Janelle Monae

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It seems that “less is more” was the memo for the 2023 Oscars, as so many of the stars went for more understated looks – Monae being one of them. Wearing a simple, radiant base and some subtle contour, all attention was drawn to her eyes. She went for an extra bold cat eye with a cut crease, topped off with some silver inner-corner highlight and the most gorgeous lashes. Her thick sculpted brows complemented the look perfectly. So as not to take attention away from the eyes, Monae’s look was finished off with a light nude lip and some clear gloss.

Tems

Tems strutted onto the carpet flaunting a warm, bronzey base, perfectly contrasting her icy, silver fox-eye and a pouty ombre lip. The Nigerian singer sported a pair of the longest false lashes we’ve seen in a while, which matched the flamboyancy of her dress. The makeup gave her an elegant, sophisticated look.

Rihanna

Rihanna graced us all with her beauty at the Oscars this year. The singer proudly showed off her baby bump while still looking absolutely flawless. Sporting a blood-red lip and a subtle fox eye, Rihanna looked classy as ever. The lip colour choice complemented her skin beautifully and made her eyes pop even more than usual. Her skin looked effortlessly airbrushed – no doubt the work of Fenty.

Malala Yousafzai

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Malala Yousafzai made an appearance at this year’s Academy Awards, parading a natural and youthful look. Although wearing an enchanting silver dress, her makeup was relatively simple. The 25-year-old activist was not afraid to let her stunning natural skin shine through on the carpet. The bright lip colour brought a splash of pink hue to the overall outfit.

Lady Gaga

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Lady Gaga didn’t seem to want to join in on the natural, stripped-down makeup trend on the Oscars carpet this year (at least not until her jaw-dropping performance later that night). The singer went for a dramatic smokey eye, paired with a neon red lip and rosy cheeks. Her face was sculpted beautifully with a cool-toned contour and setting powder, resulting in a bright, mattified look.

Kendall Jenner

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The Oscar’s After Party saw Kendall Jenner wearing a light, rosy makeup look topped with a messy bun. The look gave her a natural, refined appearance. Jenner clearly went for a warmer vibe with her makeup, sporting some peachy blush and matching lip gloss with minimal eye makeup. These sorts of stripped-down looks dominated the Oscars red carpet this year.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey turned up looking like a real-life fairy. Bailey was absolutely beaming the whole time she was on the carpet, clearly excited to share the new teaser for The Little Mermaid. The 22- year-old actress was clearly going for a Disney-inspired look, wearing silver eyeshadow, a soft glam base and a nude lip. This doe-eyed look managed to turn quite a few heads on the carpet.

Florence Pugh

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Florence Pugh’s sculpted yet supple look matched perfectly with the current trend on the red carpet this year. Pugh chose to go for a pink theme – giving the look a playful feel without diminishing its gracefulness. The actress sported a glowy, more radiant finish – a trend that is becoming more and more popular at the moment.

Cara Delevingne

The Hollywood Glam look was brought back by none other than Cara Delevingne. In her stunning red dress, the star brought back the class and sophistication of 90s Hollywood makeup – with crimson eyeshadow, pink blush and rose lip gloss. The colour choice added a sense of grunginess to the elegant look – seeming reminiscent of the early 90s grunge era as well. 

_{Words by: Ayushi Nathwani}

^{Header Image: The Oscars 2023 (Getty Images)}

The post The 2023 Oscars Gave us Some Iconic Makeup Looks – Here Are Our Faves. appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is one of the most daring dressers in Hollywood right now, and it always pays off. Wearing a bandeau that was (quite literally) as light as a feather and a silk maxi skirt to The Vanity Fair Oscar Party, she held onto her crown as the queen of avant-garde dressing. The look came courtesy of Ann Demeulemeester’s Fall 2023 collection, and it honestly looks like it was made for Hunter. 

Emily Ratajkowski 

Emily Ratajkowski is no stranger to the ‘naked dress’, from the Met Gala to running errands, Emily has proved that she can rock this look no matter the occasion. Last night was no different, wearing a shimmering sheer gown from Feben the model and author put a whole new spin on the look. Our favourite aspect of this look was the push and pull between what was on display and what was not, the contrast of the sheer material with the length of the dress, its high neck and gloved sleeves played with the notions of conservative or modest dressing.

Malala Yousafzai

Nobel Prize Laureate, Malala Yousafzai took to The Oscars red-carpet as an executive producer for Stranger at the Gate which was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film, just when you thought she couldn’t be any more inspirational. She wore a silver sequinned gown from Ralph Lauren and paired the glamorous look with a bold red lip. The best part of this look were the intricately placed crystals on the sleeve of the gown, highlighting the attention to detail that went into its design. 

Tems

Wearing a look from Ukrainian fashion house Lever Couture, Tems looked like the most high-fashion cloud you will ever see. The look defied gravity and looked so delicate yet structured. The way that the material flowed down through the skirt and up around Tems’ head gave an angelic feel to the look, as if the singer had just floated into the event on a cloud. Despite the ethereal nature of the look, it has caused some controversy. Fans took to Twitter to share their upset over the headpiece obstructing peoples view during the ceremony, but personally we would be honoured to have our view blocked by this look for a few hours. 

Simone Ashley

Bridgerton star, Simone Ashley, took to the Vanity Fair afterparty in a vibrant Nina Ricci look. The blue sequin gown cam courtesy of Harris Reed as the newest Creative Director for Nina Ricci and was full of his usual red-carpet flair. The look featured a dramatic slit up the skirt that had an oversized bow at the top that asymmetrically matched the one at the top of the gown’s one shoulder. We may know her as the Viscountess Bridgerton, but this look was pure modern Cinderella.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner looked like an Oscar brought to life at last night’s afterparty. The model wore a gold archival look from Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2008 Spring/Summer collection. The look was paired with a casual up-do and minimal makeup to let the mermaid-inspired dress do the talking. 

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe opted for a custom Vera Wang gown for this year’s Academy Awards, a look that featured a black velvet bustier and loosely draped orange skirt. This look stood out in a sea of more traditional gowns, which is one of the things that we love the most about Janelle Monáe’s red-carpet looks.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh continued her immaculate partnership with Valentino for this year’s Oscars wearing one of the most dramatic looks of the night. Maison Valentino took to Instagram to share the look, describing it as “a beige taffeta draped dress, black cotton faille bows and a black stretch cady culotte”. But one thing we have to talk about is the hair; at the BAFTAs last month Miss Flo perfectly matched her spiky bun to the tulle ruffles of her Nina Ricci gown, a styling decision that was pure genius, and let me tell you, she’s done it again. For the Oscar’s Florence’s sleek up-do mimicked the billowing sleeves of her gown, perfectly tying the beauty look in with the outfit. 

Winnie Harlow

Winnie Harlow brought some fun to the Oscars last night with her neon yellow Giorigo Armani gown. While the silhouette was classic, the colour alone made the look standout. Featuring a crystal encrusted black flower on the left shoulder and a matching zip running just off-centre, the look capitalised on small details, making a look that was simple, yet intentional.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey proved that she is the people’s Ariel in a aqua-blue tulle gown at this year’s Oscars. The delicate ball-gown confirmed her status as a real-life Disney princess as the singer and actress was glowing down the red-carpet. This look just made us really excited for The Little Mermaid to come out in May.

Lady Gaga

2019 Oscar winner Lady Gaga took to the red-carpet last night and gave a surprise performance during the ceremony. While she may not have won Best Original Song this year, she definitely won on the red-carpet. Lady Gaga wore a Versace gown that was only presented on the runway last Thursday. The look featured a sheer bodice that connected to the dropped waistline of the A-line skirt in an exciting re-imagination of the classic ballgown. 

Rihanna

Rihanna is out here defending her crown as our best dressed celebrity in a custom Alaïa dress designed by Pieter Mulier. The look was unlike anything else we saw that night and made us so grateful to have Rihanna back on our red-carpets. The look was composed of a brown turtleneck with a leather bra and skirt layered over the top, something that does not sound red-carpet worthy but proves you wrong the instant that you see it.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne’s look honestly left us speechless, which is ok because the red Elie Saab ballgown really does speak for itself. Everything about it was perfect, from the dramatic bow on the shoulder to the way that the look draped around the waist into the voluptuous skirt, and don’t even get us started on the leg slit. At this rate, Cara will be reclaiming her position as fashion’s favourite it-girl very quickly. 

Jenny Slate

Actress Jenny Slate attended the 95^th Academy Awards with co-star Marcel in a custom Thom Browne look. The strapless gown was perfectly accessorised with a micro-cropped blazer that really accentuated the hourglass silhouette that the dress’ bodice created. And while we’re on the topic, we have to say that for a shell Marcel was pretty well dressed too. 

_{Words by: Amelia Gregory}

^{Header Graphics: Magdalen Manning}

The post Nothing But Daring, Elegance And Glamour at The 95th Academy Awards. appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Minnie Riperton – Come to My Garden (1970)

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Want to know what an angel sounds like? They sound like Minnie. Come to My Garden takes sappy and sugary to a new level on this smooth soul album but we love it. Minnie’s debut album combines powerful vocals with dreamy orchestral arrangements to create an ethereal flowery piece. You may be familiar with the opener ‘Les Fleurs’ as it was rediscovered by Gen-Z on TikTok a few years back.

Why it sings spring: The ultimate spring album. Like a true hippie child, on ‘Les Fleurs’ Minnie delights in the flower power that spring brings singing, “Ring all the bells, sing and tell the people everywhere that the flower has come/Light up the sky with your prayers of gladness and rejoice for the darkness is gone”. To use Minnie’s turn of phrase on ‘Close Your Eyes and Remember’ the album is as “sweet as morning dew, and sounds a lot like springtime”.

The perfect soundtrack for: A fruit-filled picnic in the park – this album longs to be listened to whilst you laze about on a red checked blanket.

Madonna – Ray of Light (1998)

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Ray of Light is often considered Madonna’s magnum opus and one of the best trip hop and electronica albums of all time. At times daintily ambient and in other moments a euphoric eruption of electronic sound, the album is a hypnotic genre-bending piece that blew away critics and fans in the 90s and stands the test of time.

Why it sings spring: Spiritual, meditative, and introspective, with the sound and lyrics of Ray of Light inspired by Madonna embracing Kabbalah, her study of Hinduism and Buddhism, and her daily practice of Ashtanga yoga – healing is evident on the album. You’ll find Madonna singing “Let the water wash over you” on ‘Swim’ and “Now I find I’ve changed my mind/This is my religion” on ‘Drowned World/Substitute for Love’ as well as the trancey repetition throughout the album the cleansing experience you need to embrace spring.

The perfect soundtrack for: A great spring morning album. And after a big night out Ray of Light will get you out of bed and have you feeling (at least a little more) refreshed. 

SZA – SOS (2022)

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We’ve had time to fully appreciate SOS now the hype around the album has died down a bit and we can confirm it’s one of the best albums from last year. Fans went crazy over SZA’s sophomore LP after having waited since CTRL was released in 2017 for new music. Delicately combining hip hop, R&B, pop, and even a little grunge, SOS is SZA’s most daring project yet and sees the singer experimenting with her sound. The payoff was huge with critical acclaim for the album, several of the songs trending on TikTok, achieving number one in the US Billboard 200, and high rankings in the charts globally.

Why it sings spring: Sometimes sweet and sometimes salty, SZA sings about heartbreak and murder in a honey voice. Though it’s a nocturnal-sounding album it’s also warm and romantic making it ideal for a spring evening. It’s an album that encourages change through its flirtations with other genres and is just the refresh we need this season.

The perfect soundtrack for: Doing some much-needed selfcare to. Run a hot bath, grab your creams, face masks, and put on the kettle and relax to SZA’s heavenly voice. Heartbroken queens, we’re looking at you especially.

Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid (2010)

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Janelle’s debut album is an explosion of soul, psychedelia, pop, and R&B all wrapped into one tight, glossy, perfectly produced album. A concept album like no other, Monáe takes elements of Afrofuturism and science fiction to tell the story of Cindi Mayweather, an android messiah, who falls in love with a human Anthony Greendown during the revolution she leads to free robots from the human’s oppression. The ArchAndroid dwells on love, identity, and politics using the oppression of androids as a metaphor for the oppression black people face in America. Unsurprisingly, the album received widespread acclaim from critics, with many dubbing it the best album of 2010 and even of the decade. The album also received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B album.

Why it sings spring: Those flowery, grand yet tranquil overtures that spilt the album bloom like a blossom tree. Sonically upbeat and extremely melodic throughout, the lyrics paint a different picture – just as spring is simultaneously bright but drizzly. Janelle advocates for change, freedom, and a brighter future using light and catchy melodies and a witty Sci-Fi tale to deliver an important message.

The perfect soundtrack for: With Janelle’s rapid and energetic delivery on ‘Dance or Die’, ‘Faster’, ‘Locked Inside’, and ‘Neon Valley Street’, there’s no way you’ll be able to sit still to this album. We recommend a refreshing run through a budding garden, a tad of spring cleaning, or just a full-blown bedroom dance party.

Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe (2022)

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If you haven’t yet listened to Big Thief, this spring is the perfect time to do so. The indie rock band from Brooklyn makes music that feels like getting a warm hug from a friend. Their fifth album from last year is no different. Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe was highly praised by the music world with it receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album and many publications giving it a spot on their album of the year list. Don’t be put off by the folky and country inspired sound of Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe– it’s full of peaceful pastoral lullabies which will melt any country hater’s heart.

Why it sings spring: Evoking nostalgic images of falling asleep during long cross-country drives, warmer evenings, the smell of fresh blossom, and touching letters from people you miss, the album is soft, gentle, and fragile in places but with a hidden strength and hopefulness. 

The perfect soundtrack for: If you need a calm atmosphere to get some work down Big Thief will provide it. Alternatively, this would make a great soundtrack for a leisurely stroll through your local park.

Kelela – Raven (2023)

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Kelela’s Raven seamlessly encompasses elements of R&B, electronic, breakbeat, and ambient pop to create a unique listening experience that gently guides its listener on a journey. The singer’s second album came out in February and is already set to be one of our favourites of the year. In an interview with Vulture Kelela said of the album: “I’ve always led with tenderness and vulnerability. Those are staples I would say on this record. But I’m also setting boundaries in a way that I’ve never set them. And that’s for real life and also for song life”. That vulnerability is clear throughout the whole record.

Why it sings spring: Much like the change from winter to spring, on Raven Kelela emerges from dark watery depths transporting us to a serene healing space. Setting the mood with the hazy and mellow ‘Washed Away’, Kelela takes us on an aquatic journey through the tranquil dance tracks leaving the listener feeling lighter and at peace.

The perfect soundtrack for: With its lush ethereal production, Raven creates a soothing and ambient atmosphere for spring evenings as the nights get warmer. Play it at the afters or before you sleep and let it wash over you.

^{Words by: Molly Sutherland}

^{Header Image: Janelle Monáe}

The post Channel Your Inner Spring Mode With These Albums appeared first on Voir Fashion.

It’s the one 2010’s countdown we have yet to get around to, the Oscars Best Dressed List! Scroll down to reminisce over the best red carpet looks from the last decade and the ceremony’s true winners.

2010: Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Launching our countdown is this timeless look; a playful, flowy organza princess dress, adorned with a delightful watercolour print and minimal accessories. Lorraine Schwartz diamond chandelier earrings, neutral makeup and high ‘do prove as great styling choices, and all I have to say is that your hair looks sexy pushed back babe.

2011: Michelle Williams in Chanel

the Best Actress nominee was mesmerising in this modern yet romantic piece. The combination of the dress’ pearly hue, Williams’ platinum blonde pixie cut and the minimalistic makeup make her the human embodiment of an angle, and we stan.

2012: Angelina Jolie Atelier Versace

Arguably the best look on the red carpet that night, and undeniably the most iconic; the “Angelina Leg” moment echoed so loud through editorial time and space, it is still referenced hard to this day. For the cultural impact alone, Angie won that year’s carpet.

2013: Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture

This dress was so stunningly beautiful, it didn’t even matter it was also responsible for Jennifer Lawrence tripping over it on as she made her way to accept her award for Best Actress. The unique drop-waist silhouette and the strand of 150 Chopard diamond beads necklace draping backwards make for a showstopping fashion moment.

2014: Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé

In a design I can only imagine had been inspired by an actual siren, the Blue Jasmine star looked absolutely mesmerising, like a couture clad version of The Birth of Venus. We love, love, love this look, and don’t believe anyone else could have carried it as elegantly as miss Blanchett.

2015: Emma Stone in Elie Saab

Intricate, vintage-inspired beadwork over close-fitting, high slit dress? Yes, please. This work of art not only is spectacular on its own merit but the colour complimented Stone’s skin tone and hair colour so beautifully it’s like a match made in couture heaven.

2016: Naomi Watts in Armani

Even when she’s not nominated, Watts looks like an absolute winner. This extraordinary deep navy and aubergine gradient dress, embellished with iridescent sequins had an ethereal effect which beat every other look in that night.

2017: Janelle Monáe in Elie Saab

Once again, the princess dress received an interesting modern interpretation. Seemingly stepping out as a villain in a new Disney live-action production, Monáe looked like the dark princess of our dreams. The metallic embroidery adorning the sheer black bodice and the

golden Forevermark choker create a seamless majestic look befitting the musician’s enchanting presence.

2018: Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein by Appointment

In an ultimate combination between girlish and feminine elegance, this sweet, oversised bow emblazoned powder pink dress complimented Ronan’s pale complexion as well as her status as a young 20-something three times Oscars nominee.

2019: Billy Porter in custom Christian Siriano

Sorry to everyone else, but there really was no question as to who won last year’s red carpet. Gender fluidity? Check. Infinite charisma and poise? Check. A truly mind-blowing, elegant and glamorous look? Check, check, check. The tuxedress to launch a thousand obscure outfits marked the end of yawn-inducing menswear, and for that alone deserves recognition.

2020: Zazie Beetz in Thom Browne

The only black dress to make this list, I simply love this piece and the excellent styling of this look. The sequins complement the structured shape of the corset and are beautifully juxtaposed to Beetz’s awe-striking natural hair texture. The subtle green hue reflected in the jewellery marks our jealousy from how flawless this lady looked last night.

Words by Maya Avram

Graphics by Séverine Denis-Lessard

The post Oscars Through the Decade appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The sartorial sovereign of the awards season calendar, the 2020 Academy Awards played host to the most glorious couture creations and exquisite evening-wear to grace the red carpet. From statement couture gowns to modern silhouettes, take a look at some of the most noteworthy looks of the night.

Here are Voir’s favourite 6 looks from the Oscars 2020:

Margot Robbie:

Best Supporting Actress nominee Margot Robbie channelled understated glamour in 90s vintage Chanel couture – a midnight-black strapless bustier gown delicately completed with a flowing skirt and arm bows with chiffon trails. The look’s simple elegance was brought to life by the bejewelled bustier, featuring an ornate gold and pearl shell enclosing a lapis stone in a saturated marine blue hue.

Janelle Monae:

Janelle Monae shimmered down the red carpet in a floor-grazing bell-shaped Ralph Lauren ball gown, custom-made and embellished with thousands of crystals. Her head-to-toe sparkling ensemble was complete with a draping crystal hood and diamond-encrusted black nails.

Natalie Portman:

In the 92-year history of the Oscars, only five women have been nominated for the Best Director award. Swathed in Dior Haute Couture and finished with a golden rope belt, Natalie Portman’s ethereal cape made a statement about the lack of female nominees at this year’s ceremony, embroidered with the names of the female directors behind some of the year’s most notable films.

Billie Eilish:

After a sweeping win at the Grammys last month, Billie Eilish made her Oscars debut with a cover of The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’, but it was her appearance on the red carpet in a modern reinterpretation of Chanel’s signature bouclé suiting that caught everyone’s attention, in an oversized cream-coloured bomber jacket emblazoned with the brand’s iconic C logos, relaxed wide-leg pants and delicate white fingerless gloves, adding a layer of edge to a quintessential Chanel style.

Florence Pugh:

First-time nominee Florence Pugh injected a burst of unapologetic colour to the red carpet in a tiered waterfall gown. The custom Louis Vuitton dress’ joyous turquoise colourway and dramatic ruffled silhouette brought a breath of fresh air and a dose of playful energy to the night.

Billy Porter:

Celebrated for his eccentric red carpet looks, from his velvet tuxedo dress at last year’s Oscars ceremony to his dramatic entrance as a golden Egyptian sun god at the 2019 Met Gala, Billy Porter has become as celebrated for his theatrical, extravagant ensembles as he is for his acting. This year he made an appearance in a billowing floor-filling skirt in a bold Versace print, paired with a high-neck sleeveless bodice complete with golden gilded feathers.

Words by Ruby McAuliffe

Graphics by Séverine Denis-Lessard

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The post The Best Red Carpet Looks from the 2020 Oscars Award Ceremony appeared first on Voir Fashion.