The look of an Oscars after-party or viewing event is as different from the main ceremony as the plot of Hamnet from Marty Supreme.
The labels of gowns and the names of stylists are the same, but there are some nuanced style differences, and some as subtle as a nude illusion dress.
Firstly, there’s the sex factor. In an ultraviolet Gucci dress, Dua Lipa could be taking to the stage to present an Academy Award, but the snug fit and plunging neckline are too pop star sexy for a ceremony with an in memoriam section – unless you’re Kylie Jenner. This is a quintessential after-party look.
Lipa joined Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham, in a single-shouldered vintage Valentino black lace gown, at the Elton John AIDS Foundation viewing party, where another major difference became obvious – the guest list.
Until there’s an Academy Award for best family drama, it’s clear that the Beckhams aren’t going to find their name on the same iPad guest list as Gwyneth Paltrow, Rose Byrne and Michael B. Jordan at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
While the Oscars are Kylie Jenner alongside Timothée Chalamet, the after-parties are Kris Jenner with her hair piled high like a distressed debutante in a vintage Valentino dress.
In an after-party line-up, you can guarantee to see Rita Ora, this time in a dress by Australian designer Tamara Ralph, or Heidi Klum and Kim Kardashian in something tighter than a Hollywood pre-nuptial agreement.
Elton’s fundraiser and the Vanity Fair party are the top destinations for television stars, such as Industry’s Kiernan Shipka, who can fulfil Oscars fantasies in a pretty floral princess gown from Rodarte, or Emmy Award winner Keke Palmer, who can dream of EGOT status in a vintage Yves Saint Laurent moulded black bodice.
In runway-fresh Tom Ford, singer and newly appointed Penfolds wine creative director Troye Sivan turned up the heat by ditching his shirt and test-driving the brand’s asymmetric trousers, which looked as though they were brought by his mother in the hope that he would grow into them.
Model Cara Delevingne joined Sivan in embracing the potential to be playful in a sheer nude illusion top from Thom Browne. At the Oscars, these outfits would raise eyebrows; at an after-party they merely raise the corners of your mouth in a smile as they walk the fine line between arousing and attention-seeking for a sea of photographers.
There are also smiles from the other guests. The viewing and after parties might not be the main event, but at least they’re not at the after-after-parties with a cash bar or clothing they’ve actually had to purchase.
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