Most fashion designers have already presented their newest collections for next season, but Sunday's Oscar red carpet show will bring the styles to life.
In a pre-Oscar fashion presentation, Oscar fashion coordinator Patty Fox showed glamorous looks that were likely to be imitated on the red carpet.
Designers represented at the February 12 show included Hugo Boss, Christian Dior, Zang Toi, Richard Tyler and Luca Luca.
Frederic Fekkai & Co provided hairstyles and makeup for the show. His prediction for Oscar beauty? "This year on the red carpet big, bold and beautiful hair is back, reminiscent of the '20s and '30s," said Fekkai in a press release. "Waves and finger curls that have been revamped and updated, combining rock & roll and retro but in a feminine soft way."
Fashion is high on Hollywood right now, with everything from spy-flick-ready trenches to haute gowns and furs on the runway.
A colorful palette (ranging from pink to periwinkle to green) will probably be seen on some of the big screen's most popular names.
But don't forget about basic black just yet. At the precursor to the Oscars, the Golden Globes, black was still a fave with the younger set.
The Golden Globes also featured goddess dresses (draped, rouched and wrapped styles), soft hair (often with ornaments) and some great shorter styles.
Trendy metallic looks were mostly fashion disasters at the Globes, from Jennifer Lopez' glitzy wrap belt to Nicole Kidman's failed attempt at a modern flapper.
Three fashion venues -- New York, London and Milan -- have already presented Fall 2004 ready-to-wear looks; many celebrities will opt for couture, which was presented last month. Directional looks from both Fall '04 RTW and Spring '04 Couture may appear: furs, eclectic looks (Giorgio Armani and Prada in particular), romantic pieces, even mummy dresses (Christian Dior couture).
Seven celebs to watch
These influential actresses are slated to appear as presenters and nominees at the 76th Oscars, according to recent press releases. Look for some of the more interesting looks of the evening to come from these women:
Sofia Coppola-- Writer-director Sofia is Hollywood royalty (dad is famous director Francis Ford Coppola). But Sofia's made a name for herself as fashion designer Marc Jacobs' muse, exuding a unique type of low-key, smart chic. At the Golden Globes she opted for a short goddess dress and flats (reportedly to accommodate a broken toe). Sofia's likely to pick a subdued, but on-trend, dress for the presentation (probably black) and soft, natural-looking hair.
Liv Tyler - With her unbelievable complexion and contrasting dark hair, Liv favors gowns that accent her coloring. Liv hasn't really hit her style stride yet, but look for great things as she matures.
Charlize Theron - Old Hollywood! Charlize is always gorgeous and glamorous and never turns out in basic black. Look for major jewels, updos, noticeable makeup.
Renee Zellweger - When she gets it right this actress is often in vintage looks which suit her girl-next-door looks. No stranger to fashion shows, look for Renee to go with a glamorous, but classic, gown or short dress.
Uma Thurman - Uma looks confident and chic in everything she puts on. Previous award appearances have featured lovely hues of periwinkle and purple (most famously the 1995 purple dress that launched Prada as a celebrity fave).
Jada Pinkett-Smith - Jada's a fashion chameleon, looking equally at home in a Matrix-esque leather coat or a floaty gown. It's a toss-up what she'll don to present at the Oscars, but bet that she'll look fantastic.
Scarlett Johannson - There's so much fashion buzz around Scarlett, and as a newcomer to the Oscar stage it's anyone's guess what this sexy young star will choose. She's been seen in micro-minis and corseted looks at previous award events this year, so don't bet on anything too tame from Scarlett!
