Fashion People Podcast: The Fashion Awards – Oscars Red Carpet Fashion Recap

Episode Date: March 17, 2026
Host: Lauren Sherman (Puck)
Guests: Hillary Kerr (Who What Wear), Amanda Dobbins (The Ringer), Jamie Mizrahi (Stylist)

Episode Overview

This lively episode brings together some of fashion’s sharpest voices—Lauren Sherman, Hillary Kerr, Amanda Dobbins, and stylist Jamie Mizrahi—for a “fashion police” style roundtable on the Oscars red carpet. The panel dissects the 2026 Oscars looks, debates corporate vs. personal style, highlights surprising trends (colors! brooches! mustaches!), and shares memorable behind-the-scenes insights into how the biggest night in Hollywood reflects shifts in the business of fashion. Expect enthusiastic debate, niche references, and practical wisdom about red carpet realities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Lauren’s Retail Report from Berlin

Timestamps: 01:07 – 05:24

• Lauren shares her Berlin retail adventures: browsing iconic concept shops (Andreas Murkudis, Hart), hunting for Yoji Yamamoto blazers, and tips on vintage finds (like €100 Versace Jeans).
• Contrast between accessible vintage shopping in Berlin and high-priced Paris boutiques.
• Observations on the difficult state for smaller, independent stores: “The options are kind of dwindling… it’s the reality of the industry.” (04:36)

Setting the Stage: A Needed Fashion Panel

Timestamps: 05:25 – 06:15

• Lauren credits Jamie with sparking the idea for an Oscars-style “Joan Rivers panel”: “I basically forced her to say yes…” (05:46)
• Panel includes seasoned red carpet and industry watchers, all noting the need for more diverse perspectives in future episodes.

Was the Oscars Red Carpet a Success?

Timestamps: 06:26 – 13:12

• Hillary: Declares the Vanity Fair carpet the true main event for risk-taking and diversity.

  “No shade to the Oscars, but I actually think the Vanity Fair red carpet is the more important carpet.” (07:23)

• Notes uptick in color, breakthrough moments for Dior, Chanel, Vuitton.
• Jamie: Contrasts with Hillary, finding the Oscars more genuinely “fashion” than in past years: “I thought Renata felt not like a typical Oscar dress… gave me this old school thing I’ve been wanting.” (08:41)
• Amanda: Laments too much black, craves more color and risk-taking, draws parallels with Anna Wintour’s preferences.

  “It’s too much black. Black doesn’t work.” (10:34)

• Discussion on the increasing corporatization of red carpet dressing, making placements harder for young designers.

The Red Carpet Business & Its Realities

Timestamps: 13:12 – 16:24

• The dominance of big brands for Oscar dressing, limiting opportunities for independents.
• Jamie and Lauren reminisce on the 90s when stars wore simpler, self-chosen dresses.
• “Actors need to get contracts because the movies they make don’t pay them what they used to… this is the reality of it.” (14:50 - Lauren)
• Kirsten Dunst in Celine is highlighted as a modern example of personal style shining through in an industry-run machine.

Best Looks & Notable Fashion Moments

Timestamps: 18:03 – 35:12

Amanda’s Favorites:

• Renata Reinsve in Louis Vuitton: “It fit her, the actress, the personality, and also her vibe as the cool Norwegian actress.” (18:53)
• Miyako Bellizzi in vintage Dior: Channeling 90s off-the-cuff glamour, not a contract-heavy look.

Hillary’s Picks:

• Rose Byrne in Dior and Teyana Taylor in Chanel:

  “I love black and white, even though I just said I like color… beautifully executed. I love the craftsmanship…” (22:23)

• Consistent appreciation for the storytelling and craft in looks.

Jamie’s Highlights:

• Mia Goth (Dior): Bridges gothic and ethereal — “romantic and a bit gothic but ethereal.”
• Gwyneth and Emma for “simplicity and classic Oscar glamour.”
• Shout-out to male attendees: Pedro Pascal’s Chanel brocade scarf and brooch (Jamie styled him), Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Co. for interesting, stylish suiting.

  “I'm trying to go into flowers… real flowers” for men’s brooches—calling the next trend. (27:52)

Memorable Quotes:

• “Of all of the Chanel looks, [Pedro Pascal’s look] most replicated the feeling that I’ve had looking at the Chanel Runway, being like, ‘No, no, no, I wanna wear that.’” (Amanda, 27:00)
• “To me, she’s a fashion girl… a bit Frankenstein… trying to be romantic and a bit gothic but ethereal. That was the goal.” (Jamie on Mia Goth, 23:24)

Color, Trends, Fabrics, and Fit

Timestamps: 35:12 – 45:38

• Extensive banter on color themes (red, green, pink), white’s prevalence, and the importance of jewelry.
• Jessie Buckley’s red and pink Chanel divides the group: “I love red and pink color combo. I thought the balance… wasn’t correct.” (Lauren, 43:29)
• Technical talk on fabric choices and the challenge of avoiding wrinkles on camera.

  “Fabric is a very, very important consideration.” (Jamie, 44:42)

Standout Jewelry and Accessories

• Hillary: “I love diamonds. I love giant diamonds. I want everyone to wear as much jewelry as possible.” (34:33)
• Lauren and Hillary swoon over Elle Fanning’s vintage Cartier wisteria necklace.

Red Carpet Spirit & Changing Dynamics

Timestamps: 47:11 – 52:28

• Jamie: The season felt “manic… there was no consistency with characters,” but that unpredictability was thrilling. (47:30)
• Panel emphasizes the arrival of fresh faces who weren’t previously fashion “players”: Rose Byrne, Jessie Buckley, Teyana Taylor, etc.
• Jamie describes how new leadership at Dior/Chanel meant stylists had to develop new workflows and relationships.
• Amanda celebrates fashion’s “seismic shift” reaching the mainstream thanks to strategic red carpet partnerships:

  “To see it crossover and honestly, to break containment of the fashion world and become a little bit more mainstream…” (50:45)

Memorable Exchanges & Notable Moments

• On Men’s Trends: Brooches for men, the evolution to real flowers, and memorable mustaches (“I like a mustache, to be honest.” (Lauren, 30:18))
• Jamie’s pro tip: If you want to see a parade of true “personal style,” check the Vanity Fair party, not just the Oscars.
• Insider fun: Lauren reveals her Berlin vintage shopping strategy and Yoji jacket hunt (pro tip: under €300).

Episode Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways

Timestamps: 52:28 – 53:29

• Hillary calls for more flair and man-jewelry: “I want men to wear brooches. I want them to have more flair.” (48:40)
• The group advocates for more personality and less corporate sameness, emphasizing fun and joy as the lasting impression from the season.
• Lauren suggests making this Oscars panel format an annual event.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps (Summary Table)

| Quote | Speaker | Timestamp | |-------|---------|-----------| | “No shade to the Oscars, but I actually think the Vanity Fair red carpet is the more important carpet.” | Hillary Kerr | 07:23 | | “It’s too much black. Black doesn’t work.” | Amanda Dobbins | 10:34 | | “Actors need to get contracts because the movies they make don’t pay them what they used to…” | Lauren Sherman | 14:50 | | “I'm trying to go into flowers… real flowers.” | Jamie Mizrahi | 27:52 | | “To see it crossover and honestly, to break containment of the fashion world and become a little bit more mainstream…” | Amanda Dobbins | 50:45 | | “I want men to wear brooches. I want them to have more flair.” | Hillary Kerr | 48:40 |

Final Thoughts

This episode blends detailed insider commentary with big-picture business analysis, offering a playful, honest, and context-rich look at the Oscars’ role in fashion. The banter was sharp and industry-savvy, celebrating both individual standout moments (Renata Renzvi! Teyana Taylor! Pedro Pascal!) and questioning whether fun and creativity can survive the pressures of big-brand dominance. The group’s energy, candor, and chemistry make the episode an essential listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of fashion, celebrity, and business.