By
Akeem J.
Fashion & Beauty Editor
For those of you that caught the 2020 Oscars Sunday, you may (or may not) have been
excited to see the pre-red-carpet event and subsequent award ceremony. Janelle Monae and Billy Porter’s powerhouse opening of the show brought an excitement and diversity to the Oscars that hasn’t been seen in recent years. While my thoughts on the winners and nominees vary, my feelings on much of the red-carpet can be described in one word—underwhelming. Only a handful of stars at this year’s Academy awards show wowed me. Oscar winners Regina King, Natalie Portman and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo all stood out as high notes in what was otherwise a lackluster sonata of disappointment.
While Oscar winners Rami Malek and Mahershala Ali looked handsome in classic black suits, the rest ofmenswear was notably disappointing. While the ladies usually always take the spotlight at the Oscars, none of the men seemed to make any attempt at embellishment. Perhaps its due to the formality of the Academy awards or some other reason I can’t quite put my finger on right now. Nonetheless, I want to see the men branch out a bit more in the future. I’m not one to knock the classics, but its okay to put on a little flare every now and then.
Regina, impressed in a plush champagne gown and short cut. Cynthia wore a similar white gown with jeweled bodice. Natalie Portman wore a black and gold gown with the names of female directors etched into the hem of her cape. I thought Natalie’s acknowledgment was classy and toughing. Brie Larson was another favorite red-carpet look. Her gown was glamorously demure. I appreciate an adventurer. Gal Gadot wore a memorable black and pink lace gown and diamond necklace.
I’m not one to bash anyone, however I will acknowledge when I think something (or someone) is amiss. Billie Eilish tops my list of not-so-hot looks. I get the grunge-girl look. However like most budding pop/rock stars, the journey begins with outlandish fashions and typically evolves into something more refined. With that being said, I don’t feel her aesthetic is organic nor was it appropriate for this event. Another of the Billie’s that falls on my not-so-it list is Mr. Porter. The Broadway star knows how to work a look, and believes in taking risks. I felt that his dress looked like two different pieces jampacked into one, which threw me off. While I’ve clearly have my likes and dislikes, tell us how you feel about this year’s red-carpet below in the comments.
