By Della Hasselle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — New Yorkers watching the 83rd Annual Academy Awards Sunday will be focusing on what the nominees are wearing almost as much as who takes home Oscars gold.
Outlandish outfits at this year's Grammys and Screen Actors Guild Awards left some wondering what fate fashion awaits at the Oscars, as 2011 has some stars turning heads with bold patterns, plunging necklines and shiny fabrics like satin and even pleather.
Some of this year's most memorable red carpet outfits include Helena Bonham Carter's blue, red and black Vivienne Westwood halter dress with red and green mismatched shoes, and Fergie's futuristic leather bodysuit, complete with shoulderpads and a silver visor.
In years past, stars trying not to vex the Oscars fashion police have gone with favorite New York, London and Paris designers including Donna Karan, Lanvin, Michael Kors, L'Wren Scott and Oscar de la Renta.
Last year's awards were marked by ruffles, bright colors, and short skirts.
New York actress Natalie Portman, who is up for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in "Black Swan," is a known Lanvin lover and last year appeared in a grey ruffled Lanvin minidress at the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Nicole Kidman, also up for best actress for "Rabbit Hole," showed an affinity for ruffles when she wore a cream-colored, off-the-shoulder L'Wren Scott dress two years ago during the 81st Annual Academy Awards.
Jennifer Lawrence, a best actress nominee for her role in "Winter's Bone" took a more colorful route in January with a hot pink Oscar de la Renta gown at the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The star's past styles from previous Academy Awards, Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Awards may offer some clues as to what they'll don to walk the red carpet this Sunday.
