Nicole Kidman doesn't care what you think of her red carpet choices.

At a time where red carpets have become a bit too samey, thank goodness for Nicole Kidman.

Whether it was her 1997 oriental-inspired chartreuse Dior gown or her emerald green sequin Gucci number, worn 20 years later to this year’s SAG awards, the Australian actress can be counted on to bring a little something unexpected to formal events.

It’s this element of risk that sees her style prove divisive among fashion critics and it’s not uncommon to see the 49 year old appear simultaneously on the best AND worst dressed lists, which is exactly what happened with that feathery green number.

Funny thing is, Kidman really couldn't care less what the critics - armchair or otherwise - think. That even includes her two daughters, who she says didn't hold back on their less-than-impressed thoughts on her parrot dress.

"I have no problem being divisive," she told Porter Magazine earlier this year.

"My eight-year-old [Sunday Rose] said 'You're wearing that?' My six-year-old [Faith Margaret] was like, 'What's on your shoulder?!'".

It's an attitude she'll carry to the Oscars, where she'll be attending for the fourth time as a nominee - this year for her role in Lion -and one echoed by her stylist Julia von Boehm.

"She's not going the safe road," she told the New York Times last week.

Kidman's white and silver Alexander McQueen gown also caused some debate when she wore it to the Golden Globes last month.

While the Big Little Lies actress may have a penchant for frilly details or three, many did not.

"The sleeves are actually attached to the dress. There was never a question of not wearing the sleeves. For me, it was the dress of the season. But we’re O.K. with having bad reviews from some people. No regrets," Von Boehm said.

The duo make a fashion-forward pair, with Von Boehm highly regarded for her editorial work with Italian Vogue, German Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and Kidman - her only celebrity client - willing to go beyond the simple, strapless and safe gown. (Post continues after gallery.)

"When I see the shows, I think of them with two brains: my editorial brain and the Nicole brain. Sometimes they are one and the same," she said.

The result is interesting cuts, fresh prints, ruffles, feathers and a whole lot of beading.

Of course this is Hollywood, so Kidman does have one particular advantage that widens her red carpet choices - she can wear a dress right off the runway. Literally.

"We don’t need to create a replica for her — she even fits into the couture — which means I don’t have to limit myself to just the celebrity pieces a designer offers," says Von Boehm.

"We can also be very much on point, and on time, with what’s happening in fashion."

It might not always be conventional, but that's exactly why we love it.