Last year, Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in the film adaptation of the musical West Side Story. Valentino's look, which featured palazzo pants and a cape, created a buzz with its Hollywood glamour while prioritizing comfort.

But this year, according to DeBose stylist Zadrian + Sara, Ariana is a very different woman than she was a year ago, and is in her element as an artist. She says, "It's a wonderful homage to the '30s and '40s, old-school Hollywood, but modernized for today. The dress feels empowering and celebrates the woman I am," says DeBose.

But while Versace's recently unveiled lavish Fall 2023 collection has everyone looking at the Italian fashion house, Versace was the natural choice for the Oscar winner. Her stylist explains, "Versace was one of the first high-end designers to support DeBose when she hosted the Oscars in 2021." DeBose wore an orange Versace one-shoulder gown to host the Oscars for the first time. Says Zadoorian, "The actress's Versace gown this year is a truly special round-the-clock moment." Says DeBose, "When I first saw it, I was speechless."

In contrast to the bold red of DeBose's look last year, the team landed on a unique gunmetal lilac color that represents strength and delicate femininity. As Zadoorian explains, "The color symbolizes the Oscar and multiple award winners, but it also pays tribute and respect to this year's shining contenders."

DeBose and her team drew from Versace's vast archives to arrive at a design that represents "drape, softness, and the futuristic warrior woman." She said, "Working with the Versace team was truly an amazing experience. Working with the Versace team was truly an amazing experience. The design team took each reference I proposed and created a piece that felt uniquely me," says DeVos. I feel like a woman warrior who can take on the world in the Versace way and feel great about it. [This year,] DeBose has gained confidence and ownership of his creativity and artistry," says Zadoorian. We are never bound by the work we have presented in the past, nor do we try to pigeonhole the women into one aesthetic." It's about the journey and making sure [customers] feel supported in any renaissance," they say.

As for accessories, DeBose returned to the carpet wearing a white De Beers diamond and an Omega watch.

Below you can catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the sketches Versace drew for DeBose, along with the Academy Awards preparation process.