2023 Top Fashion Moments of the Award Season: Introducing Fashion as Wellness
Award season 2023 hallmarked a turning point in Fashion. From the Golden Globes in January to the Academy Awards in March, the traditional, and widely accepted, style of red carpet attire has been pushed aside by magnificence, glamour, and self-expression for today’s styles and tastes. Celebrities are creating a style that is aesthetically beautiful by combining their personalities, individual tastes, and lifestyles. The change is palpable and the excitement large.
Can this tidal wave of creativity, innovation, and self-confidence proclaim the rebirth of the individual in Fashion?
Our world is upside down, at least we feel it is. The disturbing events, pandemic, war, and economic downturn affect our health, and create anxiety, chronic stress, and feelings of hopelessness. Challenged to cope with everything happening in the world, Fashion can be our tool to uplift moods, create confidence, and boost self-esteem.
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life,” said Bill Cunningham, photographer for The New York Times and writer for WWD.
Clothing is, undoubtedly, an important part of our lives. It represents our personal thoughts, style, and state of mind. It also affects how others perceive us.
“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contact is so quick. Fashion is instant language,” said Miuccia Prada, head designer of the House of Prada.
Historically, Hollywood’s red carpet has set the standard for style and glamour. Celebrities, throughout this award season, broke out of fashion identities and expressed their inner personalities. This self-expression takes on a wide variety of forms; we have seen amazing looks and incredible disasters. Remember: inner style is something to cultivate and develop. And, because it takes a village, thank you, stylists and glam teams!
Iris Apfel said, “Fashion you can buy, but style you have. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There is no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude.”
Fashion has power. What can be more self-affirming, liberating, and confidence-building than expressing yourself through your Fashion? When we choose to apply our self-expression to our fashion choices, this is uplifting, mood-enhancing, and self-esteem building. Living this way – through Fashion and aesthetic beauty – is Fashion as Wellness, which is born of Beauty as Wellness.
Below are my picks for the best of what was worn during the award season 2023, and how celebrities expressed themselves creatively, aesthetically, and entirely with Fashion.
This is Fashion as Wellness.
Cara Delevingne
High society glamour! Cara wore a classic off the shoulder red dress by Elie Saab Couture to the Academy Awards.
This is a winning combination of color, fit, and style that features a giant bow on one shoulder, a high leg slit, and a billowing skirt. A splendid and sophisticated design, Cara looks glorious wearing this bold, deep scarlet fabric, with side-parted hair and elegant smoky makeup. She is elegant and breathtaking. Cara has been triumphant in her personal life; she proved it on March 12th.
Kate Beckinsale
Magnificence personified! Kate wore a striking sheer architectural dress by Tony Ward Couture to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
This dramatic, architectural gown pairs sequins and sheer fabric. It’s bolstered by an asymmetrical bodice, transparent panels, and a high leg slit. The neckline accentuates her face and bone structure. Her hair was slicked back, her eyes were smoky and sultry, and her lips were a soft pink. The ensemble is magnificent. She stands before us accompanied by a gleaming silver coat to ensure she is always spotlighted.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Sensational! Jodie wore a dazzling harlequin gown by Gucci to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Complimenting her figure, Jodie wore a majestic and sensual dress whose variegated patterns flattered her body, torso, and arms. The opaque and sheer fabric panels were detailed with crystals. These highlighted her curved silhouette. Her lips were ruby red, accented by crystals that matched the dress’s bodice. She looks, and is, regal. We shall not be tricked by the harlequin design, because who stands before us is a queen.
Lily Aldridge
Sleek and shimmering! Lily wore a scintillating, vinyl look by Balmain to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Lily wore a form-fitting, hip hugging, “Matrix”-inspired dress with exposed shoulder and built-in gloves. This very sexy, monochromatic, and minimalistic look needed hardly any makeup. Her flushed cheek, nude lips, and softly defined eyes were perfectly sufficient. She personifies strength; Lily was ready to define her own reality.
Zendaya
Euphoric! Zendaya wore a pale pink dress by Valentino to the SAG awards.
Flattering her body, skin, and hair, Zendaya wore an A-line pale pink dress with a body contouring design, large roses, and dramatic train. Her makeup was soft and romantic, which was thematic with the dress. While pink is historically a “safe” and gentle color, with Zendaya’s posture and overall presence, she made the statement that Fashion imparts power.
Jamie Lee Curtis
A celestial vision! Jamie Lee wore a crystal-encrusted gown by Dolce & Gabbana to the Academy Awards.
Jamie wore an opulent, champagne-colored dress that features a figure-forming corset, expertly draped skirt, all embellished with multi-colored crystals. Her makeup was dramatic on the eyes and soft lips to contrast against her silver and white pixie hair. The look sparkled and shimmered like the Oscar-winning megastar herself.
Deepika Padukone
Sublime! Deepika wore a velvet bustier gown by Louis Vuitton to the Academy Awards.
Deepika captivated us in smooth black velvet with a tight bodice and full skirt; the gloves she wore completed the elegance. This classic hourglass design enhanced her body’s curves. Deepika’s makeup was a classic look of winged eyeliner, pale nude pink lips, and blushed cheeks. She embodied the romantic dream of old Hollywood.
Cate Blanchett
Incandescent! Cate wore a shimmering two-piece dress by Louis Vuitton to the Academy Awards.
Cate’s draped ensemble consisted of a velvet teal blouse and a silk navy skirt with a long flowing train. The dress was spectacular. Cate rises looked victorious, similar to the Hellenistic masterpiece The Winged Victory of Samothrace, which is installed at the Louvre.
Sharon Stone
Timeless! Sharon wore a solar cape dress by Tony Ward to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Sharon wore a pale yellow dress that features a slimming design, open arms and a long flowing cape. Covering the bottom of the dress and cape was delicate white floral embroidery. To enhance her timeless beauty, Sharon’s eyelids shimmered with gold and her lips were rosebud-toned. Her whole self radiated the sun’s warmth and strength; she personified royalty.
Viola Davis
Alluring! Viola wore a sumptuous, indigo dress by Jason Wu to the Golden Globes.
Viola looked radiant in this blue-violet toned dress, whose color richness complemented her complexion. The dress was expertly tailored, draped, and ruched, which resulted – on Viola – a sexy, feminine silhouette. In this seemingly effortless couture, she was truly beautiful.
Helena Christensen
A vision of romance! Helena wore a white dress designed by Abeer & Lia Oraif for Atelier Hekaya.
Helena’s gown balanced a feminine hourglass design with sensual fabrics. It featured layers of repurposed(!) tulle, allowed for delicate body-shaping, and was remarkably tailored. The redeveloped fabric was used to make lace, ruffles, and delicate ruching. Her soft, smoky eye makeup highlighted her deep blue eyes, and partnered well with a loosely-styled bob. She was elegance personified.
Lori Harvey
Electrifying! Lori’s look was highlighted by a gold blazer by Stephane Rolland Couture to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Lori looked outstanding in this two-piece that combined color, style, and Fashion. The jacket had an oversized hood, and it paired seamlessly with a large belt and wide-legged cream pants. Her complexion looked radiant in the metallic jacket. The radiance continued with a smoky eye and glossy nude lip.
Rhea Seehorn
Flower is power! Rhea wore a floral sequined dress by Naeem Khan to the Golden Globes.
The gorgeous, body-shaping dress was a canvas worn by Rhea: it included giant flowers nestled in a sea of black sequins. While an entirely black dress might be intimidating, the floral patterns provided an elegant touch. Balancing out the bold designs, she wore a matching red lipstick and softly defined eyes. She manifests the calmness of inner beauty and outer beauty.
Nicole Kidman
Rockstar! Nicole wore a sequined gown by Armani to the Academy Awards.
Gliding down the carpet, Nicole wore a sleek black dress with two giant roses, a thigh-high slit, and a mass of shimmering sequins. This sexy rocker look was complemented by loosely styled hair and minimal, yet beautiful, makeup. She resembled a rock star who just stepped off her Harley.
Monica Barbaro
A smash hit! Monica wore a voluminous gown by Elie Saab Couture to the Academy Awards.
Monica wore a larger-than-life gown with a plunging v-neckline. The Grecian-inspired, sheer blue chiffon was accented by a billowing skirt. The deep plum fabric miraculously surrounded the chiffon, creating a futuristic ball gown. She looked elegant, as multiple dress styles were combined, along with the wearing of two skin tone-flattering colors. The dress, and Monica, were winners.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
On fire! Catherine wore a sultry gown by Tony Ward Couture to the BAFTAs.
Catherine wore a sheer, sexy, and form-fitting dress with soft yellow and purple beading. The dress was expertly tailored with a plunging neckline and gold tulle train. She looked ravishing with her long, luscious curls, smoldering, smoky eyes and pale lipstick. Catherine was a knockout in this dress.
Suki Waterhouse
A scintillating rose! Suki wore a silver sequined gown by Elie Saab to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Suki wore a body-hugging, trumpet-style dress. It was formed of a cascade of shimmering sequins, including an oversized rose on the bodice, and an open back. Her bold red lipstick and softly waved hair complemented the dress’s sleek design. She looked modern and unique.
Danai Gurira
Astounding poise! Danai wore a sculptural gown by Jason Wu to the Academy Awards.
Danai wore a gorgeous black dress, composed of a strapless top, fitted bodice, and full skirt. This impressive structure complemented her hairstyle, which was a bejeweled homage to the African women who carry baskets on their heads (which Danai shared during an interview). She exemplified grace, architecture, and drama.
Angela Bassett
Legendary! Angela wore a custom-draped organza gown by Moschino to the Academy Awards.
Angela wore an outstanding dress with precise tailoring, tone, and opulence. This gown provided a body-hugging silhouette, it was enhanced by lavish bows, and the expert draping was obvious. Complementing Angela’s complexion was the dress’s fabric (a stunning amethyst), her subtle makeup, and voluminous, flowing hair. She looked phenomenal.
Michelle Yeoh
Omnipresent and mesmerizing! Michelle wore an ivory dress by Dior Haute Couture to the Academy Awards.
Michelle wore an exquisite dress comprised of silk organza, layers of tulle, and white feathers. Her long curly hair was accentuated with a diamond necklace placed like a tiara. Her hair, makeup, and flowing feathers imparted an ethereal quality that confirmed her inherent beauty.
It is worth mentioning that she wore several fabulous looks this award season. Each one was a statement. Each one was unique to the many facets of Michelle. We have seen her wear Schiaparelli, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Armani Privé, and, at the Oscars, Dior. A regular fashionista could not keep up with this multitude of fashion universes. This superstar did it all with finesse, love, and self-esteem.
Credit: All photos presented here are courtesy of Getty Images.
