Oscars 2015: Best and worst dress by Malaysian fashion who's who

For many years since Audrey Hepburn wore the classic white floral Givenchy dress in 1954, that particular dress is dubbed as one of the most iconic dresses in the 20th century.

In 1998, Gwyneth Paltrow dazzled the red carpet so sweetly when she made the wise choice reliving fashion icon Grace Kelly’s classic with pastel-pink taffeta gown by Ralph Lauren. In 2001, a good 14 years ago, Julia Roberts surprised us charmingly with unforgettable Valentino vintage glamour black and white column dress.

And years after that, fashion at the Oscars seemed to fall flat. None of them held much surprises. This year, like the rest of the previous years, thigh high slits and super low neckline seemed to rule the red carpet.

This year, Gwyneth Paltrow’s attempt to relive her Grace Kelly moment, with soft pink one-shoulder gown with a giant rosette by Ralph & Russo, gained mix reaction - but then again, there’s nothing new there.

[Click here to see photos of Oscars 2015]

Just like there’s nothing new about Jared Leto trying to look like a homeless guy going to the prom in the 70’s with his powder blue unconventional suit, complete with pink flower, white bow tie and shoes.

And can anything be as nude as J’Lo’s flowy dress with deep V-neck and sequins or embellishments down all sides?

Well we are no fashion experts here but we have managed to bring together four local fashion observers to share their views and play fashion police for this year’s Oscars fashion and they are:

First, Zaihani Mohd Zain (ZZ), Malaysia’s very own fashion connoisseur, who has styled the who’s who of the broadcast industry when she helmed the position head of wardrobe and make-up for both TV3 and Astro many years ago. Zaihani now has retired and work as consultant to many prominent personas of the fashion industry.

Second is Alia Bastamam (AB), Malaysia’s sweetheart designer who is also one of the fastest growing designers here. Alia has swooned many local women professionals with her gorgeously crafted bridal wear and ready-to-wear.

We have also managed to grab the fashion opinion of In Trend Editor, Megat Azwan Iqbaq Mukhtaram or fondly known as Vee as well as PR maven, Jiman Casablancas (JC).

ZZ: I always look out for Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman. They always managed to look a million dollars everytime they appear on the red carpet.

AB: I always have my eyes on Mation Cotillard. She’s always dressed to perfection – from the dress to her accessories and hair and make-up. She has that natural elegance.

Vee: Definitely looking out for J-Lo and Felicity Jones. J-Lo for the fact that she knows what works best for her body and undeniably, sex sells! Felicity because she is a new face on the circuit and is bringing a certain Brit charm to the whole look.

JC : Out of everyone, I am most excited to see Emma Stone for she seem to know what fits her best and this award season, she has been doing a great job in mixing menswear into her ensembles like pants at the Golden Globes and the tuxedo jacket at the Screen Actor’s Guild.

ZZ : My vote goes to Reese Witherspoon! I love the ‘new energy’. Less is definitely more with Tom Ford’s black and white number paired with the understated glamour of Tiffany & Co jewelry.

AB : Emma Stone in Ellie Saab. She stole the show! The silhouette and the slit, the lush fabric in that fresh chartreuse colour and with the perfect touch of those accessories – sublime!

Vee : My best picked this year goes to Jennifer Lopez. She looks super sexy in nude yet classy and opulent. Rosamund Pike with that punch of scarlet red against her alabaster skit is perfection! Gwyneth Paltrow, her style is romantic and sleek. And Emma Stone of course, with a dash of lemony green, definitely brighten up the red carpet – like cold icy lemonade on a hot Sunday afternoon.

JC : Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein – made completely out of 6000 fine pearls.

Question: Who was the worst dressed and why?

ZZ : Giuliana Rancic. The colour is too strong and with elements like netting, lace, fish tail shape. Everything on her was so old fashioned and that hair and make-up – was just overly contrived. To quote Karl Lagerfeld: trend is the last stage before tacky and this is downright tacky.

AB : Keira Knightley. This is not an Oscar dress.

Vee : I can’t seem to appreciate Lady Gaga’s red glove. The dress is very interesting, yet the gloves are pushing it a bit too far.

JC : Worst dressed is – no one. Everyone stepped up to the plate.

ZZ : Overall, the mood or energy is the same year in and year out with the exception of Reese Witherspoon, Cate Blanchett and Marion Cotillard.

AB : The silhouette this year is more sleek and streamlined with lots of pastel and light colours.

Vee : Major beads, texture and sequins work this time around, embellishments seem to be in the must-have list. In an array of colours and texture, looking at Rita Ora, Felicity Jones, Nicole Kidman and Kerry Washington. There’s also an array of soft ruffles and gathers ala old Hollywood glam.