The red carpet at the Academy Awards is typically known for minimal and high spirited fashions. However, 2019’s carpet seemed to take a bit of bold turn for many attendees’ fashion choices.  

FX “Pose” star Billy Porter was not the first attendee to walk the carpet but definitely had a lasting impression on both attendees and viewers at home. Porter posed in a custom Christian Siriano ensemble made of velvet tuxedo jacket overtop a strapless ball gown. As if that wasn’t striking enough, Porter wore a long-sleeve white shirt underneath the dress with ruffled ends and a deep black bow tie.

“As a gender non-conforming piece, I think it does the job at turning heads and catching attention to get any conversation going,” freshman studio art major Lizzy Warner said. “Especially having it worn by a masculine African American man, as they are typically portrayed as hyper-masculine in both media and societal norms. So overall, seeing a softness owned like this and a proud display of femininity alongside masculinity is awesome.”

Not only were political statements catching eyes on the carpet but so were the color palettes. In a simple pastel ensemble, Oscar-winning actress and film producer Charlize Theron walked the red carpet with a whole new look. The 43-year-old actress made an early ode to spring by strutting down the carpet in a pastel blue Dior Haute Couture gown. Upon looking at the front, the long-sleeve periwinkle confection looks sleek and sophisticated, but from behind, the backless design captured many eyes. Theron also traded her signature blonde hair color for a classic chestnut chin-length bob.

“Theron’s Dior look was my favorite look because of the colors,”  sophomore fashion merchandising major Dominique Sella said. “The blue color is one of my favorites right now as pastels are in. The look is very timeless, but the back cut makes it sexy. It’s a perfect balance and beautiful dress.”

Another way to make a bold statement on the red carpet is through the underestimated power of accessories. This concept was executed by none other than singer-songwriter Lady Gaga and her styling team. Gaga walked the carpet in a Tiffany Co. yellow diamond necklace which weighed in at 128.54 carats, according to the New York Times. In order to allow her the necklace to be the center of attention, Gaga wore a black monochrome Alexander Mcqueen dress and arm gloves to match. The dress featured an over-exaggerated waist form and ruffled skirt.

“I like this one because it’s simple yet sexy,”  junior fashion merchandising major Destiny Stubblefield said. “It’s giving me 2005 vibes with the abnormally low back and gold accent.”

This Oscars red carpet represented the underestimated powers of bold fashion. Indeed, some looks felt somewhat underwhelming at moments, however, Sunday evening brought fashions of all walks — dresses that fit like a glove, tuxedos dresses that raised questions on the boundaries of mens and womenswear alike and women who showcased their femininity with eruptions of ruffles, spring hues that nicely contrasted the red of the carpet and ensembles of jewelry that could make any average American bank account shed a tear.