Tom Ford created Gwyneth Paltrow’s minimalist white cape gown for the 2012 Academy Awards.
Paltrow wore the floor-length white gown with an attached cape while presenting an award at the 84th Academy Awards. Its simple, column-like shape and strong shoulder line gave it a sleek, modern appearance that contrasted with the more embellished gowns commonly seen at major film ceremonies.
The design was by American fashion designer Tom Ford, who had returned to focus on his own label after leading Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. The look was paired with a large, sculptural cuff and a simple hairstyle, keeping the attention on the gown’s architectural silhouette.
The outfit is sometimes confused with Paltrow’s white Calvin Klein dress from the 1996 Academy Awards, which she wore after winning Best Actress for Shakespeare in Love. The two looks share a minimalist sensibility, but the 2012 cape gown was specifically a Tom Ford design.