The Oscars may celebrate standout films, but the red carpet is always a trend-setting style spectacle.
Former Fashion Police star Melissa Rivers brought her signature expertise while sounding off about the sartorial hits and misses exclusively to Us Weekly hours after the A-listers gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15.
Melissa — daughter of the late Joan Rivers — gave a gold star to Rose Byrne, who dazzled in an “absolutely breathtaking” Dior number by Jonathan Anderson. The strapless gown featured flowers embroidered along the bodice and hem as well as an elegant train.
Bryne, 46, opted for a bold red lip and accessorized with a “beautiful” Taffin choker necklace by James de Givenchy, which Melissa loved because it didn’t “overpower the dress.”
She also gave high praise to Teyana Taylor, who stole the show in a black-and-white crystal-embroidered Chanel gown with a sheer panel that exposed her washboard abs, while it was covered in dramatic feathers from the hips down.
“She actually looks like she’s having fun on the carpets and saving the best for last,” Melissa, 58, told Us, noting that Taylor, 35, likely wanted to wrap up awards season with something unforgettable.
Speaking about Byrne and Taylor at the 98th Academy Awards, Melissa admitted, “You can’t even say which is better, it’s 1A and 1B. You know, we’re gonna have to put them alphabetically, cause that’s how tight it is.”
Melissa also credited Gwyneth Paltrow with delivering a “movie star” moment when she hit the scene in a strapless ivory silk Giorgio Armani Privé gown that had a super-high slit with a sheer sparkling fabric underneath.
“Minimal, chic, and then sideways … holy cow,” Melissa told Us, adding, “It was amazing.”
Melissa pointed out that it was a “big night for Chanel” as Jessie Buckley served up her own iconic look in what the brand described as a “a light pink bustier chiffon dress with a red satin leather stole.”
As for the fashion looks that missed the mark, Melissa told Us she didn’t issue any citations but did have “disappointments” — and from “two women who I, nine times out of 10, love.”
“These hit me a little bit hard,” she admitted, revealing the first was Elle Fanning who wore custom Givenchy by Sarah Burton. “She’s done the same look basically all through award season, and I felt like she looked washed out,” Melissa said.
The New York Times best-selling author noted that Fanning, 27, is such a “fashionista,” but this time, “You disappointed me, because I expect so much from you.”
Melissa said the other was Kirsten Dunst, who donned a structural tiered dress.
The style expert told Us, “She was wearing Celine, which is currently one of my favorite designers, and I felt like the dress just didn’t work.”
“I think it was the proportions,” Melissa said. “I don’t know, it just fell flat.”
