If the 98th Academy Awards proved anything, it’s that the red carpet is officially back in its maximalist era. This season’s Oscars delivered unapologetic glamour: diamonds layered like armour, sculptural brooches, elaborate beadwork and couture craftsmanship that highlighted personal style.
While the women dazzled in feathers, peplum silhouettes, brocade and intricate embellishment, the men quietly stole the style conversation. Gone are the days of the safe black tux, though there were many on the carpet, but this year’s leading men embraced brooches, slouchy silk ties, unconventional tailoring and bold colour palettes. In short, the boys came to play.
Perhaps the most unexpected trend of the night was the resurgence of the brooch, particularly among the men. Once reserved for royalty and vintage collectors, the brooch has quickly become the red carpet’s newest power accessory.
Pedro Pascal delivered one of the most memorable looks of the night in custom Chanel, ditching the jacket entirely and letting a beautifully tailored tuxedo shirt take centre stage along with an oversized feather flower brooch. Adrian Brody followed suit in Gucci, punctuating his tux with a sculptural Elsa Jin Studio brooch that felt equal parts art piece and jewellery.
Michael B. Jordan took a subtler approach, sporting a diamond brooch pinned to the back of his custom Louis Vuitton jacket with a double chain detail at the pocket, a clever styling twist that revealed itself as he walked to the stage to accept his award for best actor.
Channing Tatum leaned fully into statement jewellery to elevate his Versace suit with Tiffany & Co.’s iconic Bird on a Rock brooch in platinum and 18k yellow gold, set with a breathtaking diamond of more than 22 carats surrounded by rubies and diamond accents. He paired the piece with the Union Square 30 mm mechanical watch in yellow gold.
On the women’s side, texture and craftsmanship ruled the night. Feathers fluttered across the carpet, brocade shimmered under camera flashes and intricate beadwork delivered the kind of drama the Oscars red carpet was built for. Peplum silhouettes also made a notable return, adding sculptural dimension and a subtle nod to vintage couture glamour.
Among the night’s standout moments was Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley, who channeled Old Hollywood elegance in a striking Chanel pink-and-red gown reminiscent of Grace Kelly. We’re loving the colour blocking and the defined waist that somehow balanced the train of the dress perfectly.
A stunning and pregnant (!!) Wunmi Mosaku also delivered a standout moment in Louis Vuitton, bringing effortless sophistication to the carpet3 for her best supporting actress nomination. Kate Hudson shimmered in Armani Privé, embracing classic Hollywood glamour in a beaded peplum gown that perfectly suited her for her Best Actress nomination for Song Sung Blue.
Timothée Chalamet once again remains the king of swag and modern red-carpet tailoring with an all-white Givenchy suit designed by Sarah Burton, elevated with a selection of diamond rings and a Chrome Hearts pin. Felix Kammerer donned a slick silky brown double breasted Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello suit styled with a copper silk shirt and satin tie, an unexpected colour combination that stood out amongst a sea of black and white.
Paul Mescal opted for a most interesting Celine look including a custom black cardigan jacket and white poplin shirt with silk twill loose knot while Damson Idris brought a fashion history moment to the ceremony in custom Prada inspired by the house’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection, finishing the look with a brooch he designed himself specifically for the occasion.
Teyana Taylor delivered high-fashion drama in Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel, continuing her run as one of the most exciting red-carpet dressers of the past few years. Odessa A’Zion owned her moment in Valentino, bringing a youthful energy to the couture-heavy carpet.
Rose Byrne opted for Dior by Jonathan Anderson, balancing modern tailoring with classic elegance, while Miyako Bellizzi turned heads in vintage Dior by John Galliano. Nicole Kidman arrived flirty and thriving freshly single and once again demonstrated her enduring partnership with Chanel in yet another peplum look that blended couture craftsmanship with effortless sophistication. Jayme Lawson stood out in a purple beaded Loewe number, embracing the sculptural sensibility that Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have been honing for a few seasons.
This year’s Oscars red carpet felt less about playing it safe and more about celebrating personal style. From sculptural brooches and silk tailoring to couture gowns dripping in embellishment, the night proved that risk, when done right, is the ultimate luxury.