“If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot.”

Yes, Gabourey Sidibe said it right.  Last night, the Kodak Theater hosted the 82nd Annual Academy Awards as Tinsel Town welcomed celebrities, designer names, limos, publicists and I’m sure…tons of Swarovski crystals! I could try to argue that the awards are a celebration of the year in film, but who are we kidding? The event has become the epitome of runway shows on the red carpet – “The Superbowl of Fashion” as some like to put it.

Once again, the carpet was swamped with style-safe numbers, which, though award ceremony appropriate, lacked the wow factor that some of us so eagerly fish for at events like these.

The film might not have lived up to its “best picture” nomination, but there was certainly an Avatar effect of some sort on last night’s fashion as we witnessed a strong sea of blue.

Oprah in Carolina Herrera; Mariah Carey in Valentino Haute Couture; Gabourey Sidibe in Marchesa; Mariska Hargitay in Vera Wang

The dominating metallics were a go-to for many.  I’ll give them brownie points for their sparkle strategy in an attempt to stand out from the mundane colours.

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta; Kathryn Bigelow in Yves Saint Laurent; Sandra Bullock in Marchesa; Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent

Making another appearance on the Red Carpet after the Golden Globes earlier this year are the elegant blush tones.

Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka Couture; Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab Couture; Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture

I’m not a huge fan of classic trains but I love the contemporary twist designers have given to some of them.  Adding elements such as ruffles and playing with fabric resulted in these stars sporting a Spanish appeal.

Demi Moore in Atelier Versace; Elizabeth Banks in Versace; Diane Kruger in Chanel

After January Jones wore that to-die-for mint green Versace Couture sculptural dress at the Emmy’s last year, countless Hollywood A-listers have followed in her footsteps.  The sculptural look is a bit more daring than a simple silhouette but it’s beginning to become overdone.

Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive; Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan; Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive

To me, prints are a great way to stand out in a crowd.  These actresses paired classic silhouettes with the soft brush strokes of a painting.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten; Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Some stars chose to cover it up showing that baring all arms is not the only answer to looking smoking hot.

Meryl Streep in Chris March; Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka; Nicole Richie in Reem Acra

Of course, I’m always on the lookout for the crowd standouts.  I appreciate the risk takers so much more.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy

Vera Farmiga in Marchesa

Carrey Mulligan definitely took the biggest risk.  Her Prada number had a fun touch of whimsy, embellished with Swarovski crystal flowers as well as tiny forks, knives, scissors, bolts, watch gears and other charms!

Carey Mulligan in Prada

And of course, my favourite of the entire night is none other than Carrie Bradshaw herself! Parker wore a stunning satin-like yellow gown that set her apart from everyone.  I adore the neck detail of the dress and love the embellishment in the front that drapes down her back.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel

Image Sources: Film.com, Style.com