Stars' vintage evening

Oscar night wouldn't be Oscar night without the odd fashion faux pas, but this year's event was remarkably tasteful.

Anyone who stayed up late watching the ceremony just to laugh at the dresses would have had to find their entertainment elsewhere.

Most stars conformed to an old-fashion notion of Hollywood glamour, with Fortiesstyle curls, vintage jewels and dramatic, sweeping satin gowns adding elegance to the evening.

Cate Blanchett looked particularly beautiful in a Valentino couture buttercup yellow silk taffeta gown with a burgundy sash.

Scarlett Johansson also showed a fine sense of style by choosing a black matte silk gown by Roland Mouret. Eschewing a necklace, she opted for a diamond tiara in her upswept hair.

Johanssen and Beyoncé Knowles apart, black wasn't a popular choice with most actresses bravely experimenting with colour. Kate Winslet looked lovely in a violet dress with diamante detail by Badgley Mischka while Charlize Theron chose a pale blue strapless gown festooned with frills by Christian Dior.

As far as Oscar night is concerned, though, grey is the new black. Gwyneth Paltrow wore a silver grey strapless dress with a boned corset by Stella McCartney, while Halle Berry wore a dove grey dress with lace embroidery by Versace Couture. Maggie Gyllenhaal was in a pale grey gown by Prada. Volume was much in evidence,

with many actresses wearing strapless dresses with exaggerated fantails to give them a perfect hourglass figure. Longest train of the night award surely goes to Renée Zellwegger, whose red gown by Carolina Herrera should have had its own pageboy.

Some actresses chose lesser-known designers in a bid to look more individual. The French houses did well: British nominee Sophie Okonedo looked stunning in a white strapless full-skirted balldress by Rochas, while Nathalie Portman shone in a tulle dress by Lanvin.

Hilary Swank also looked fabulous in a navy blue column dress with a deep cutaway back by Guy Laroche. As she was best actress, Laroche wins the biggest publicity coup of the night.