Designers vie to display wares at Oscars

LOS ANGELES - Fashion fans are in a frenzy as Hollywood counts down to the Oscars, with designers and jewelers vying to provide the gorgeous gowns and fabulous gems on the red carpet next Sunday night.

Often referred to as the most famous runway in the world, the Academy Awards show offers fashion houses an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their most spectacular creations to hundreds of millions of television viewers worldwide.

The priceless publicity, and unspoken celebrity endorsements, can also influence mainstream fashion trends for seasons to come - with an impact, eventually, on the high street.