The 97th Academy Awards brought Hollywood’s biggest stars together for an unforgettable night of cinematic celebration and, of course, show-stopping fashion. From opulent, crystal-drenched designs to gothic lace and daring sheer numbers, here are the best-dressed stars of the night. But it didn’t stop there, once the awards wrapped up, the Vanity Fair after-party gave stars the opportunity to push the fashion envelope even further. Here’s a breakdown of the most dazzling looks from both the Oscars and the after-party, along with the electrifying performances that stole the night.
Halle Berry
In Christian Siriano
Academy Award winner Halle Berry delivered a lesson in Hollywood glamour, stepping onto the carpet in a Christian Siriano gown that looked like a mosaic of fractured mirror pieces. The silver strapless gown featured a stunning mosaic of fractured mirror pieces, intricately lined with silver sequins and sheer black panels that added a sultry edge. With a structured bodice and a flowing train of cascading sequins, the gown was nothing short of dazzling. Styled by Lindsay Flores, Berry kept the accessories classic with Pomellato diamond jewellery.
Selena Gomez
In Custom Ralph Lauren
Selena Gomez arrived at the Oscars in a custom Ralph Lauren gown dripping in 16,000 hand-sewn glass droplets and Rosemont crystals. The off the shoulder silhouette was airbrushed to create a soft ombré pink effect, giving the dress a dreamlike quality. A true Marilyn Monroe moment modernised for today’s red carpet.
Mindy Kaling
In Oscar de la Renta
Mindy Kaling brought botanical elegance in a sheer Oscar de la Renta FW25 gown adorned with intricate metallic leaf embellishments. The halter style dress struck the perfect balance between ethereal and modern, with its delicate detailing catching the light at every turn. Styled by Erin Walsh, Kaling kept her accessories minimal, opting for dazzling diamond stud earrings by Effy that let the gown take centre stage.
Doja Cat
In Custom Balmain & Swarovski
Never one to shy away from a bold statement, Doja Cat arrived in a Balmain leopard-print gown inspired by a vintage 1953 Pierre Balmain design. The strapless gown, which took 5,600 hours of hand embroidery by 46 artisans, featured a deep sweetheart neckline and mermaid-style train, proving that couture craftsmanship is alive and well.
But her sartorial moments didn’t end there, later in the night, she took the stage in a dazzling custom Swarovski dress, dripping in over one million crystals as she belted out Diamonds Are Forever in a spectacular James Bond tribute.
Raye
In Vivienne Westwood & Versace
Making her Oscars debut, Raye stunned in a fiery red, floor length Vivienne Westwood gown, perfectly complementing the rich tones of the carpet. The dress featured a dramatic cowl neckline, corseted bodice, and elegant draping, evoking an effortless Marilyn Monroe style glamour. A diamond ruby teardrop necklace and a bold red lip completed the look, proving that classic Hollywood beauty will always have a place on the red carpet.
Later, for her Skyfall performance, Raye switched into a custom Versace tuxedo-inspired gown, exuding sultry sophistication as she captivated the audience with her breathtaking performance.
Lisa
In Custom Mark Gong
Lisa made her first Oscars debut in a custom Mark Gong tuxedo gown, reinterpreting menswear with a dramatic, feminine edge. The look featured sharp tailoring, a red flower pin, and sparkling rings softened the sharpness of the look, making it a seamless balance of power and elegance.
When she hit the stage for Live and Let Die, she transformed into a vision of elegance in a black embellished gown with red detailing, proving her status as both a fashion and performance powerhouse.
Oscars 2025: The After-Party
The Vanity Fair after-party is where the stars let loose, swapping refined red-carpet gowns for bolder, more daring looks.
Kim Kardashian
In Custom Balenciaga
Kim Kardashian made a sticking statement at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar After Party in a custom Balenciaga ball gown that exuded both simplicity and modern sophistication. The structured white corseted dress, reminiscent of bridal couture, embraced a form fitting back that played with contrasting silhouettes. In a rare move, Kardashian skipped jewellery entirely, allowing the architectural beauty of the gown to take centre stage. With her sleek, slicked-back bun and barely-there makeup, she delivered a masterclass in refined yet daring evening glamour, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
Zoë Kravitz
In Custom Yves Saint Laurent
If there was one look that stole the show at the Vanity Fair After Party, it was Zoë Kravitz in a daring custom YSL gown that redefined the meaning of understated seduction. From the front, the sleek, long-sleeved satin dress exuded classic elegance, draping effortlessly to the floor. But from behind, the look took a bold turn with mesh cutouts that exposed her back and bare butt cheeks, making it one of her riskiest fashion moments yet.
Kylie Jenner
In Custom Miu Miu & Ashi Studio
Kylie Jenner embraced duality at the 2025 Oscars, first dazzling in a custom Miu Miu gown adorned with crystals and daring cut-outs, before slipping into a corseted black lace Ashi Studio dress for the Vanity Fair after-party. The transition from structured, high-shine glamour to sheer, delicate lace showcased a perfect balance of bold sophistication and sultry allure proving once again that Jenner knows how to command attention on any event. Though she skipped posing for official red-carpet photos, her presence at the event was undeniable, as she attended in support of her boyfriend, Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet.
Keke Palmer
In Vintage Versace
Keke Palmer, one for the dramatics made a jaw dropping entrance in an archival Versace gown that balanced vintage and sheer daring. Styled by Molly Dickson, the ethereal ivory dress featured a flowing layered skirt and a backless bandeau top, while a sheer bodice revealed her striking rib cage tattoo. Adding a touch of glitz, the gown was accented with a shimmering netted high-neck overlay, giving the illusion of delicate, glittering armor. Embracing her own red-carpet moment, Palmer flaunted the gown’s high slit with a confident Angelina Jolie-style pose, showcasing metallic Jimmy Choo heels. Palmer proved that vintage glamour and modern sensuality can be the perfect pairing.
Kendall Jenner
In Vintage Mugler
Kendall Jenner once again proved her mastery of archival fashion, stepping out in a breathtaking vintage Mugler gown from the SS1992 collection. The sheer black lace dress, complete with patent details, long sleeves, and internal corset, was a sultry yet structured take on the ever-enduring naked dress trend. In true Jenner fashion, she embraced a monochromatic theme, pairing the dramatic piece with patent leather heels and dangling earrings. A nod to gothic glamour with a dose of Mugler’s signature avant-garde sensuality, the look was a lesson in how to make vintage feel undeniably modern.
The 2025 Oscars not only celebrated the best in film but also delivered some of the most unforgettable fashion moments of the year. But once the ceremony ended and the after-party doors opened, the stars took things up a notch pushing boundaries, embracing daring silhouettes, and proving that high fashion doesn’t stop when the cameras do. With archival masterpieces making a triumphant return and custom couture reigning supreme, this year’s Oscars red carpet was a masterclass in style. Which look was your favourite?
Words By Claire Gaura
