Shocks and frocks at film world's biggest night of the year
March 26, 2002

By FATIMA BHOLAH

THE stars came out in style for Hollywood’s 74th Academy Awards.

They were supposed to be there to see who won the Oscars for the year’s outstanding films.

But as ever, the eyes of the leading ladies were on each other to see what their rivals were wearing.

Women of the movie world had spent months deliberating and discussing their wardrobes for the big night with their stylists.

Most of the stars had been fitted with outfits by a selection of fashion houses. That meant none of the designers knew who would be wearing their creations.

So it was a nail-biting moment all round as the big names stepped onto the red carpet and into the limelight.

The celebrity outfits produced as many surprises as the film awards. Some stole the show, others gave us all frock fright.

Talk of the night was Gwyneth Paltrow, who went for an unconventional street look instead of the usual sleek Oscars image.

Wearing an off-grey string vest by Brit designer Alexander McQueen, she looked a completely different woman from the one who wore an elegant pink Ralph Lauren ball gown to the ceremony a year ago.

Gwyneth also swapped her natural make-up for a goth style more in tune with shock rocker Marilyn Manson.

British star Kate Winslet took a completely different approach, picking a pillar box red dress by Ben de Lisi.

But who were the winners and losers in the fashion stakes at the premier event in the film world’s calendar?

Sun Fashion casts its eye over the stars’ outfits and comes up with its own awards – for style.

To see our Oscar winners click the image links above right.

[Kate Winslet's Page - She was named Best Dressed!!]

Kate wins it!

KATE WINSLET, 26, delighted the crowd in a gorgeous £2,200 red gown by Ben de Lisi.

With a delicate floral strap draped over her shapely shoulders, she looked full of confidence and sex appeal and gets our vote for style sensation of the night.

Designer Ben said: “Kate wanted the breathless, statuesque feeling which is why we went for the boned corset.”

Although Kate carried off the look effortlessly, she was heard to say: “I’m glad I don’t need a pee.”

Source: The Sun