Red Carpet Fashion
The 2008 Academy Awards
by Greta Davis

There was color on the Red Carpet!

Hollywood was filled with glamour once again as the 80th Annual Academy Awards were presented Sunday night at the Kodak Theater.

Some would say the actual awards play a supporting role to the clothes worn by the attendees. There were bare shoulders and color everywhere!

Among the members of the Red Dress Club were:

Young Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana) looked sophisticated and elegant in fire engine red Valentino with just the slightest cap sleeved. Miley was also a presenter at the awards and, as always, wowed the audience.

Veteran actress and nominee Ruby Dee also donned a red gown. This time the dress was more tailored, with a thin belt and structured jacket. She looked as outstanding as ever with her striking accessories and beautiful smile.

Gray's Anatomy star Katherine Heigl was stunning in a one shoulder Escada gown of true red. Her lipstick matched perfectly and made a bold - and exciting statement.

Project Runway's Super Model-In-Charge wore a fiery red Galliano dress with a dramatic train and a stand up color that surrounded her beautifully coiffed hair and the elegant neckline of the garment. Klum will auction off her dress as a fund raiser for The Red Dress Campaign for Heart truth.

Julie Christie chose to wear a knee length dress instead of a gown. The dress was a deep a ruched and deep ruby red. Ms. Christie co-designed the dress, as well as the rest of the ensemble (white mesh gloves and pink heels) with her stylist, Tanya Gill.

Anne Hathaway not only wore a beautiful red Marchesa gown, but its one sleeve was a cascade of roses. Of course her 10 carat Harry Winston diamonds, valued at over $1 million dollars were the perfect accent to give the complete glamour effect.

But it wasn't only red on the red carpet. Nominees showed up in an assortment of bright, beautiful colors and of course classic black as well.

Nominee Cate Blanchett looked remarkable in her "mom-to-be" royal purple Dries Van Noten gown. Beautiful floral beading accented the drape and hem of the dress.

Rene Zellweger wasn't timid in her silver strapless Carolina Herrera gown. She was absolutely striking and the thigh-high split in the front of the dress added to the sizzle.

Jessica Alba wore a deep burgundy Marchesa gown - another "mom-to-be" dress. It was a strapless beauty with long drapes and feathers covering her décolletage.

Amy Ryan was exquisite in a midnight blue Calvin Klein gown. Her gown was a one shoulder masterpiece that looked fantastic on her.

No word descirbes Amy Adams dress as well as elegent. She wore Proenza Schouler in an fascinating emerald green. Her long auburn curls against the dress and her bare shoulders were spectacular.

Kelly Preston wore the most amazing Roberto Cavalli gown. The dress was beautifully draped, bare shoulders and a stand-up-and-pay-attention shade of yellow/orange. Nothing but exquisiteness here.

Atonement star Saoirse Ronan looked like the Teen Queen she is in a beautiful mint green dress with lace at the hem and bodice. She may be young, but she knows her fashion.

Of course, there were some fashion "misses" too. What was Jennifer Hudson thinking in her choice of all white, space alien dress? Tilda Swinton dress was unique but different just to be different isn't a good thing. There was one long sleeve, one bare arm and baggy unkempt material. If she was attempting to make a statement, she certainly did.

Calista Flockhart had Junior Prom written all over her mint green halter gown with an olive green full length sash. Marlee Matlin came close to looking glamorous but her black and white dress (white top, black bottom) was an odd combination of tailored and glamour.

Don't even get me started on the men...