Report: Hathaway 'freaked out' over Seyfried's dress

It raised many a fashion watcher's perfectly plucked eyebrow: Why did Anne Hathaway pull the red carpet out from under her presumed Oscar designer, Valentino, and wear Prada instead? Especially considering that Valentino is a favorite of Hathaway's?

(The house, which designed Hathaway's wedding dress, even sent out a release describing her choice: embroidered tulle. But the actress told Paste BN's Andrea Mandell during arrivals, "I didn't know what I was wearing until two hours ago.")

Fashionista.com has heard a rumor worthy of a scene in The Devil Wears Prada itself: Apparently, when Hathaway caught a glimpse of Les Mis co-star Amanda Seyfried's icy Alexander McQueen, she "freaked out" over its similarity to her Valentino gown. So stylist Rachel Zoe called in the crinoline cavalry and lo: the best supporting actress padded up to the podium in pale pink Prada.

One of the site's particularly detail-minded readers dug up the potentially offending doppelganger of a dress, a couture gown from Valentino's spring 2013 collection.

Whatever the truth, it's the most exciting sartorial scandal to strike the stylishly staid Oscars in years.

UPDATE: Hathaway has released a statement to People.

"It came to my attention late Saturday night that there would be a dress worn to the Oscars that is remarkably similar to the Valentino I had intended to wear, and so I decided it was best for all involved to change my plans."

"Though I love the dress I did wear, it was a difficult last minute decision as I had so looked forward to wearing Valentino in honor of the deep and meaningful relationship I have enjoyed with the house and with Valentino himself," Hathaway added.

"I deeply regret any disappointment caused."

No word yet from the house of Valentino.