Giuliana Rancic Selects Australian Designer Dress for Oscars Broadcast

By ERIN VAN DER MEER

Australian fashion enjoyed a high-profile moment in Hollywood on Sunday night, with one of the Oscars’ red carpet hosts putting a local designer in the spotlight.

E! News presenter Giuliana Rancic selected a gown by Adelaide-based label Paolo Sebastian while anchoring the network’s live Academy Awards red carpet coverage at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

Rancic appeared delighted with the princess-inspired design — until the dress suffered an unexpected wardrobe malfunction during the live broadcast.

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The elegant gown featured an embellished floral bodice paired with layers of floor-length tulle, creating a classic fairytale silhouette.

Asked about the dress, the television personality praised Australian fashion and highlighted the work of Paolo Sebastian founder Paul Vasileff, the Adelaide designer behind the creation, who was just 23 at the time.

‘I’m all about Australian designers right now,’ she gushed as she talked through the Paolo Sebastian dress. ‘I feel princess-y — a girl deserves to feel like a princess once in a while.’

Unfortunately Giuliana’s princess bubble was soon burst when the zip on the dress broke open on live TV.

As the broadcast returned from a commercial break, Rancic shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

She decided not to hide the wardrobe malfunction from viewers.

‘Hi, my zipper broke,’ the popular presenter informed viewers, followed by Fashion Police host Kelly Osbourne sitting beside her who joked ‘I’m holding her together, no one knows’.

Co-host Ryan Seacrest soon came to the rescue, appearing on set with a small piece of blue tape.

The small piece of plastic failed to help much, Kelly and Ryan laughing as they tried to pull the seam of the gown back together.

Paul Vasileff began Paolo Sebastian at just 16 years old and is now getting increasing interest from the A-list about his designs.