The 2025 Oscars red carpet was a dazzling display of fashion, glamour, and bold statements, with stars showcasing their unique styles and paying homage to iconic roles. Among the standout moments were Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who both embraced their characters from the highly anticipated film “Wicked.” Grande, embodying Glinda, wore a breathtaking pale pink gown from Schiaparelli’s spring-summer 2025 collection. The strapless design featured a structured skirt that cascaded into airy pleats, perfectly capturing the essence of her character. Meanwhile, Erivo honored Elphaba in a striking deep forest green custom Louis Vuitton gown, complete with a high triangular collar and dramatic shoulder details. Her signature long nails, adorned in black, gold, and emerald hues, added an extra touch of flair.
The evening saw a variety of color palettes, with many stars opting for bold reds, classic blacks, and vibrant pops of pink. Demi Moore turned heads in a sexy silver custom Giorgio Armani Privé gown, while Mindy Kaling dazzled in a silver Oscar de la Renta creation embellished with chunky details. Emma Stone chose a slinky metallic nude look, and Felicity Jones shone in a steel gray gown that echoed the themes of her film, “The Brutalist.” Selena Gomez made a statement in a bombshell Ralph Lauren gown adorned with full crystals in metallic pink, showcasing her status as a fashion icon.
Fashion experts noted the return of old Hollywood glamour, a trend that has been gaining momentum on red carpets and runways alike. Brooke Bobb, fashion news director for Harper’s Bazaar, remarked on the shift towards elegance and intentional dressing, moving away from the quiet luxury that has dominated recent seasons. Lupita Nyong’o embraced this trend with a stunning white custom Chanel gown embellished with over 22,000 pearls, while Whoopi Goldberg opted for an off-the-shoulder liquid metallic blue gown that she had spotted during New York Fashion Week.
Men’s fashion also made a statement, with Timothée Chalamet continuing to push boundaries in a custom Givenchy ensemble featuring a soft yellow trouser and short jacket leather combo. Jeff Goldblum added a touch of whimsy with an orchid flower arrangement pinned to his off-white Prada tuxedo jacket. Mario Lopez impressed in a midnight navy dinner suit, a subtle yet distinctive choice among the sea of black tuxedos.
Red was undeniably a dominant color on the carpet, with Zoe Saldaña in a maroon strapless tiered gown by Saint Laurent and Storm Reid in a bright shortie dress with a dramatic cape. Saldaña accessorized with sheer black opera gloves and debuted a stunning Cartier necklace featuring a panther motif. Others, like Marlee Matlin and Coco Jones, opted for classic black, while Miley Cyrus embraced her inner rock queen in a high-neck custom McQueen gown adorned with shredded tulle and glass beads.
The evening was not just about fashion; it also served as a platform for political statements. Belgian musician Zap Mama drew attention by revealing the words “free Congo” on the bottom of her shoe, advocating for the conflict-ridden African nation. Writer Peter Straughan showcased his support for Ukraine with a Ukrainian flag pin on his tuxedo, emphasizing the importance of not turning a blind eye to the ongoing crisis.
Beauty trends on the carpet leaned towards an effortless glamour, with many stars opting for a “no-makeup” makeup look that highlighted their natural beauty. Kathleen Hou, beauty director for Elle, noted the polished hairstyles that featured glass-like shine and sleek updos, a classic choice that complemented the stunning gowns worn by stars like Ariana Grande and Lupita Nyong’o.
As the Oscars unfolded, it was clear that the stars were not just there to celebrate cinematic achievements but also to make bold fashion statements and advocate for important causes. The 2025 Oscars red carpet was a vibrant tapestry of creativity, elegance, and social consciousness, setting the stage for a memorable night in Hollywood.
