The morning of the Oscars, however, should be calm. "That means I did my job," says Bloch during a recent phone interview from his Los Angeles office.

If things go smoothly, the actress will look better, he says. "You look your best when you're happy."

The stylist says there's always the possibility of an 11th-hour change, but most of his clients easily pare down the initial selection of 50 or so dresses to two or three during the first meeting.

The final selection, however, might depend on unpredictable factors such as too much cake the week before, rain on a vacation that prevented a tan or a spouse who is rooting for the sexier dress.

Bloch recommends hanging on to a spare gown until just before the Oscars just in case an alteration on dress No. 1 goes awry or there is a sudden change of heart.

Berry, according to Bloch, is easy to work with because she has her own fashion sense. He sees their hunt for the dress as a collaboration.

"Luckily, we like the same things."

The best part of his job is watching his "girls" in their Cinderella gowns stepping into their limousines, says Block. "I'm like the proud papa," he says.

Since the Oscars take place in the late afternoon on the West Coast, Bloch begins his rounds to the stars' homes in the morning.

In his car he'll have his awards-show kit, which includes footless, slimming body stockings; strapless bras and adhesive bras; nude-colored underwear; double-stick tape; safety pins -- and needle and thread.

"My motto is be prepared for anything," says Bloch.