Oscar Fashion 2009

The Academy Awards red carpet fashion has become almost as big an event as the ceremony itself, and the Oscar fashions of 2009 were no exception. Some networks, such as E! Entertainment, dedicate entire shows to discussing the best and worst of the outfits. Discount versions of the designer dresses are frequently available a few weeks after the Oscars.Stylist: Oscar Fashion Trends Preview What To Expect (February 10, 2009)

• A pre-Oscars fashion show is traditionally held before the ceremony. This year, the event was held at the Academy Awards headquarters in Los Angeles on February 18, 2009. For the first time, the catwalk featured specially-designed gowns from seven up-and-coming designers. The public then viewed highlights of the presentation on Oscars.com and voted for their favorite design. The Oscars Designer Challenge winner for 2009 was Sam Kori George. His design was worn during the 81st Academy Awards by a trophy presenter.Hello Magazine: New Oscars Fashion Vote Unveiled (February 12, 2009) Fibre2Fashion: Sam Kori George wins Oscars Designer Challenge (February 23, 2009)

• White knots, which are worn to support gay marriage rights, appeared on several celebrities during the 2009 Grammys such as the Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart. Entertainment Weekly speculated that celebrities appearing at the 81st Academy Awards would also accessorize their designer outfits with white knots.EW: White Knots on the Red Carpet (February 10, 2009) Drew Barrymore, Jack Black and Oscar-nominee Brad Pitt have publicly spoken against California's Proposition 8 which states that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."Attorney General's Office: Proposition 8 language