The 2012 Academy Awards red carpet predictions

What will Hollywood's leading ladies be wearing at this year's Oscars? Movie buffs will be watching the Academy Awards ceremony, but fashionistas will have their eyes glued to the red carpet dresses. Which actress will be the best-dressed? Will she be wearing Dior or Lanvin?

The VO has the buzz on all the big fashion labels on the red carpet. 

2012 Recap

This year, the Golden Globes 2012 gave the audience a sneak peak of the year’s fashion trends. Nude coloured gowns are the biggest trend right now on the red carpet. Mermaid tails and plunging necklines are hot as well.

On the whole, Hollywood stars are dressing simply and elegantly to bring out the “amour” (love) in glamour. Nude gowns were embellished to add texture, and plunging necklines took a twist from the rib cage downward. Charlize Theron pulled this off in her Dior gown, as did Emma Stone in Lanvin. The mermaid tail took on a modern twist this year. Petals, feathers and draping took the classic flare to a new level (see Madonna’s Reem Acra gown).

As much of a success the Golden Globes were this year, its red carpet was just a warm-up. Expectations are much higher for this year's Oscar event, as actresses have amazing choices from the fresh Spring 2012 couture collections.

Rooney Mara

The leading lady of The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo re-appeared on Hollywood’s radar with a new look. Naturally a brunette, Mara embraced her movie character’s goth style and turned it into a dark glamour. Often opting for black or white, Rooney’s choice in structured cut out gowns reflects her confidence and taste for risk-taking.

Versace’s Spring 2012 Couture collection seems to be a perfect fit for Mara. The brand’s expertise in structured gowns with metal detail goes hand in hand with Rooney’s edgy and strong style. Versace’s small collection provides many possibilities for Rooney, with a string of soft grey gowns with lace and gold trims would fit her small frame perfectly. A daring selection would be Donatella Versace’s strapless tangerine tango gown. It's the colour of year, fitting for the possible Best Actress winner. 

Emma Stone

A chameleon of style, Emma Stone has found a new maturity in style through her obsession with Lanvin. It seems as she can pull off anything - from lace to bold colour to pastels. Her style is not fussy, with a simple shapes hugging her body.