Oscars 2025 Style File: A COMPLETE UNKNOWN Star Monica Barbaro in Dior Couture and Dolce & Gabbana

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We’ve officially reached the point in our post-Oscars coverage where our eyes are starting to cross and we can’t quite trust our own opinions. It’ll pass, but right now, we’re struggling with how to talk about A Complete Unknown star Monica Barbaro’s choices without being a little mean.

AT THE OSCARS IN DIOR COUTURE
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We did a close read of her choices pre-Oscars and mentioned that she’s all over the place, which isn’t particularly surprising for someone who’s new to this level of self-promotion. But what we didn’t mention was how her choices tend to always be a little awkward, with some sort of proportional issue or color story issue that she finds difficult to work. In this case, the fault is entirely in the design. That pink satin is preciously twee, the waist is weird, and the cups are fuzzy and look too much like a bikini top. It’s kind of a weird dress the longer you look at it.

AT THE VANITY FAIR OSCAR PARTY IN DOLCE & GABBANA
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This is fine. We genuinely can’t come up with a single critique except that the bust is a little snug and the paleness does nothing for her. It should have more impact than it does, but it just feels basic. We’re not sure what it is about her, but the results are never as dazzling or interesting as they should be, given what she’s working with.

Style Credits:
First Look: Christian Dior Couture Hand-beaded and Pleated Mikado Silk Gown
Second Look: Dolce & Gabbana Strapless Beaded Dress
Styled by Jeanann Williams | Hair by Owen Gould | Makeup by Samantha Lau

[Photo Credit: Etienne Laurent/The Academy, Disney/Scott Kirkland, Jennifer Bloc/Future Image/Cover Images, Doug Peters/PA Images/INSTARimages]

• Awards
• Christian Dior
• Christian Dior Couture
• Dolce& Gabbana
• Jeanann Williams
• Monica Barbaro
• Oscars
• Oscars 2025
• Owen Gould
• Red Carpet
• Samantha Lau
• Vanity Fair
• Vanity Fair Oscar Party