Fashion Industry watches Oscars with bated breath
Designers and fashion-watchers are holding their breath as they wait to see whose outfits steal the shows at the Oscars.
Some of the top guests at the Hollywood awards have already revealed what they will be wearing tomorrow but most are maintaining an element of mystery until the last minute.
The seal of approval from an Oscar-winning actress can mean the difference between success and failure for a designer and they will go to any lengths to get their outfits seen on the famed red carpet.
Among the designers certain to be featured this year will be Jean-Paul Gaultier, whose outfit best actress nominee Juliette Binoche will wear in a patriotic gesture towards her native France. Russell Crowe, nominated for best actor for his lead in Gladiator, revealed last month that he will be wearing an outfit designed by Armani.
‘‘His clothes fit men, they’re not for the boys. He makes clothes that are classic and for men with deep voices,’’ Crowe said.
Most of the other stars are keeping their fashion choices under wraps, but all eyes will be on two big names Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson.
The favourites for best actress and best supporting actress will be the biggest draw for fashion-watchers and their choice in jewellery will also be under scrutiny.
Jewellers offer free loans of jewels to actresses for the show, in the hope people seeing them will buy similar designs, and shoe designers are also under the same pressure to get their heels noticed.
It all makes for stiff competition among each part of the fashion world to gain the publicity dressing an Oscar winner can generate.
One-time Oscar nominee and actress Jennifer Tilly said she was ignoring the free offers this year.
‘‘Basically it’s just an opportunity to get a lot of free stuff: free bras, free shoes, free pedicures, free make-up lessons anything you want,’’ she told web site Mr Showbiz.
‘‘This year, I think I’m going to wear something I have in my closet because it’s exhausting to be so obliged to so many people.
‘‘If it’s free you have to say: ‘My shoes are’ and ‘my dress is’ and ‘my jewellery is’, so you’re like a walking billboard.’’
