Oscars 2026: Anne Hathaway's Valentino floral gown is groundbreaking indeed

Florals for spring have never looked more groundbreaking than they did on the Oscars 2026 red carpet, and all the credit goes to none other than Andy Sachs, sorry, Anne Hathaway, for it. 

Anne Hathaway was a presenter at the 98th Academy Awards, alongside a star-studded lineup including Priyanka Chopra and Robert Downey Jr., which took place in Los Angeles and ended a twelve-year hiatus from her previous Oscars appearance way back in 2014. And with her return, it was certain that her absence was truly felt. 

In a custom Valentino gown designed by Alessandra Michele, a brand with which she has maintained close relations long after the death of the founder, Valentino Garavani, with, Anne Hathaway ensured all eyes turned to her upon arrival. A black strapless gown in a silhouette that exudes Hollywood glam has hardly ever missed the chance to rule the red carpet. Anne Hathaway took it one step further by adding clever flair that subtly nods to her film, The Devil Wears Prada, starring Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt and the iconic Meryl Streep, and just in time for its sequel releasing in May.

Among the many highlights of the film, Miranda Priestley's (played by Meryl Streep) most memorable dialogue, "Flowers for spring? Groundbreaking," still reverberates among fans. What better way than Anne Hathaway to take the very essence of the scene and put her fashionable touch on one of cinema and the fashion world's significant nights with large, exaggerated golden flowers replete with sequins. The gown was cinched with a thick black belt that cascaded into fishtail skirt, that further extended to a long, glamorous train. For some more of that old Hollywood charm, she accessorised her ensemble with black gloves. 

The strapless neckline serves as the perfect canvas for her magnificent necklace by Bvlgari High Jewellery to sparkle against. The neckpiece is the Neoclassical Starlight High Jewellery Necklace made with platinum, an 8.02-carat pear-cut Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond against a composition of unique shapes of over 35 carats of diamonds that balance her classic black gown perfectly with a modern touch. A true beauty which took 850 hours of meticulous workmanship to come to life. Along with the necklace, she wore a pair of drop chandelier earrings, Daphne's Laurel set with Fancy Intense Yellow and White diamonds to further embellish her overall look. 

(Also Read: Anne Hathaway's face-sculpting ponytail is far from basic)

The makeup and hair deserve a masterclass of their own. While the rest of her look remains maximalist, her makeup and hair remain far away from it. Her hair was styled in a half-updo with a poof on top for volume reminiscent of old Hollywood glam, yet again, signalling the return of a very sophisticated version of the millennial-friendly hair trend. The makeup is fresh and dewy with a touch of deep peach tones on the eyes, cheeks and lips, perfect for spring, with or without dark florals. 

Anne Hathaway may have returned to the red carpet as a presenter, but left with all of us thinking when she'll be back next to teach us another lesson on fashion done the right way. 

(Also Read: From The Devil Wears Prada to Interstellar, Anne Hathaway's most iconic movies to add to your watchlist)