The Academy Awards are like the Superbowl of Hollywood–everyone tunes in to see which star will win, and millions of dollars are spent for just a few seconds of air time. In this case, it’s the red carpet looks that garner the most attention. But do you know which A-listers have worn the most expensive gowns?
Designers wait all year to show off their best looks on America’s favorite celebrities. And while each gown is different, there are definitely a few trends; Cate Blanchett and Charlize Theron appear the most, Dior is a go-to for expensive gowns, and most of the dresses pop up when the woman wearing them won the Best Actress award. But there are some interesting pieces on the list that might surprise you, going all the way back to the 1950’s. These 14 gowns are some of the most expensive dresses to ever appear on the red carpet (or, really, to ever appear anywhere).
Grace Kelly, Academy Awards 1955
Edith Head Gown: $4,000 (equivalent of $35,000 today)
One of the most iconic Oscar looks of all time, this simple silk gown was the most expensive dress of all time when it was made in the 1950’s. But it isn’t surprising seeing as who was wearing it; Grace Kelly was a princess, after all!
Keira Knightly, Academy Awards 2006
Vera Wang Gown: $39,000
This custom-made taffeta gown made history because it was later donated to Oxfam, a charity that works to fight poverty, where it was auctioned off for almost $4,800.
Sandra Bullock, Academy Awards 2014
Alexander McQueen Gown: $43,000
The year she was nominated for best actress for her Gravity performance, Bullock rocked the red carpet with this simple–yet expensive–midnight blue gown.
Cameron Diaz, Academy Awards 2010
Oscar de la Renta Dress: $62,000
Diaz arrived to the red carpet late and made a huge statement with this sparkling ball gown. The champagne colored tulle gown glimmered with gold embroidery, and was an incredibly glamorous moment for the star.
Anne Hathaway, Academy Awards 2011
Valentino Dress: $80,000
As host of the Academy Awards, Hathaway had to bring her A-game to the red carpet. And she did just that, accessorizing this beautiful gown with a $10 million Tiffany and Co. necklace.
Charlize Theron, Academy Awards 2014
Dior Gown: $90,000
Theron was definitely a best-dressed contender in a body-hugging black Dior gown. Her cropped hair and a stunning diamond necklace complimented the expensive gown perfectly.
Kate Winslet, Academy Awards 2007
Valentino Gown: $100,000
The mint-green gown was reportedly chosen by Winslet’s daughter, Mia. Apparently, her daughter shares her expensive taste.
Jessica Biel, Academy Awards 2014
Chanel Gown: $100,000
One of the more simple gowns on the list, this fully-beaded Chanel creation looked absolutely stunning on Biel.
Cate Blanchett, Academy Awards 2014
Armani Privé Dress: $100,000
The one-of-a-kind gown cost so much because it was covered with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. And when added to the price of the jewelry and shoes, the entire look that night cost over $18 million.
Charlize Theron, Academy Awards 2013
Dior Gown: $100,000
Theron’s second Dior gown is one of the most notable. The simple white gown was dolled up with a peplum covered in diamonds, which raised the price of the gown so high.
Lupita Nyong’o, Academy Awards 2015
Calvin Klein Dress: $106,000
This pearl-encrusted gown made headlines–not just for it’s beauty, but also because it was stolen after the awards show. But when the thief realized the pearls were fake, the dress was promptly returned.
Cate Blanchett, Academy Awards 2007
Armani Privé Dress: $200,000
Blanchett’s second Armani Privé gown cost twice as much as the first on this list. Similarly, it was another Swarovski crystal-encrusted dress.
Nicole Kidman, Academy Awards 1997
Dior Gown: $2 million
Probably the most iconic Oscar look of all time, this Dior creation put designer John Galliano on the map. The embroidery was a huge risk, but it came with a huge reward.
Jennifer Lawrence, Academy Awards 2013
Dior Gown: $4 million
In one of the most endearing J-Law moments, the actress tripped in this gown when accepting her Best Actress award, which gave the gown extra air time. This catapulted the price to $4 million, and makes it the most expensive red carpet gown of all time.
[Featured Image Credit: boldsky.com]
