Cover Nicole Kidman arrives with Tom Cruise at The 69th Annual Academy Awards red carpet in 1997 (Photo: Barry King/WireImage)
Nicole Kidman arrives with Tom Cruise at The 69th Annual Academy Awards red carpet in 1997 (Photo: Barry King/WireImage)
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From Björk’s swan to Billy Porter’s tuxedo gown, these Oscars red carpet moments live rent-free in fashion history
The Oscars red carpet is a spectacle where fashion's boldest statements often rival the award shows themselves. Over the years, celebrities have transformed this glamorous walkway into a stage for audacious and unforgettable fashion moments. From avant-garde designs to daring ensembles that challenge conventions, these appearances have sparked conversations and set trends for events to come. Here are some of the most outrageous fashion moments that have graced the Oscars red carpet.
Read more: Here's what you need to know about the Oscars 2025 nominees for Best Costume Design
Björk's swan dress (2001)
Above Bjork at the arrivals at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in 2001(Photo: Mirek Towski/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
Bjork at the arrivals at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in 2001(Photo: Mirek Towski/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
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Icelandic singer Björk turned heads at the 73rd Academy Awards with her now-infamous swan dress. Designed by Marjan Pejoski, the ensemble featured a life-sized swan draped around her neck, with its body cascading into a tulle skirt. Björk's whimsical choice defied traditional red carpet norms, making it one of the most memorable and polarising looks in Oscars history.
Nicole Kidman's chartreuse Dior gown (1997)
Above Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise at the Oscars red carpet in 1997 (Photo: Kevin Mazur Archive/WireImage)
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise at the Oscars red carpet in 1997 (Photo: Kevin Mazur Archive/WireImage)
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Nicole Kidman made a striking statement at the 69th Academy Awards in a chartreuse silk gown by John Galliano for Dior. The dress featured intricate embroidery and a form-fitting silhouette that contrasted sharply with the more subdued palettes typically seen on the red carpet. Kidman's bold colour choice (some people may call it garish) nevertheless redefined red carpet fashion, marking a departure from conventional styles.
Cher's showgirl ensemble (1986)
Never one to shy away from bold fashion, Cher arrived at the 58th Academy Awards in a dazzling showgirl-inspired outfit designed by Bob Mackie. The ensemble boasted a towering feathered headdress, a midriff-baring top, and a sequinned skirt with a dramatic slit. Cher's flamboyant attire was a rebellious response to the Academy's conservative taste, solidifying her status as a fashion icon unafraid to push boundaries.
Celine Dion's backward tuxedo (1999)
At the 71st Academy Awards, Celine Dion challenged fashion conventions by wearing a white Christian Dior tuxedo—backward. Paired with a tilted fedora and diamond-studded sunglasses, the ensemble blurred gender lines and defied red carpet expectations.
Halle Berry's sheer Elie Saab gown (2002)
Halle Berry stunned audiences at the 74th Academy Awards in a daring Elie Saab gown. The dress featured a sheer embroidered bodice that tastefully revealed skin, paired with a deep-red satin skirt. Berry's bold fashion choice complemented her historic win that night, making both her achievement and attire unforgettable. Proving the gown’s timelessness (and hers), she recently wore the same dress at the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab show in Saudi Arabia.
Billy Porter's tuxedo gown (2019)
Actor Billy Porter redefined red-carpet fashion at the 91st Academy Awards by donning a custom Christian Siriano tuxedo gown. The ensemble combined a traditional men's tuxedo jacket with a voluminous velvet skirt, challenging gender norms and sparking widespread discussion. Porter's avant-garde attire was both a fashion statement and a cultural commentary, earning him a place among the most memorable Oscars red carpet moments. It's certainly the type of “outrageous” behaviour we need more of.
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