On the other side of the spectrum were the women in white and ivory like Kerry Washington in a dress with a structured bodice from Rodarte, Naomi Watts in a lace and silk tulle frock from Marchesa and Sofia Vergara in a ruched and draped silk satin dress by Donna Karan.

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Prieto wore a French silk voile corseted sheer sheath gown by J'Aton Couture, in an ecru palette with accents of flesh tones, with handmade silk lace created especially for her, and enhanced with Swarovski crystals.

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The underskirt is made of silk tulle trimmed with Cluny lace.

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Individual flowers were hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered on to ivory silk-tulle to create a design that incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

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Women attending the race keep custom clothiers in business, with eye catching clothing and millinery extravagance, a sea of silk, chiffon, sateen, and lace.

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They ranged from a simple and easy cream cable knit sweater with a pink silk ball gown skirt to breathtaking tulle, lace and dramatic beadwork confections.

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Elsewhere, and as always at Oscar, the proof is in the details: Stunning were a silver lame mousseline caviar beaded fringe gown, a black chantilly lace threadwork and ostrich feather embroidered gown, and yellow silk faille silver bullion floral- and bead-embroidered gown.

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