this awards season, outfits have progressed from safe bets to stirring statements. Timothée Chalamet’s unpredictable style, Margot Robbie’s commitment to time-honored Barbie pink, and Cynthia Erivo’s fashion gambles have kept audiences engaged. Despite setbacks such as the recent fires in Los Angeles, the Oscars proved that the allure and excitement of award season can still shine brightly.
