DRESSING Hollywood

From glamorous gowns to statement frocks, every Academy Awards dress is chosen with purpose and intent. These are the stories behind some of the most significant looks from all 95 years of the Oscars.

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1951 MARILYN MONROE

For her only appearance at an Academy Awards ceremony, -Monroe borrowed a gown seen months earlier on actor Valentina Cortese. Wisps of tulle wrapped around Monroe's curves like spun candy. Backstage, she was distraught to find her outfit was tearing and had to be hastily sewn into her dress before dashing onto the stage to present the award for Best Sound Recording.

1954 AUDREY HEPBURN

Performing Ondine on Broadway on the evening of the awards, Audrey Hepburn was rushed across town with a police escort just in time to accept the Oscar for Best Actress. The fit-and-flare shape and open back of her deceptively simple lace organdie dress were designed to frame her fine upper features and shapely shoulders, while the flowing skirt softened her strong dancer's legs and diminished what she called her "big feet". It was the first time she'd been seen in a dress by Hubert de Givenchy, and so began their devoted friendship and collaboration, which marked the beginning of the designer/ celebrity affiliation.

1998 SHARON STONE

Sharon Stone (pictured with then-husband Phil Bronstein) wrote her own rules on red-carpet fashion, wearing a satin Vera Wang skirt with a simple white buttondown Gap shirt. The unorthodox pairing redefined modern glamour, making it more attainable, and catapulted the classic white shirt to the forefront of fashion must-haves.

1966 JULIE CHRISTIE