Every year, you can be certain of two things at the Oscars: Big star power, and even bigger<\/em> brand deals. It\u2019s no secret that Hollywood celebrities are paid big sums to collaborate with fashion houses on their red carpet design; sometimes, there\u2019s even bidding wars between labels to dress the buzziest of nominees. But at this weekend\u2019s 96th Academy Awards, let\u2019s take a moment of appreciation for the stars who strayed from the obvious usual suspects\u2014Dior, Louis Vuitton, Armani\u2014in favor of smaller indie designers.<\/p>\n Some of the most refreshing choices? On the main Oscars red carpet, Florence Pugh took a pause from her ongoing Valentino partnership\u2014she is a face for the label\u2014to wear a slinky silver look from Del Core, complete with floating straps. Designer Daniel Del Core, a Gucci alum, debuted his brand back in 2021 and is fast becoming known for his architectural silhouettes. That Pugh would take a risk and rock his exaggerated shoulder straps on Oscars night was a fun and quirky choice.<\/p>\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/assets.vogue.com\/photos\/65f095bc5e13d883c8100d68\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/GettyImages-2066796461.jpg\")