Oscar Night White Dresses

It was announced last fall that Lupita Nyong’o had signed on to become Chanel’s latest ambassador. We’ve seen in the past that Chanel doesn’t work for all celebrities. For every Kristen Stewart, there’s a Margot Robbie. For every Jennie, there’s a Penelope Cruz. 

And speaking of Penelope, she was in Chanel last night and it was fine…which is generous. Fine means inoffensive, but also boring. 

Lupita’s Chanel, on the other hand, was far from boring. It might not photograph all that special but I saw it in person, pretty close, and this dress is pretty special, from the drop pearls to the tassels on the back to he pleats, it was stunning on her, the way it moved with her, almost like she was dancing. 

We’re less than half a year into this partnership – and it’s been a good start, I have a good feeling, especially when Matthieu Blazy takes over in the fall. 

Let’s talk about Elle Fanning. Did you know that this was her first time at the Oscars? She’s been working for so long and she’s attended so many events during that time, it surprised me that she’s never been to the Oscars. 

Elle’s dress was Givenchy and what makes it extra special is that she’s the first to wear Givenchy by Sarah Burton. The dress is really beautiful – that neckline, the material, the caping at the back… 

But I wish it had been someone else, no offence to Elle. She’s lovely, but she wears the princess ballgown thing so often, I kinda shrugged. And were it another star I probably would not have. 

Like…maybe…Ana de Armas? Ugh her Oscars dress was dull AF and then at Vanity Fair it was another custom Louis Vuitton, bandeau top over what looked like a shredded skirt and it was just as unremarkable, I don’t understand how Nicolas Ghesquière can swing from the wonderful spectacle that was Cynthia Erivo’s look to the basicness of Ana’s. And by the way it was just as much of a letdown in person – I know this because she’s two doors down from me at the hotel so I walked by her in the hall as she was leaving for the party. She rolls with more security than I expected. 

Let’s go back to the white dresses that worked. Like this Stephane Rolland on Kelly Rowland – as Duana just exclaimed from the couch, “Yes! This is what I’m saying, do sh-t!” Doing sh-t means keeping it interesting, not playing it safe. Kelly Rowland, thank you. 

Keke Palmer, thank you, too. We are always thanking Keke, for being endlessly talented and so f-cking funny and, now, for serving, consistently serving. I mentioned after the SAGs last week that Keke is working with Molly Dickson now, best known until recently for her work with Sydney Sweeney but that’s about to change because, well, Keke is Keke. And this is Keke in archival Versace at Vanity Fair, WOW. 

Two Sundays in a row where Keke’s going into the vault. Because she’s committed to sustainability and Molly Dickson is really coming through for her.

And finally… 

I’ve missed Ruth Negga. Ruth Negga in a slinky white turtleneck dress is the best dream. This might be my favourite Michael Kors (I know, right?!?) dress of all time.