Skip to main content

As Oscar night approaches, we thought a trip down fashion's red carpet hall of fame was in order. Here are five of Hollywood's most talented women and the looks that have defined their award night style.

Cate Blanchett

While the Jean Paul Gaultier dress she wore to the Oscars in 2000 may have seemed too simple for her now iconic repertoire, the cut-out detailing and edgy accessorizing were definitively Cate.
This shimmering column dress by Armani Privé, which Cate wore in 2007, was the perfect union of her style musts - glamorous (the shape), unexpected (the colour and asymmetry) and utterly unforgettable.
Taking a fashion-forward leap in Givenchy Haute Couture in 2011, Cate cemented her status as a true style icon by working this avant-garde runway piece like it ain't no thang.

Dame Helen Mirren

Ever the glamour-puss, Helen's take on flirty flapper style, in this Badgley Mischka,gown, was a cheeky and chic red carpet win at 2005 show.
Helen wore an ensemble fit for a queen to the 2008 Oscars - a crimson, custom-made Georges Chakra satin dress with Swarovski crystal sleeves.
With a soft up-do and understated jewels, Helen looked like the epitome of elegance at the 2010 Oscars in this gauzy pale grey gown by Badgley Mischka.

Nicole Kidman

An extremely divisive dress if ever there was one, the chartreuse, floral-detailed, mink-trimmed Dior number, from 1997 is one of the most talked about looks in Oscar history.
In 2007, Nicole went against the notion that a redhead shouldn't wear red - with stunning results - in this fire-engine-hued Balenciaga gown with bow detail.
Despite her prim demeanour, Nicole can be quite outrageous when it comes to the red carpet. Take, for example, this slinky, sequinned, swirl-patterned dress by L'Wren Scott, which she wore in 2013.

Hilary Swank

Randolph Duke's demure, full-skirted golden gown was sweet - but not too sweet - on Hillary at the 2000 ceremony.
This modern take on a refined silhouette by Guy Laroche, which Hilary wore in 2005, suited her strong, sexy style to a T.
For her 2011 Oscars appearance, Hilary shone in a feathery flight of fancy from Gucci Premiere.

Halle Berry

With its dramatic, dazzling train and variety of textures, the Atelier Versace dress Halle wore to the Oscars in 2005 was a knockout.
One of the most recognizable Oscar gowns ever, this floral-meets-sheer-meets-satin Elie Saab gown from 2007 was equal parts regal and risky.
You rarely see pattern on red carpet gowns, but Halle has a knack for making them look wonderful; case in point, this sparkly, striped Versace dress, from the 2013 show.