Penelope Cruz strikes a pose in vintage Balmain.
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When Penelope Cruz found out she was nominated for an Oscar, she immediately knew what she wanted to wear to the awards show: a 60-year-old vintage gown by French designer Pierre Balmain. The actress apparently came across the strapless dress eight years ago and swore that she would don it one day. Fortunately, she was able to track the stunning gown down, which she paired with sparkling Chopard jewels, for her big night. And what a night it was! Cruz took home the Best Supporting Actress trophy for her portrayal of a fiery Spanish painter in Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." But back to her red carpet attire...
In the 1950s, Balmain, who was known for his ornate detailing, dressed such Hollywood starlets as Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, Ava Gardner, and Brigitte Bardot. ABC's red carpet correspondent/fashion expert Tim Gunn was so wowed by Penelope's gown that he declared it "belonged in a museum." Do you agree?
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