THE FASHION PARADE STEPS ELEGANTLY

There were no sparkle wars, no battles of the overdressed stars. If the rule of thumb at Oscars past has been to wear something that shocks or shouts to be noticed, this year just about everyone broke the rule. Even the 70-plus degree weather meant a shortage of furs.

Doesn’t anyone dress tacky anymore?

If there were doubts, the fashion parade proved that elegance still reigns, with such stars as Kathleen Turner, Anjelica Huston and Sigourney Weaver looking positively sirenish. Meanwhile, Marlee Matlin in demure lavender lace was looking like a bridesmaid, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio downplayed her sexpot image in a sweet white dress with a big, puffy bow. So what if Sissy Spacek’s black suit was a bit too, well, dress-for-success?

Men made fashion points too: Dexter Gordon in a Lord Byron tie; David Lynch in a string tie that could have come from an old shoe. At Lynch’s side, Isabella Rossellini in a caftanesque gown of blue velvet. How appropriate.