Oscar fashion: Angelina Jolie bucks the white-night trend with a dramatic black dresses

Did someone send a memo? Last year, everyone wore red. This year, it's a white wash. Taraji Henson, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei and Penelope Cruz all went pale, with shades from ivory to white.

Hathaway's dress looked like porcelain sculpture, with layered pailettes creating a fish-scale effect. But the top seemed ill-fitting, and the lack of color made her ivory skin appear almost translucent.

Never a follower, Angelina Jolie wore black. And she's now showing off her post-twins curves.

Matt Sayles / APSarah Jessica Parker on the red carpet at the 81st Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Sarah Jessica Parker must miss Carrie's tulle tutu. Her Dior Haute Couture -- which she described as "barely mint" or "maybe seafoam" -- was trailing yards of tulle. It's vaguely reminiscent of the wedding gown from the 'Sex and the City' movie. We're just missing the feathers. No word if the shoes are Manolos.

Matt Sayles / APAmy Adams' multi-stone collar is a heavy-weight winner at the 81st Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 22.

The jewelry is stealing the focus from all the dresses this year. Necklaces are making statements up and down the red carpet. I'm guessing Amy Adams' multi-stone jeweled collar weighs at least 10 pounds, and Heidi Klum surely will need physical therapy just from all the heavy metals swallowing her wrists and fingers.

Matt Sayles / APActress Freida Pinto's John Galliano gown has a Bollywood feel as she arrives for the 81st Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 22. She stars in the much-nominated 'Slumdog Millionaire.'

With a smile like that, Freida Pinto could wear a sack and still be a stunner. She seems to radiate sunshine. And her John Galliano gown has a Bollywood feel, with its rich indigo color and intricate embroidery and beading.

She stars in the much-nominated "Slumdog Millionaire."
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Matt Sayles / APHeidi Klum is part of the one-shoulder trend on the red carpet at 81st Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 22, night.

The one-shoulder dress is a story unto itself tonight, Feb. 22 at the Academy Awards.

Early adherents to the trend: Freida Pinto, in a gorgeous indigo gown, and Heidi Klum in a structural, origami-like red gown. It's the second year Klum has worn red to draw attention to the American Heart Association's women's heart health awareness campaign.

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Amy Sancetta / APMiley Cyrus arrives for the 81st Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009.

Disney princess Miley Cyrus is playing the part. She looks like she stepped out of Cinderella's castle in a champagne, petal-tiered gown. The cut-out back and dipping neckline gives it a modern edge, but without being too risque for her age.

Chris Pizzello / APTaraji P. Henson, nominated for an Oscar for best actress in a supporting role for her work in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' which was filmed in New Orleans.

A sideways glimpse of Taraji Henson showed a stunner of a necklace. It looks like flowers studded with diamonds. The statement choker could be a big trend tonight. Henson's ivory dress is gorgeous, with torn ruffles cascading down to the train.

Amy Sancetta / APRobin Roberts of ABC News wears a dress by J.Crew as she arrives for the 81st Academy Awards.

Robin Roberts has borrowed a move from Michelle Obama's fashion play book. She's in a slim-fitting, red halter-neck J.Crew column dress. It's not going to win the award for best drama, but it has a certain understated elegance.

AP PhotoActress and singer Beyonce Knowles arrives for the 81st Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.

Oh, Beyonce, honey. That black and gold dress is like something a rabid Saints fan would wear if our team ever made it to the Superbowl. And that would at least be forgiveable, because, well, we'll lose our minds if the Saints ever make it to the Superbowl.



Source : http://blog.nola.com/susanlangenhennig/2009/02/oscars_red_carpet_is_full_of_s.html