Jamie Lee Curtis may have worked in Hollywood for over 45 years, but last night’s Oscars was definitely the biggest night of her life.
It was the first time the 64-year-old had been nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role in Everything Everywhere All At Once. Knowing the spotlight would be on her, the star chose a dress that screamed, “Look at me, I’m amazing”?
Not quite. She was happy to blend in. Her crystal embellished Dolce & Gabbana dress came in the soothing shade of champagne and was a perfect match for . . . the carpet! It is the first time that the Oscars have chosen a ‘soft’ shade of champagne rather than the usual red.
The temptation for stars to stand out against such a muted backdrop in bright, garish colors must have been enormous. Fortunately, the night’s biggest stars did no such thing (most of them anyway). Surprisingly, Jamie Lee was far from alone. From Florence Pugh in Valentino to Naomi Watts in Givenchy, the stage was flooded with this shade.
Although it may look effortless – was anyone dressed more simply or stylishly than actress Rooney Mara in vintage Alexander McQueen? -champagne as a color is high maintenance. Think of it as a humble brag, as the champagne color literally requires a champagne lifestyle—one free of dirt, toddlers, and alcohol stains.
It also draws attention to the figure of the wearer. But by adding texture, embellishments like Schiaparelli’s metallic sequins worn by Naomi Campbell or clouds of fabric as seen on Helena Christensen, there is always a way around it.
Champagne allows the wearer to be sexy without tipping into trashy and, as it does, provides a soft backdrop for body-hugging attire, with Zoe Saldana and Cara Delevingne all proving this point wonderfully.
Of course, it’s not a color that will dazzle an observant photographer, so there’s a risk that those wearing this quiet shade will go unnoticed – which may explain why it was the choice for the Oscars’ biggest stars. These were women who understand the power of less-is-more; who can let their talent shine.
This shade also lets the wearer do the talking. As Best Actress winner Michelle Yeoh said: ‘Darling, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you’re past your prime.’
Now there’s something we could all raise our glasses to.