JUST like at its Hollywood equivalent, fashion only just barely misses out on taking centre stage at the Myanmar film industry’s night of nights, the Academy Awards.

This year’s awards, held on December 30 at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium, were no different.

Fans kept just as close an eye on who wore what as they did on the award giving ceremony itself. And there was plenty this year to see.

While men stuck to traditional outfits of silk longyis and traditional high-collared white shirts and jackets, women demonstrated flare in new takes on traditional outfits, appearing modest and yet still alluring.

One area of their appearance in which did feel free to experiment was their hair, and increasingly, longer hair, particularly on younger stars was witnessed this year at the awards.

Bright red lips with neutral eyes and cheeks featured strongly, but quite a few actresses also opted for gentler pastel colours in greens, pinks and purples on the eyes, with pinks and mauves on the lips and cheeks.

Only the youngest, most carefree starlets opted to leave their hair down, while the majority of the women wore elaborate updos, usually adorned with jewels or flowers.

“I noticed that most of movie stars decorated their hair style with fancy hair accessories made off colourful jewels, instead of wearing flowers like the royal orchid. It is a change this year,” said actress Yadanar Khin. Her dress was designed by Yone Yone while Nyi Nyi Maung did her make-up and hair.

Semi-precious stones, jade, rubies and sapphires wear everywhere, in hair, brushing the neckline, on the ears and decorating dresses and shawls.
Pearls as always were popular, but in original designs such as that worn by best actress winner Eaindra Kyaw Zin.

Attending the ceremony for the first time this year, actress-cum-singer, Thazin from the girl-group No, in a black and gold ensemble with a cropped little gold wrap-around shrug designed by Ma Myint Zu was a standout.

“I chose to wear the free-style look (as opposed to a traditionally sewed longyi) as I think it suits my young look,” she said. The gamble paid off.

Gold was also the colour chosen by Eaindra Kyaw Zin, whose dress was designed by Pyi Soe Aung. Her make up and hairstyle were done by her regular beautician Khin San Win, who accompanied her to the ceremony.

Another standout was former Academy Award winner Nandar Hlaing’ s dress of ivory coloured silk with red embroidery sponsored by Ivy Style and Fashion.
Ma Palei, owner of the Ivy fashion house, said she used Korean silk for Nandar Hlaing’s outfit.

Broadcast live on MRTV, the awards give stars an unprecedented opportunity to cement their existing fan base, as well as to win new ones. The opportunity only comes around once a year so they want to make sure they get it right.