At the Oscars, Let’s Take a Moment For the Unexpected Choices

Every year, you can be certain of two things at the Oscars: Big star power, and even bigger brand deals. It’s no secret that Hollywood celebrities are paid big sums to collaborate with fashion houses on their red carpet design; sometimes, there’s even bidding wars between labels to dress the buzziest of nominees. But at this weekend’s 96th Academy Awards, let’s take a moment of appreciation for the stars who strayed from the obvious usual suspects—Dior, Louis Vuitton, Armani—in favor of smaller indie designers.

Some of the most refreshing choices? On the main Oscars red carpet, Florence Pugh took a pause from her ongoing Valentino partnership—she is a face for the label—to wear a slinky silver look from Del Core, complete with floating straps. Designer Daniel Del Core, a Gucci alum, debuted his brand back in 2021 and is fast becoming known for his architectural silhouettes. That Pugh would take a risk and rock his exaggerated shoulder straps on Oscars night was a fun and quirky choice.

Model Quannah Chasinghorse also brought Indigenous fashion representation to the carpet: The Indigenous beauty wore a graphic printed dress from Red Berry Woman’s Norma Baker-Flying Horse, complete with a black feathered shoulder detail. Both she and Killers of the Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone—who wore a gown designed by Gucci and the Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain—chose to spotlight Indigenous talent.

This dedication to championing emerging designers continued on at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party. Chloë Sevigny looked divine in Simone Rocha’s red satin off-the-shoulder mini dress; Anya Taylor-Joy turned heads in a custom look from Miss Sohee, complete with the bejeweled swim cap-style headpiece. South Korean designer Shoe Park is fast becoming a celebrity staple: She’s also been worn by Ariana Grande, Megan Fox, and Christina Aguilera.

Overall, these thoughtful red carpet commissions proved to be a very if-you-know-you-know power choice. They showed that the stars who wore them—or, at least their genius stylists—have their finger on the fashion pulse. A total style win. Below, explore even more of the night’s best unexpected designer choices.