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Sparkles take front and centre at the Oscars

All the glamour from the 88th Annual Academy Awards
All the glamour from the 88th Annual Academy Awards

The Oscars are without a doubt the most glamorous event of the year - and the Hollywood stars pulled out all the stops, with sparkly gowns proving a popular choice.

Brooklyn nominee Saoirse Ronan was one of the stand-outs on the red carpet at this year's Academy Awards, donning a custom emerald green Calvin Klein gown. This shimmering dress featured a plunging neckline, slim velvet straps and a daring low back. She finished off the utterly spectacular look with artfully dishevelled hair and a subtle smokey eye.

Fellow Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett looked jaw-roppingly stunning in a seafoam gown with floral feather embellishments by Armani Prive. The fun and frothy concoction further cemented Cate's flawless red carpet reputation.

The Wolf of Wall Street star Margot Robbie was another sensation in a plunging snakeskin printed gold gown by Tom Ford. She kept the rest of her look simple and laidback, with beachy waves in her hair and a nude lip.

Naomi Watts stunned in an incredible, embellished strapless navy gown by Armani Prive. The dual-tone gown had a beautiful mermaid-like silhouette that suited her down to the ground.

Emily Blunt showed off her burgeoning baby bump in a embellished baby pink Prada gown, paired with a matching jeweled clutch. The British star complimented the dress with side-swept Hollywood waves in her hair and bronze makeup.

Star Wars star Daisy Ridley was the picture of elegance in a Chanel Haute Couture dress, Christian Louboutin custom shoes, a Chanel clutch, and Chanel jewellery. The ankle-length dress was fun and youthful, and makes a nice change from all the formal gowns.

Paler shades also proved to be popular at the Oscars this year. Carol star Rooney Mara scored another red carpet hit in a sheer white gown by Givenchy Haute Couture, featured a buttoned neckline, long sleeves and a cheeky cut-out at the waist.

Australian actress Isla Fisher also went for a pale coloured gown, opting for a cream and flower-print dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline and flowing skirt.

Olivia Wilde went for a daringly-plunging ivory pleated Maison Valentino gown which she paired with a pretty box clutch and a thick choker necklace.

Lady Gaga looked angelic in a white jumpsuit with an overskirt designed by her stylist Brandon Maxwell. She kept it very old Hollywood in the hair and makeup stakes, with perfectly coiffed tresses and expertly contoured cheekbones.

Black and navy never go out of style, and as is customary, many A-listers opted for these classic and flattering shades. Joy nominee Jennifer Lawrence was one of our favourites on the night in a black lace Dior haute couture gown. The delicate and ethereal creation pitched a perfect balanced between elegance and edge, with a low neckline, nude underlay and tiered skirt.

Kate Winslet also opted for black, this time in a rather strange, custom-made Ralph Lauren gown. The extremely shiny, strapless gown was made in a figure-hugging silhouette the actress often favours, but the choice of material made it look a little bit tacky. However, the Steve Jobs star absolutely nailed her hair and makeup, with tousled waves and naturally glowing skin.

Julianne Moore impressed as ever in a stunning embellished black gown by Chanel. The unusual design featured a glittery v-neckline with cut-out straps and a voluminous skirt. Her hair and makeup were flawless, wearing her raven locks in a centre parting and casual waves, with grey smokey eye and peachy nude lip.

Jennifer Garner was radiant on the red carpet in a one-shouldered Atelier Versace gown with a two-toned bodice, wearing her hair scraped back in a classic chignon.

Modern Family star Sofia Vergara didn't deviate from her usual red carpet approach and went for an embellished navy Marchesa strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline, gathered waist and full skirt.

Patricia Arquette looked modern and fresh in a sleek navy column gown with an interesting folded off-the-shoulder neckline. Drop earrings and a simple box clutch were the only accessories she needed for this chic look.

Mindy Kaling stunned in a black and royal blue off-the-shoulder Elizabeth Kennedy dress with a flowing train. The very grown up look was finished off with a sleek up-do and classic makeup.

Block colour

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