For decades the red carpet at the Oscars has been a glamorous fashion show with the most stunning outfits living long in the collective memory. What if each of these outfits were paired with a wine? We selected 9 iconic dresses from Oscars history and paired them with their Argentine wine soulmate.
Every year, the Oscars are a fun, glamorous event for the film industry but also film lovers across the world. Some viewers organize bingo cards, sweepstakes and parties so they can attend the ceremony from the comfort of their own living room, perhaps all the while pretending they were guests at the big show.
In this confluence between pop culture and fashion, some dresses have become unforgettable icons. Classical, daring, or majestic: they were all memorable. In the run-up to 97th edition of film’s most famous awards show, we decided to play a game: we matched 9 iconic looks with their ideal wine. Because as we all know, there’s a big difference between getting dressed and putting on a great outfit and a similar one between having a drink and choosing a great wine.
The 9 most iconic looks at the Oscars and their wine personalities
Audrey Hepburn (1954) by Givenchy | Chardonnay
Audrey Hepburn shone at the ceremony in 1954 with a dress made by Givenchy. A dreamy assembly of lace with a tight fit and broad skirt, this refined, timeless outfit perfectly complemented Hepburn’s classical elegance, which also won her an Oscar for Roman Holiday. Its wine equivalent is surely Chardonnay: sophisticated and versatile with a freshness that never goes out of style. To see for yourself, try Otronia Chardonnay from the cold vineyards of Chubut or Vistalba Autóctono Parcela Unica Chardonnay, from the high altitude slopes of the Uco Valley.
Cher (1986) by Bob Mackie | Syrah
The daring, fabulous Cher challenged convention with this extravagant, unforgettable outfit by Bob Mackie, the stone-studded top, transparent skirt and headdress of black feathers making her look like Ziggy Stardust’s dark, crazy sister. The eccentric, dramatic dress is perfectly echoed by the essence of Syrah: intense and spicy with a striking character. Just as essential and unforgettable as the winner of the Oscar for Moonstruck in 1988 are Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah de San Juan and Luca Laborde Double Select Syrah.
Nicole Kidman (1997) by Christian Dior | Merlot
The chartreuse dress that Nicole Kidman wore to the 1997 Oscars, designed by John Galliano for Dior, broke the mold with its unusual color and avant garde elegance. This dress is like a Merlot: soft but full of character, balanced with an expansive texture. If it were a wine, you’d find it rather similar to a Bressia Del Alma Merlot or an Adentro Merlot from the Valles Calchaquíes. Kidman won an Oscar for The Hours in 2003.
Julia Roberts (2001) by Valentino | Cabernet Sauvignon
In 2001, Julia Roberts bewitched viewers with a vintage Valentino dress in black velvet with touches of white. Classical and historically inspired, the dress paid homage to old school Hollywood and could easily be paired with a substantial Cabernet Sauvignon such as Colomé 1831 Cabernet Sauvignon, Catena Zapata’s new Birth Of Cabernet, or the classic Salentein Primus Cabernet Sauvignon, which are structured with plenty of body and just as elegant as the actress who won an Oscar for Erin Brockovich.
Halle Berry (2002) by Elie Saab | Pinot Noir
The transparent dress with floral embroidery designed by Elie Saab and worn by Halle Berry in 2002 quickly became an icon of delicate sensuality. This bold, ethereal design accompanied the actress as she became the first African American woman to win a Best Actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball. The Elie Saab dress is like a Pinot Noir: silky, complex and subtly beautiful. A wine with comparable qualities might be a Familia Schroeder Pinot Noir or Fin Pinot Noir by Bodega del Fin del Mundo or why not a Escorihuela Gascón Pequeñas Producciones Pinot Noir from Mendoza.
Lupita Nyong’o (2014) by Prada | Sauvignon Blanc
In 2014 Lupita Nyong’o won over the red carpet with a light blue, fluid, ethereal Prada dress. Inspired by the skies of Nairobi, this light, fresh design is reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc: vibrant, refreshing and notably bright, as you’d find in Sophenia Synthesis Sauvignon Blanc or Fuego Blanco Sauvignon Blanc from Pedernal, en San Juan.. Nyong’o, a great actress, won an Oscar for the film 12 Years a Slave.
Lady Gaga (2019) by Alexander McQueen | Malbec
Lady Gaga also made history at the 2019 Oscars with a black dress by Alexander McQueen and long gloves accessorized by a legendary yellow diamond from Tiffany. A powerful, sophisticated look, it is well matched by Malbec: intense with great presence and the potential to set trends, not unlike Val de Flores Malbec, Kaiken Mai Malbec and Etchart Assemblage Malbec Malbec. The actress and singer won an Oscar for the song Shallow from A Star Is Born.
Billy Porter (2019) by Christian Siriano | Vintage Port
Billy Porter defied convention with a tuxedo-dress in black velvet with a voluminous skirt designed by Christian Siriano for the 2019 Oscars. The design, which combined masculine and feminine elements with theatrical elegance, sent ripples across Hollywood. The look of the actor from The Broken Hearts Club might be compared to a vintage port: complex and audacious with an unforgettable character, just like Porter; an icon of fashion and inclusive values in Hollywood. You should try one the strong red ones like Rutini Encabezado or the classic Malamado from Zuccardi, both Malbec.
Timothée Chalamet (2022) by Louis Vuitton | Sparkling Rosé
Timothée Chalamet, the golden boy who recently shone as Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown, chose an avant garde look for the 2022 Oscars. His outfit for the evening was a shirtless black lace number by Louis Vuitton, studded with glittery details. A daring, youthful look, it would find its viticultural equivalent in a sparkling rosé: fresh and vibrant with a touch of irreverence, just like the actor nominated for Call Me by Your Name and wines like Domaine Nico Brut Rosé and Zorzal Extra Brut Rosé.
