Amy Adams' photographic inspiration

Amy Adams' Oscars dress was inspired by an old black-and-white photograph.

The 'Muppets' actress discussed her ideas with Oscar de la Renta for her beaded and tulle-embellished gown and the designer was particularly taken by an old picture on a model walking into a doorway.

Her stylist Cristina Ehrlich said: ''[Adams found photos] that were shown to Mr. de la Renta.

''It was sort of a real 'aha' moment for him when he saw this one specific photograph.''

The fashion house worked hard to get the dress exactly right and were still making changes just hours before Amy walked the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre.

Christina added to PEOPLE: ''If you zoom in [on the skirt's tiers] there are these little tiny eyelashes. Every little layer, every single eyelash was pulled by hand.

''[Amy is] very realistic that she's not a 5'11 runway model. There were a lot of changes that we were doing up until the very final moment.''

And the 38-year-old beauty was thrilled with the finished gown.

Christina said: ''The first time she put the dress, she was like sashaying through the office. You could tell that she was having that fairytale moment.''