Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo slay the Oscars red carpet in custom couture

After one of the most thematic and exciting press tours I have ever seen, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo somehow managed to surpass even my highest expectations.

The Oscars have long been solidified as the crown jewel of awards season, but it isn’t just the self-proclaimed film critics' most anticipated event of the year. Couture enthusiasts like myself recognize the biggest night in Hollywood as one of the most spectacular fashion showcases, and falling right near New York fashion week, the stars are always sure to pull looks fresh off the runway.

In honor of one of my favorite events of the year, I’ve compiled the best and the worst looks from the red carpet, in my humble but honest opinion.

The best:

After one of the most thematic and exciting press tours I have ever seen, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo somehow managed to surpass even my highest expectations. Grande, a first time Oscar Nominee for her role as the prone-to-bubble-transport Glinda, stunned with a custom strapless Schiaparelli gown that was a part of the brand's Spring 2025 show in Paris. Then, the dress was shown in champagne, but was remade for Grande in baby pink in honor of the good witch.

Erivo masterfully kept the Wicked theme going with a custom Louis Vuitton and Roberto Coin deep emerald green, full-skirt dress. I loved the face-framing color, as well as the big bow swallowing her shoulders, just as much as I loved her Emerald City-themed nails, that allegedly took four hours to complete.

Lupita Nyong'o looked like an angel in her classic and timeless custom Chanel look. The all-white gown with pearl detailing stands as proof that you don’t need to be up for an award to look your best.

Mikey Madison wore a look fit for a princess, or at least a Best Actress recipient. Her Dior dress, complete with a train, was my favorite of the night, but I do have a bias for pink bows. I thought it was graceful, and her absolutely jaw-dropping Tiffany & Co. necklace perfectly completed the look — so much so that I think it deserved its own award.

Colman Domingo in Valentino and Andrew Garfield in Gucci showed men too can have fun with fashion, but it's not exactly hard to stand out when all of your peers are wearing a basic black suit. Garfield's full brown suit suited him perfectly. And unlike others who opted for monochromatic looks, his shoes complimented rather than ruined his outfit. Domingo had my favorite male look of the night in a custom Valentino. His blood-red, double-breasted jacket successfully caught my eyes, and the devil was in the details with plenty of jewelry and an elongated belt made of the same fabric.

And, the worst: