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The political power of the red carpet

How Oscars stars use the power of dress to pay homage to the causes they care about

While political, environmental and social issues have dominated the awards season fashion conversation, this year’s Oscars attendees added another layer to the sartorial statement; the tribute.

WATCH: Natalie Portman’s tribute to snubbed female directors

With political, social and environmental activism dominating the conversation at recent Hollywood events, stars used the power of dress to honour and pay homage to their peers, important figures and issues close to their heart. 

From Spike Lee’s nod to late sports star Kobe Bryant to America Ferrera’s Alberta Ferretti dress and gold headdress which symbolised her indigenous Honduras heritage, the statements behind the clothes on the red carpet were noteworthy.

America Ferrera wore an outfit inspired by her Honduras heritage
America Ferrera wore a Alberta Ferretti gown to pay tribute to her indigenous Honduras heritage (Credit: Getty)

“This headband is inspired by the headband indigenous Lenca warriors in Honduras wore, so I’m bringing my ancestors with me to the Oscars tonight,” the pregnant How to Train Your Dragon star said.

Spike Lee paid tribute to Koby Bryant by wearing his number on his jacket
Spike Lee paid tribute to Koby Bryant by wearing his number on his jacket (Credit: Getty)

Natalie Portman worked with fashion house Dior to create a bespoke cape featuring the names of female directors such as Lulu Wang, Greta Gerwig, Lorene Scafaria, Marielle Heller and Mari Diop – who had been overlooked by The Academy at this year’s awards.

“I wanted to recognise the women who were not recognised for their incredible work this year, in a subtle way,” she said of the gold embroidered design.

Natalie Portman pays tribute to the female directors who weren't nominated
Natalie Portman pays tribute to the female directors who weren’t nominated with embroidered names on her Dior cape (Credit: Getty)

Costume designer and Oscar nominee Sandy Powell continued to honour Hollywood heavyweights via her tailored cream suit, which has been autographed throughout the awards season by tinsel town’s crème de la crème. The suit, which has so far been signed by the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Robert de Niro, Al Pacino, Renée Zellweger and Laura Dern, will be auctioned through the Art Fund charity to raise funds for the preservation of Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, Kent.

Costume designer Sandy Powell wore a suit autographed by Hollywood's elite
Costume designer Sandy Powell wore a suit autographed by Hollywood’s elite (Credit: Getty)

Sustainability, which the BAFTAs put on the agenda, continued to have a place on the ruby rug, with Little Women star Saoirse Ronan wearing a Gucci design made from the same fabric scraps which also featured in her frock at the British film awards.

Saoirse Ronan wore Gucci made from fabric scraps from her BAFTA dress
Saoirse Ronan wore a Gucci dress made from fabric scraps from her BAFTA dress (Credit: Getty)

Booksmart’s Kaitlyn Dever also towed the eco-friendly line, donning a “completely sustainable dress by Louis Vuitton” made from Tencel. 

Kaitlyn Dever wore a sustainable Louis Vuitton dress made from Tencel
Kaitlyn Dever wore a sustainable Louis Vuitton dress, made from Tencel (Credit: Getty)

While political, environmental and social issues have dominated the awards season fashion conversation, this year’s Oscars attendees added another layer to the sartorial statement; the tribute.

WATCH: Natalie Portman’s tribute to snubbed female directors

While political, environmental and social issues have dominated the awards season fashion conversation, this year’s Oscars attendees added another layer to the sartorial statement; the tribute.

WATCH: Natalie Portman’s tribute to snubbed female directors

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