Oscar-Nominated Costumes in 'Anna Karenina'

How does "Anna Karenina" come to life on the silver screen? Directing and acting may come to mind first, but clothing is also key to this 19^th-century Russian period drama. Director Joe Wright tasked award-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran to dress actress Keira Knightley, who plays the heroine, in the style of 1950s couture while staying true to 1870s silhouettes. Durran drew inspiration from French fashion -- Balenciaga and Dior -- and blended the two eras to create the luxurious looks that scored her an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Costume Design. Click through to see the Oscar-nominated costumes.

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The deep purple and black taffeta gown with a huge bustle of looped fabric is the iconic dress Anna wears when she and Count Vronsky first act on their attraction by dancing together at the ball. “It speaks Keira [Knightley],” said Joe Zee, creative director of ELLE Magazine, who discussed the dresses on “GMA.” The dress was accessorized with $2 million worth of diamonds, supplied by Chanel to Knightley for the filming. Knightley is a spokeswoman... more
The deep purple and black taffeta gown with a huge bustle of looped fabric is the iconic dress Anna wears when she and Count Vronsky first act on their attraction by dancing together at the ball. “It speaks Keira [Knightley],” said Joe Zee, creative director of ELLE Magazine, who discussed the dresses on “GMA.” The dress was accessorized with $2 million worth of diamonds, supplied by Chanel to Knightley for the filming. Knightley is a spokeswoman for a Chanel fragrance. less