If the `60s and `70s were madcap, the `80s were all about excess. In 1986, Nolan Miller, costume designer on the television shows “Dynasty” and “The Love Boat,” was appointed as the Academy Awards fashion consultant, and looks became larger than life. Consider Cher’s Bob Mackie feather gown and headdress in 1986. She is pictured with actor Don Ameche after presenting him with the Oscar for supporting actor. (Lennox McLenndon / Associated Press)
In a flash of true individuality, Bjork chose a Marjan Pejoski swan dress with matching egg purse in 2001. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Charlize Theron wore Dior in 2005 after becoming the face of Dior’s J’Adore fragrance. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Advertisement
Viola Davis was one of last year’s most-watched nominees in the run-up to the Academy Awards, giving a boost to a number of high-end designers. She wore a white and gold Marchesa gown to the Screen Actors Guild Awards, a wine-colored Emilio Pucci at the Golden Globes and a bright pink dress by Juan Carlos Obando at the Academy Awards nominees luncheon. But at the Oscars, her green mermaid gown by Vera Wang was upstaged when all attention was focused on her hair. She had ditched her wig and wore her short hair natural. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
