Pastels, metallics, florals and subtle nudes ruled the Oscars red carpet, and for the first time in years, the leading ladies stepped it up and stepped out in a myriad of interesting, playful gowns. It was the year of risk, and it paid off in spades.  (Check out what tickled the fancy of our NYC editors here).

Sarah Jessica Parker managed to find a happy medium between hitting trends and taking risks. She was riding the same pastel train everyone else was, but she was anything but mellow yellow in this sixties inspired Chanel Couture gown thanks to its column shape, back to front halter, and gathering in back. She also got the metallic memo, but the tin foil silver of the flower details across her bust and at the gather in her dress were an unusually pretty take on this futuristic trend.

Avatar actress Zoe Saldana continued to wow us this awards season with her lilac Givenchy Couture creation. She hit the pastel mark, and she glitters up top, but the ombre effect and cascading ruffles take this from safe to sensational.

While most shy away from prints at the Oscars, best supporting actress nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal wasn’t afraid to embrace the Spring trend with this electric blue Dries Van Noten sheath. The vivid color and graphic paint strokes make this well fitted dress, and Gyllenhaal herself, look like she walked right off a runway.  Although we approve of the gown, perhaps it would have been more appropriate for the Golden Globes – not enough glam factor for the big O’s.

One can always rely on Diane Kruger to inspire, and that she did with this Chanel Couture (Lagerfeld seems to have been the real winner last night) wonder. Nude, check; ruffles, check; floral, check; halter, check – Kruger somehow embraced every spectacular Spring trend without looking like a fashion victim. Quite the contrary, in fact.  The three different “sections” of the dress, separated with black tulle flowers, make this gown unique.

Best supporting actress nominee Carey Mulligan may be a red carpet newcomer, but she already knows that a classic with a clever twist will always be a winner. The fitted bodice and sweetheart neckline of this black satin Prada gown scream old Hollywood glamour, but the asymmetrical hem adds interest. And the best part? Those aren’t just gems you see, they’re miniature forks and scissors! Talk about being on the cutting edge.

While one would presume that the names Charlize Theron and John Galliano would delight, the stunning actress’ Dior Haute Couture gown took a wrong turn at unusual. While the pastel purple was lovely, and she embraced Spring with the rosettes, they seemed to embrace her in an, ahem, less than subtle manner. At least she gave us something to ponder!

Images from E! Online

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