Next Monday will see the 93rd Academy Awards take place, a film event that is also a very important date for those in fashion. The upcoming edition of the Oscars – unlike the other pandemic film award events such as the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild – will be a full physical event taking place over multiple venues. This will be the red carpet we’re waiting to see. Lebanon-based designer Georges Hobeika is a red-carpet favorite, having dressed Chrissy Teigen and Jennifer Lopez, among others. For the most recent SAG Awards, Lily Collins wore a couture cocktail dress designed by him, a look that was included in best-dressed lists around the world. Traditionally gowns are worn at film award ceremonies – but during these times perhaps there is no need to stick to dress codes. We asked the designer if he thinks the cocktail dress trend will continue at the Oscars
Q Tell us about the cocktail dress that Lily Collins wore to the SAGs. Why do you feel it has been so appreciated?
A The pink cocktail dress was from my spring/summer 2018 couture collection in laminated silk canvas. It was boldly embroidered with gold and silver crystals, making it really captivating. I believe it was appreciated for being daring and original, without being overdramatic. (I feel that’s something that people are especially relating to nowadays.)
Q It was a surprise to see Lily in a cocktail dress not a gown, even if it was an “awards from home” season.
A I think she made the perfect selection for her and seized the opportunity to have a little fashion fun and step outside the “gown box.”
Heidi Klum, Georgie Flores, Marisa Tomei and Paz Vega wearing Georges Hobeika
Q Red carpet is so important for designers. You must miss having a real red-carpet season.
A Of course. I especially miss the bold statements celebrities make on the red carpet. It is more difficult to do that and surprise people from home. But good fashion is supposed to adapt to the circumstances, and we are still very lucky that these events are being held and that celebrities still want to dress for the occasion.
Spring/summer 2021 collection from Georges Hobeika
Q What do you think fashion will be like at the Oscars? You perhaps started a trend with Lily’s cocktail dress.
A I hope so. It would be nice to see more cocktail dresses. I do believe we will see a wide variety of looks during the Oscars. Celebrities will surely want to take full advantage of dressing-up again for one of the world’s most fabulous red carpets. I believe that every celebrity selects a red-carpet look that fits her perfectly, as it ultimately defines her and her unique personality.
Q Who would you dream of dressing right now?
A The most important thing for me is to make all women who wear Georges Hobeika designs look sensual and feminine, but also powerful and strong. As long as I can make that happen, I dream of dressing them all.
