Subtle yet sexy – it even matches the rug… why elegant champagne was the toast of the Oscars

Jamie Lee Curtis may have worked in Hollywood for over 45 years, but last night’s Academy Awards ceremony was definitely the biggest night of her life.

It was the first time the 64-year-old was nominated for an Academy Award, for her supporting role in Everything Everywhere Every Time. Knowing the spotlight would be firmly on her, did the star choose a gown that screamed, “Look at me, I’m gorgeous”?

not exactly. She was happy to mingle. Her crystal-embellished Dolce & Gabbana dress came in the muted shade of champagne, and it matched perfectly. . . the carpet! It’s the first time the Oscars have chosen a “soft” shade of champagne instead of the usual red.

The temptation for the stars to appear against this quiet background in bright and cheerful colors must have been great. Fortunately, the biggest stars of the night didn’t do such a thing (most of them, at least). Surprisingly, Jamie Lee was not alone. From Florence Beau in Valentino to Naomi Watts in Givenchy, the stage was awash with this hue.

As effortless as it may seem – has anyone dressed more simply or elegantly than actress Rooney Mara in the Alexander McQueen classic? —Champagne as a high-maintenance color. Think of it as a modest splurge, because the color of Champagne literally requires a bubbly lifestyle—one free of grime, toddlers, and alcohol stains.

It also draws attention to the wearer’s figure. But by adding texture and embellishments like metallic sequins worn by Naomi Campbell or clouds of fabric as seen on Helena Christensen, there’s always a way around that.

The champagne allows the wearer to be sexy without teetering on trash, providing, as it were, a soft backdrop for dressing up with Zoe Saldana and Cara Delevingne, all of which prove the point nicely.

Of course, it’s not a color that will dazzle a photographer while viewing it, so there’s a risk that those wearing this muted shade might go unnoticed — which might explain why it’s a choice of the Oscars’ biggest stars. These were women who understood the power of less than more; Who can let their talent do to shine.

This color also enables the wearer to speak. As Best Actress winner Michelle Yeoh said, “Ladies, don’t let anyone tell you you’re past your prime.”

Now there is something we can all raise our glasses to.