The Who What Wear Podcast: 2025 Award-Season Debrief
Episode Title: 2025 Award-Season Debrief: Our Top Looks and Trends, From Bridal Inspo to the Return of Peplum
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Bobby Schessler
Panelists: Erin Fitzpatrick (Associate Director of Fashion News), Tara Gonzalez (Senior Fashion Editor), Kayla Allen (Associate Social Media Editor)
Introduction
In this insightful episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, hosted by Bobby Schessler, the team gathers to dissect the most memorable fashion moments from the 2025 award season. Joined by fashion experts Erin Fitzpatrick, Tara Gonzalez, and Kayla Allen, they explore standout red carpet looks, emerging trends, and the talented stylists shaping Hollywood's fashion narrative.
Standout Looks from the Oscars
Ariana Grande's Schiaparelli Haute Couture Dress (03:00)
Bobby opens the discussion with admiration for Ariana Grande's mesmerizing Schiaparelli dress, designed by Daniel Roseberry and styled by Mimi Cottrell.
Bobby Schessler: "I mean, it perfect kind of ending to her Glinda journey... it was like, a flawless look."
Erin Fitzpatrick adds further praise for Ariana's performance dress: "She changed into a glittery red strapless dress. It was inventive with a ruby red slipper jutting out from the back." (04:03)
Elle Fanning's Givenchy Bridal Look (04:45)
Erin highlights Elle Fanning’s elegant white lace dress from Sarah Burton’s first couture collection for Givenchy, drawing parallels to Burton’s iconic designs for Kate Middleton.
Erin Fitzpatrick: "It was so bridal... hyping up her first Runway show." (04:03)
Lily Rose Depp's Chanel Ensemble (05:16)
Kayla discusses Lily Rose Depp’s timeless Chanel look featuring subtle peplum details and sequins, embodying both modernity and classic elegance.
Kayla Allen: "The small fabric attachment at the waist and halter neckline was just really beautiful." (05:16)
After Party Fashion Highlights
Kaia Gerber's Vintage Valentino Dress (08:11)
Erin Fitzpatrick praises Kaia Gerber for her angelic, vintage Valentino dress from 1997, noting its refreshing departure from typical after-party styles. "Refreshing that Kya broke the mold with something really angelic and floaty instead." (08:11)
Zoe Kravitz's St. Laurent Mesh Detail (08:54)
Zoe Kravitz’s St. Laurent dress featuring a provocative mesh back detail sparks debate among the panel.
Erin Fitzpatrick: "What's wrong with a little cheek?" (08:58)
Jenna Ortega's Donna Karan Gown (09:50)
Kayla highlights Jenna Ortega’s fairy-like Donna Karan gown in dusty sage green, praising its layered fabrics and empowering gold trims.
Kayla Allen: "It was like fairy goddess... really beautiful." (09:50)
Sarah Paulson's Marc Jacobs Gown (10:38)
Tara admires Sarah Paulson’s bright red Marc Jacobs gown, describing it as a surreal, childlike fantasy piece that garnered widespread acclaim.
Tara Gonzalez: "She pulled it off amazing. Fashion editors were just clapping." (10:38)
Dilara by Roselia (11:59)
Tara discusses the unique Dilara dress by British designer Roselia, blending sexy and avant-garde elements to create a standout look.
Tara Gonzalez: "It was really cool to see a celebrity wearing something more out of the box." (11:59)
Golden Globes Fashion Overview
Zendaya's Louis Vuitton Gown (14:25)
Kayla spotlights Zendaya’s stunning orange Louis Vuitton gown, complemented by her chic bob hairstyle, emphasizing the gown's volume and shape.
Kayla Allen: "It was the perfect shade of orange for her." (14:25)
IOI Aviv Debi's Loewe Suit (14:25)
Kayla also praises IOI Aviv Debi’s Loewe suit inspired by Julia Roberts' 90s looks, enhanced with a modern gold-dipped feather tie.
Kayla Allen: "They didn’t just recreate the exact moment but added a modern fresh twist." (14:25)
Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga Gown (15:24)
Tara recounts Nicole Kidman’s unforgettable silver Balenciaga gown, highlighting its unique cut and memorable presence on the carpet.
Tara Gonzalez: "The cut was so special... she looked incredible." (15:24)
Grammy Highlights
Sabrina Carpenter's JW Anderson Gown (16:54)
Sabrina Carpenter’s JW Anderson gown, likened to a modern Cinderella with feathers and icy blue hues, receives unanimous praise from the panel.
Bobby Schessler: "Definitely my favorite." (16:54)
Janelle Monae's Aria Suit (17:18)
Erin commends Janelle Monae’s playful Aria suit with a conductor hat, noting its fun and fashion-forward appeal.
Erin Fitzpatrick: "She just doesn't take her seriously... it was fun and fashiony." (17:18)
Charli XCX's John Paul Gaultier Dress (17:52)
Tara admires Charli XCX’s individualized style, celebrating her unique and hypnotic looks that stand out on any red carpet.
Tara Gonzalez: "She wears something that feels Charli. It's really special." (26:36)
Critics Choice and SAG Awards Highlights
Nicole Kidman's St. Laurent Suit (20:54)
Both Kayla and Tara laud Nicole Kidman’s St. Laurent suit for its old Hollywood menswear inspiration and playful polka dot tie.
Tara Gonzalez: "Very Humphrey Bogart, very Cary Grant." (20:56)
Kayla Allen: "It was just everything about it to me..." (20:54)
Selena Gomez's Celine Gown (21:52)
Selena Gomez’s custom Celine gown is celebrated for its consistent beauty and elegance, earning her the title of overall best dressed.
Erin Fitzpatrick: "Selena Gomez for her consistent beauty." (37:32)
Kayla Allen: "Ariana Grande’s flawless season." (37:37)
Tara Gonzalez: "Charli XCX’s individualized style." (37:42)
Favorite Celebrities of the Season
Sabrina Carpenter
Both Kayla and Tara commend Sabrina Carpenter for her striking looks, particularly her Grammy gown, highlighting her Hollywood starlet vibe.
Elle Fanning
Kayla highlights Elle Fanning’s consistent and sweet sartorial choices across multiple events, appreciating her ability to embody girly elegance.
Kayla Allen: "She looked so darling." (25:19)
Charli XCX
Tara praises Charli XCX’s unique style that remains true to herself, making her a standout on the red carpet.
Tara Gonzalez: "She just really has individualized style that I think is rare on the red carpet." (25:22)
Emerging Fashion Influencers
Anna Sawai
Erin identifies Anna Sawai as an emerging fashion influencer who exemplifies how style can elevate an actress’s public image.
Erin Fitzpatrick: "Anna is a really good example of the power of fashion." (26:46)
Chapel Roan
Tara highlights Chapel Roan for her archival-inspired looks and risk-taking fashion choices, delivering high-impact, story-driven ensembles.
Tara Gonzalez: "She really knows who she is." (28:16)
Notable Stylists
Mimi Cottrell
Styled Ariana Grande’s iconic Schiaparelli gown.
Jason Bolden
Styled Cynthia Rivo’s custom Louis Vuitton dress.
Brad Goreski
Consistently praised for styling figures like Nicole Kidman.
Jared Elner
Kayla cites Jared as a top stylist for shaping Sabrina Carpenter’s classic yet modern look.
Kayla Allen: "She's always so flawless." (29:45)
Genesis Web
Tara praises Genesis Web for dressing Chapel Roan in archival and emerging designer pieces, effectively promoting younger designers.
Tara Gonzalez: "She’s giving them a moment... incredible." (30:28)
Trends Observed
Trends to Embrace
Return of Peplum (05:50)
Kayla emphasizes her love for peplum jackets and dresses, noting their resurgence this season.
Necklaces and Brooches (33:16)
Tara observes the comeback of statement necklaces and brooches, highlighting their visibility on the red carpet.
Tara Gonzalez: "Necklaces are back... a lot of brooches on the lapels." (33:16)
Primary and Pastel Colors (32:28)
Kayla notes the prevalence of primary and pastel colors, predicting their continued influence post-award season.
Kayla Allen: "Primary colors like yellow, red, and blue were really interesting." (32:28)
Trends to Leave Behind
Sheer Naked Dresses (34:10)
Erin expresses fatigue with the consistent use of sheer, covering garments, advocating for more diverse and engaging designs.
Erin Fitzpatrick: "I'm over the sheer naked dress trend." (34:11)
Minimalism (34:33)
Kayla prefers more exciting and less predictable looks, moving away from quiet luxury and minimalism.
Kayla Allen: "I prefer something more exciting, less predictable." (34:33)
Rapid Fire Recap
The panel engages in a quick-fire round, providing immediate responses to fashion-related categories:
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Best Met Gala Moment:
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Best Glam Look:
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Most Interesting Accessory:
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Most Unusual Look that Actually Worked:
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Most Show-Stopping Look of the Season:
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Overall Best Dressed of the Season:
Conclusion
The episode concludes with the panel reflecting on the fusion of classic and innovative styles showcased throughout the award season. From bridal inspirations to bold peplum reintroductions and the revival of statement accessories, the 2025 red carpet has set the stage for enduring fashion trends. Listeners are left inspired by the curated insights and eagerly anticipated for future fashion analyses.
Note: Timestamps correspond to sections in the transcript for reference.