February 12, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Toni Thompson - (310) 247-3090
                        tthompson@oscars.org

Beverly Hills, CA -The latest fashions from the biggest names in couture hit the runway today at the 76th Annual Academy Awards^® Fashion Preview. Oscar fashion coordinator Patty Fox and 20 models previewed the glamour and sophistication fans can expect to see in the fashions worn by the nominees, presenters and guests attending this year's Oscar ceremony.

"The Oscar red carpet has become the largest fashion show in the world with each couture gown an individual work of art," Fox said. "Inside the theater the evening is all about film. But on the red carpet it's the look that counts."

Fox, author of the fashion books "Star Style" and "Star Style at the Academy Awards," visited the top New York design showrooms in January and selected gowns from some of the biggest names in fashion to feature in the preview. This year, Fox also endeavored to identify and bring to light some of the hottest and most promising designers currently hitting the fashion scene.

Designers included in the preview were Hugo Boss, Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferre, Halston, Lucca Lucca, Zang Toi, Richard Tyler, John Varvatos, Valentino and Morgane Le Fay.

A team of expert hair stylists and make-up artists from Frédéric Fekkai and Co. prepared the models for their high fashion stroll down the runway constructed for this occasion.

"This year on the red carpet big, bold and beautiful hair is back, reminiscent of the '20s and '30s," said Fekkai. "Waves and finger curls that have been revamped and updated, combining rock & roll and retro but in a feminine soft way."

Diamonds courtesy of Chopard, Martin Katz, Kwiat, Fred Leighton, VBH and Harry Winston, provided the finishing touches to the glamour of the preview.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2003 will be presented on February 29, 2004, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland^® and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. (PST) with a half-hour arrivals segment. Information about the 76th Annual Academy Awards can be accessed on line at <oscar.com>.