Oscars 2016: Fashion review by Malaysia's fashion fraternity

The 88th Academy Awards show was one of the unforgettable ones with great performances especially by Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl and the host, Chris Rock, who sent laughter upon laughter in the grand Dolby Theatre with his non-stop #OscarSoWhite not-so-subtle sarcasm and racist innuendo.

However, personally, it is not so with the Oscars fashion this year. The Oscars fashion is something and everything one has seen before. Fair to say, it is after all the 88th time that the red carpet has been rolled in and out, showcasing a wide array of style and fashion, all lined up to outshine – so chances of seeing something new can be slim.

Well, that is just a take from a fashion observer slash writer like this writer but having said that, we have gathered some of Malaysia's fellow members of the fashion fraternity and here is what they have to say on the last Oscars fashion and style.

The trend

Gold and bold fashion connoisseur, Zaihani Zain, agrees that the Oscars fashion has not changed since its first inception 88 years ago. According to this nation's most sought after stylist and consultant, the trend for the Oscars red carpet has not evolved since yesteryears – cinched waist, flare skirts, strapless gowns and off-shoulder dresses.

But for young and influenced shoemaker and shoe marketeer, Xavier Mah, founder of XALF Design, he was rather surprised that the styling of most celebrities was "unpretentious yet elegant", understated glamour with dark hues except for a few such as Oscars winner, Alicia Vikander's yellow and silver ball gown by Louis Vuitton.

And talking about ball gowns, Alia Bastamam, the designer who understands the contours and the charm of women's physique like no other, dubbed as one of the 'tastemakers' of Asia, was not the least impressed with the abundance of ball gowns sweeping the red carpet. But Alia personally feels that the ladies in the simpler silhouettes and fresh looks reigned supreme this year.

For a young designer whose creations concocts minimalism, gender fluid and norm core silhouettes into a series of wearability, Zakwan Anuar observed that the trend was in favour of thigh-high slits dresses – as seen on Rachel McAdams's emerald green, halter-neck, open-back August Getty Atelier design and Rooney Mara's ivory Givenchy Haute Couture gown.

Star gazing

Zaihani is well-known for her classy taste in fashion, however, it was surprising that she was looking out for Lady Gaga. In fact, she was on the lookout for Lady Gaga since the past six months, when Gaga had appeared to have gone through a transformation – from radically raunchy style to really classy and chic.

Xavier takes star gazing as an excitement. Seeing the attire and style of past years' winners and observing their efforts to outdo themselves each year sends him all enthused. This year it was Julianne Moore, and for Xavier, Moore never fails to disappoint.

Alia is always on the lookout for 'Miss Klutz' Jennifer Lawrence who is perpetually resplendent on the red carpet. However, this time, Alia was again 'unimpressed' with the superstar's below average look.

"Perhaps, because it isn't Raf Simons' design for Dior anymore?" Alia wondered.

As for Zakwan, he's always on the lookout for Cate Blanchette. Why?

"She's extraordinary. That's the reason why."

Shining stars

Zaihani voted for Lady Gaga as her shiniest star on the Oscars red carpet. Zaihani added that the Poker Face singer's transformation is on point – from meat dress to that stellar white jumpsuit all pure in white strapless jumpsuit and over skirt by Brandon Maxwell complemented with wavy Marilyn-style long blonde bob. Gaga topped her fabulousness with emerald cut earrings that were said to worth US$8 million with her heart-shaped engagement ring.

"What an amazing transformation!" exclaimed Zaihani.

Both Xavier and Zakwan were fascinated by Oscars' Lead Actress winner, Brie Larson. Xavier feels that Larson's charisma matched her exquisite blue custom-made gown by Gucci. And Zakwan was just stunned by her beauty in that Gucci.

"Definitely a dress that is Oscar-worthy," said Xavier.

Although Alia was unimpressed with the overflow of ball gowns on the red carpet, however, she found it hard to chose between Charlize Theron's killer red dress by Dior Couture, Brie Larson's blue Gucci dress or Naomi Watts's rock glamour sequinned Armani Prive'.

"Their dresses, hair, make-up and accessories were all well styled and complemented each of their own styles and attitudes very well," Alia added.

Tacky stars

Whilst Zaihani was amazed by Lady Gaga’s transformation, she was also shocked by Heidi Klum's tacky choice on the red carpet.

"What has happened to her? What hit her? She has suddenly lost her fashion sense, very un-European. What has gotten into her stylist? Or is she now without one?" Zaihani wondered.

Former Mrs Seal opted for an OTT (over-the-top) frilly lavender Marchesa gown with sexy cut-out which definitely wasn't the best look for this supermodel.

Alia agreed with Zaihani and she added Kerry Washington in her list of worst dressed Oscars star. Alia said both made the wrong choice – Washington and Klum should have gone with subtler choices if they really wanted to try a look out of their comfort zone.

Zakwan and Xavier also shared similar views. Like Alia, they both feel that Jennifer Lawrence's black lace Dior dress was less than mediocre. Though Xavier is reluctant to pin-point his pick for worst dressed, nonetheless he said, "Jennifer Lawrence should have known better not to wear a dark, half transparent gown that doesn't look good together with her too blonde hair."