palabras Linda Ripoll

And the Academy for Fiercest Gown Goes To...

Touted as the most diverse Oscars yet, the Academy Awards ceremony on February 25th, showcased the long overdue acceptance and recognition of the Latino influence in Hollywood.

Even though I was proud of the several Latinos that were nominated , I was even more excited about the sheer sophistication of the gowns trailing across the red carpet at the Kodak Center in the heart of Hollywood. So for a little Oscar style roundup- Latina style, check out my top ten choices for best dressed!

10. Cameron Diaz – Valentino
This dress was not my favorite, though I love her sense of style. It was her dark hair and faux glow that sealed it for me. Her complexion worked beautifully against the stark white of the dress. Though cut of the dress confused me. Cameron is a long, lean beauty but something about the linear lines of this dress left her looking one-dimensional and straight as a board instead of curvaceous and sexy.

9. Queen Latifah – Carmen Marc Valvo
This classy black ensemble is a great example of a full-figured woman who looks l like a million dollars in a dress that is typically worn by smaller, less endowed women. Latifah commanded attention in this sultry number showcasing her penchant for glamour.

8. Emily Blunt – Calvin Klein
The Devil may wear Prada but her assistant wears Calvin Klein. Emily Blunt blinged in this strapless, sapphire hued gown that was equal parts fashion and glamour all rolled into one piece of designer heaven. What I liked most about the dress was the bold choice of color and the simple clean lines.

7. Beyoncé – Armani Privé
I loved the silhouette on this Dreamgirl, but didn’t feel the bejeweled strap over one shoulder added anything extra. It would have worked even better if she kept the look simple. The other element that seemed to get in the way was her ridiculously long extensions (a theme for the night- see Nicole Kidman and Gwyenth Paltrow). The flowing faux locks are quite distracting. In the future, it would be best for her to keep her hair back and off her shoulders.

6. Jennifer Lopez - Marchesa
I loved the sweet, soft lilac shade of this Grecian inspired goddess dress with bejeweled neckline. It had a very regal quality to it that put Jennifer into a league all her own.

5. Kate Winslet – Valentino
It was the beautiful, light green shade of this simple, elegant gown that worked wonders for Kate Winslet. It was also the gorgeous way she accentuates her womanly curves. The asymmetrical strapless effect displayed her feminine shoulders while her dewy makeup and accessories added the final polish. She wore her dress instead of letting her dress wear her.

4. Nicole Kidman – Balenciaga
There are always a few celebs who wear red on the red carpet, while most don’t do so successfully, Nicole Kidman makes wearing red a serious fashion do. With a daring oversized bow and long, lean lines, this gown was a showstopper. Not made for the curvaceous or average sized woman, this is definitely a couture dress with glamorous leanings.

3. Gwyenth Paltrow – Zac Posen
I LOVED this dress for two reasons – the unusual apricot color and the even more bizarre cut. I was impressed by the craftsmanship, design and creativity of the gown. She pulled it off flawlessly. Even with the faux do, she looked breathtaking and I admired her for taking a risk on the most glamorous night of the year.

2. Reese Witherspoon – Escada
I was spellbound by the beauty of the gown and her grace and confidence wearing it. The color was extraordinary and the design with the multi-tiered layers that fanned out behind her and a slight train that flowed like water made her look every bit the part of a modern fashionista. She glowed even through her modern makeup which makes me wonder if the new accessory for future award shows is to showcase being single!

1. Penelope Cruz - Versace
From the pale pink color against her naturally olive skin tone to the deconstructed chiffon that billows forth like a plush plume of feathers, there was nothing about this dress or Penelope’s entire look that wasn’t immaculately put together. One of the aspects to this dress that also played well with her innate sense of sexuality is the wound bodice, reminiscent of Versace in the mid- 90’s. With her hair pulled back into a classy chignon and minimal accessories, Penelope she shined brighter than anyone.