FASHION

Oscar fashion: black, red and conformity

Actors and the herd mentality.

By Monica Corcoran and Melissa Magsaysay, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

February 25, 2008

Hitchcock once called actors cattle. Herd mentality certainly ruled the Oscar red carpet, with most actresses choosing one-shouldered gowns in black or red. The coif du jour? A rain-resistant ponytail -- spotted on Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Saoirse Ronan and Miley Cyrus.

Amy Ryan

First look: The nominee for "Gone Baby Gone" made no cannonball splash in a one-shouldered, navy Calvin Klein gown and a bun better suited to a Denny's waitress.

Final verdict: A little red lipstick would have whispered, "pick me."

Tilda Swinton

First look: Tilda Swinton, utterly bare of make up and accessories, still captivated in a simple black sheath and trademark titian coif.

Final verdict: Even pesky Ryan Seacrest didn't have the nerve to ask the amazon tigress "Who are you wearing?" Er, it was Lanvin.

Marion Cotillard

First look: Hmm. Was she wearing Aunt Carol's guest room duvet?

Final verdict: The scalloped white gown by Jean Paul Gaultier had more personalities than Roseanne Barr.

Amy Adams

First look: Glamorous Veronica Lake-inspired locks, gold accessories and a deep emerald satin Proenza Schouler gown nodded to classic Hollywood movie star.

Final verdict: Meet the new Rita Hayworth.

Anne Hathaway

First look: The best representation of red goes to the actress wearing a crimson Marchesa dress with a floral applique neckline.

Final verdict: Note to spray-tan addicts: A ruby dress applauds porcelain skin. The Harry Winston 10-carat earrings didn't hurt either.

Ellen Page

First look: The vintage Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture black chiffon gown was designed way before the "Juno" star was born.

Final verdict: Page's penchant for unfitted frocks is frustrating. Duckling? Be a swan, please.

Nicole Kidman

First look: Wearing a necklace of nearly 1,400 carats of rough diamonds designed by L'Wren Scott, the pregnant actress used bling to distract from her bump.

Final verdict: With all those rocks, who could see the Balenciaga dress?

Jessica Alba

First look: An elegant aubergine strapless Marchesa with a feathered neckline well-suited the mom-to-be.

Final verdict: Thank God, here's one pregnant actress who doesn't flaunt her growing bosom.

Daniel Day-Lewis

First look: The actor known for ochre plaid suits and pork pie hats dazzled in a classic shawl collar tux with piped lapels.

Final verdict: Ahoy! He doesn't leave home without his gold hoop earrings.

Keri Russell

First look: Finally, an actress who didn't opt for red or black. Her oyster dress and elegant updo proved stunning.

Final verdict: All it takes to stand out in Hollywood is to go against the grain.

John Travolta

First look: Shorn hair and a traditional tux didn't wow.

Final verdict: Why couldn't he have come in drag?

James McAvoy

First look: Eschewed a formal bow tie for the laid-back knotted version and forgot to shave. Cowlicks were endearing.

Final verdict: Youthful, but more in a prom date sort of way.

monica.corcoran@latimes.com

melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com