For those who didn't already know it, Nicole Kidman has been killing it on the red carpet (and on the big screen) since the '90s. She's always been a bit of a darling in the fashion world, with her dresses and even casual looks calling plenty of attention.
In fact, she's won fashion awards for her on- and off-carpet looks.
But the year 1997 was a sort of turning point for the talented actress. She donned a special dress on the red carpet (on the arm of Tom Cruise; this was before their dramatic split), and she basically stole the show.
So what was so epic about that 1997 Oscars dress? A few things.
First, the color. Nicole's dress was yellow. Well, W Magazine calls it chartreuse, and it was bright. Not just that, but it had Asian-inspired embellishments ("chinoiseries") and a mink lining. For the era, it was a significant departure from the 'norm,' and it changed the trajectory of Oscar fashion forever.
The dress wasn't a slim, demure sheath like other Oscar-winning actresses wore, either. Instead, it was a daring and form-fitting silk number that totally drew attention to Nicole, which we'll get to later.
But second, the designer was a big deal. Nicole's show-stopping look came from a big-name brand, but it was also the brainchild of Christian Dior's newest creative director, John Galliano. Nicole had worn Dior (as well as Valentino) on the red carpet before, but this one was totally new from a fresh and daring creative mind.
Third, the dress earned all kinds of attention for being unconventional. That meant people weren't looking at Tom Cruise, who was basically at the height of his fame. Instead, they were staring at his gorgeous wife. Even though not everyone loved the dress, it sure got itself noticed.
Joan River, for example, made "retching" noises, while her daughter Melissa called the gown "the first true couture dress on the red carpet." Talk about a conversation piece!
In fact, Smithsonian Magazine calls Kidman's dress one of the three most "influential" Oscars dresses ever; she rates alongside a sheer pantsuit worn by Barbra Streisand and Audrey Hepburn's classic lace number (which happened to be Givenchy).
And fourth? The price tag was insane, but the amount Nicole was paid to wear the dress was even more so; Marie Claire says Nicole was paid $2 million to don the design.
The dress Nicole wore also inspired knockoffs, including a $250 option that could be found in '90s-era department stores.
As for today's show-stoppers? 2020 has brought some interesting trends and defining fashion moments, and one of the most notable was Lisa Rinna in her green Versace suit. But who knows what other epic fashion moments (and faux pas) will come in 2021?