The 89th Academy Awards last Monday was not just a celebration of good work in nominated categories or the presentation of the Oscar statuettes; it was a night when everyone nailed it, fashionwise. Suddenly, romance and Old Hollywood glamour took over; call it the “La La Land” effect.

 

There were lots of tasteful, icy sorbet frocks and semi-fitted sheaths with icicle fringes. Pure as snow, a lot of winter-whites stood out. There were many shades of gray, from gunmetal to silver. It was a night of sleek architectural simplicity, the better to showcase the big bling. There were dozens of bodyguards, as actresses wore enormous rocks from luxury brands Tiffany, Bulgari, Bucellati and Cartier, which competed in design, delicate as snowflakes or large as ice cubes.

 

Meanwhile, Meryl Streep had the last say against Karl Lagerfeld in the word war over a dress that Streep allegedly asked for an exorbitant fee to wear. Here is the powerful statement that she fired at WWD:

 

“In reference to Mr. Lagerfeld’s ‘statement,’ there is no ‘controversy’: Karl Lagerfeld, a prominent designer, defamed me, my stylist, and the illustrious designer whose dress I chose to wear, in an important industry publication… Subsequently, the story was picked up globally, and continues, globally, to overwhelm my appearance at the Oscars, on the occasion of my record-breaking 20th nomination, and to eclipse this honor in the eyes of the media, my colleagues and the audience. I do not take this lightly, and Mr. Lagerfeld’s generic ‘statement’ of regret for this ‘controversy’ was not an apology. He lied, they printed the lie, and I am still waiting.”

 

Here are the best-dressed actors and their once-in-a-lifetime moments to wear such large, expensive jewelry.—CONTRIBUTED