L'HISTOIRE: Angelina Jolie's Marc Bouwer Gown at the 2004 Oscars

The actor wore a Marilyn Monroe-esque gown in 2004, creating what is arguably one of her best red carpet looks of all time.

Apr 22, 2025 - 14:23

L'HISTOIRE: Angelina Jolie's Marc Bouwer Gown at the 2004 Oscars

L’HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.

Angelina Jolie has left an indelible mark on Hollywood and fashion, showcasing her appreciation and understanding of her craft and fashion's influence in cinema. A great example of this, arguably one of her best red carpet looks of all time, is the Marc Bouwer gown she wore to the 2004 Academy Awards.

Jolie embodied elegance in the white dress that echoed the queen of Old Hollywood glamour, Marilyn Monroe. The gown embraced a softness and was imbued with Monroe's classic style. It draped seamlessly down her silhouette and slightly cinched the waist to highlight her physique. Its plunging V-neckline and backless design gave it a sultry air. The design also had a timeless train, perfect for a red carpet setting, creating movement in the design, and incorporated a flair of opulence.

The Maria actor accessorized the ethereal gown with a simple diamond ring on her right hand and a multi-layered diamond necklace that complemented the plunging neckline. Dubbed the Athena Necklace, designed by H. Stern, featured an 85-carat diamond and is worth at least $10 million. The sparkling stones created a descending rivulet effect that brought out the same quality in the gown on the Oscars red carpet.

Jolie, whose career began in 1982 and has spanned over three decades, opted for a neutral makeup look, or what is called the no-makeup makeup look nowadays. However, she decided to emphasize her stunning blue eyes with a bold black eyeliner look. Everything else enhanced her natural features and beauty without outshining the Monroe-esque gown.

To recreate Jolie's 2004 Oscars red carpet elegance and Monroe's timeless style, a silk, floor-length gown will do the trick. Ralph Lauren's Chilton dress. Diamond stud earrings will channel the actor's opulence, and a ring will complete the accessories necessary to recreate the iconic look. For the shoes, look to satin pumps for a finishing touch.