The Evolution of Award Show Fashion

EDITOR'S CHOICE EDITOR'S CHOICE

The glitz and glamour of award shows have always captivated audiences around the world. The 2023 Oscars marked 70 years since the ceremony was first televised, and it brought the attention of 16.6 million live viewers onto the annual ceremony to celebrate Hollywood’s finest. From the lavish venues to the star-studded guest lists, this event celebrated the brightest and most talented in the entertainment industry.

However, over the years, the red carpet has become a stage in itself, and is almost as anticipated as the awards; becoming a canvas for both celebrities and designers alike, to make a statement with their fashion, and set trends for the rest of the world to follow

The evolution of award show fashion has reflected the changing attitudes and values of society. Since the events origination in 1929, the Oscars have been a formal affair, which has always meant one thing only: all-out glamour

In the initial award shows, the emphasis was on elegance and sophistication, with minimal embellishments and muted colours. This was a mirror for the conservative values of the United States at the time, where conformity and tradition were prized above all else. Women wore long gowns which covered their ankles, with high necklines and modest sleeves. Men wore classic tuxedos, with black bow ties and patent leather shoes.

Fur lined clothes were also very popular among the higher classes during this time, and so this was reflected on the red carpets.

This proprietary and poise lasted for most of Old Hollywood. The 1940’s 1950’s saw stars like Audrey Hepburn and Mariluyn Monroe, who set the standard for classic Hollywood glamour, with their sleek refined gowns and modish updos. The emphasis was on simplicity and refinement. Christian Dior and Charles James were some of the favoured designers of this era, creating timeless and understated looks which continue to inspire our fashion choices, even today.

However, the 1960’s and 1970’s were hit by a wave of social and cultural upheaval in American culture, and award show fashion quickly began to exhibit the same newfound sense of individualism. The era of liberation meant that risk-taking and bold self-expression were more common and celebrated Celebrities like Cher and David Bowie became important figures in the media. Women began wearing pantsuits and shorter hemlines, and men began experimenting with colours and textures

Stars like Twiggy and Jane Fonda became figures of fashion, with trend-setting mod-inspired mini dresses and statement accessories. This time-period also saw the emergence of diverse designers, such as Stephen Burrows and Willi Smith, who brought a new level of originality to the red carpets.

In the 1980’s and 1990’s, award show fashion became more lavish and extravagant, with designers like Versace pushing the boundaries on what was considered acceptable. Stars like Madonna became known for their more daring yet provocative red-carpet looks, which consisted of sheer fabrics, cutouts, and bold prints. However, the 1990’s meant that the red-carpet also began to see a resurgence of classic Hollywood glamour with a twist: sleek, form-fitting gown, but with frills at the end. Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman were main examples of this.

The 21st century marked a change for the fashion industry in general, becoming more diverse and inclusive than ever before Designers from all cultures and backgrounds debuted their looks on the red carpet. Also, events like the met-gala have embraced different traditions and religions through their themes.

There has also been a growing emphasis on making fashion ethical and sustainable. Emma Watson has been an advocate for this, using her platform to promote eco-friendly and socially responsible brands, with her looks being vintage, or recycled.

Joaquin Phoenix is also another example of a star who has promised to promote sustainability from the fashion industry. His 2021 Oscar suit was a repeat of the one he wore for the 2020 Oscars, making him one of the few celebrities to stimulate outfit rewearing In recent years, award show fashion has been more about self expression and showcasing personality than adhering to a strict dress code Challenging gender norms and celebrating personal style on the red carpet means a shift towards a more incorporating future This is a true reflection of the changing attitudes and values of society as we move to a more accepting world.

The progression of award-show fashion is a testament of the ever-changing nature of the entertainment industry. From the black-tie elegance of old Hollywood, to the unconventional outfits of the 21st century, it has always been a representation of cultural and social trends of the time period. As we continue to embrace a more welcoming society, it will be exciting to see how the red carpet will inspire and reflect the fashion industry.

Rihanna is Expecting… But Where Is the Media ?

The excitement of an pregnancy announcement is an art that has fizzled under the pressures of time and competitive PR. Beyonce, Cardi, Nicki, Kylie, now RiRi? Twice? But where is the media?

The formula of an iconic pregnancy reveal are as follows: social media, major performances, statement outfits, jewels, rhinestones, a supportive unabsent father’s muffled screaming as televised by alternate crowd camera angles, A-list status and “stan” presence. What is the mogul missing besides none of the aforementioned criteria? The phenomenon of baby culture intersecting with celebrity is a nuanced heavily philosophical occurrence one cannot examine through a model or given formula.

Beyonce’s Blue-Ivy reveal was an event for the pop culture history books. With the star concluding a long winded intensive performance with a dramatic unbuttoning to reveal a precocious bump. The formula was followed to near perfection down to the crowd reactions. But what is so different about this to our other bonafide starlette? Monica Hesse for Washington … unveils her analysis on why ”Rihanna’s pregnancy was not the star of her halftime show”imposing this idea that “Beyoncé’s reveal was a definitive entrance to motherhood, an invitation for fans to celebrate her transformation.

Rihanna’s reveal was less an announcement than an acknowledgment, almost a casual one”. To condense this in more digestible definitive vocabulary, Beyonce’s reveal was conclusive to her talent and thus stood out as secondary to her stardom whereas Rihanna’s bump was as significant as the compact she opened her performance by using before it was handed to a backup dancer. Proven by the fact that “viewers had to wait until the halftime show finished to receive definitive confirmation from Rihanna’s representatives that they’d even seen what they thought they’d seen.” as Hesse would put it. It was not significant enough as to be understood by the general public.

Cardi B on the other hand, though unveiling her pregnancy as Rihanna did, mid-performance, did so performing a stripped jazzy ensemble of her single “Be Careful”. In this sense, the bassy hip-hoppy stylized sound did not outperform her protruding belly. Whereas yet again, RiRi’s star power defeated that of her red suit-ed reveal.

This formula is big business, starlett pregnancy will never become obsolete, we will always have the idols, the celebrities, the societal pique towards the mysterious or greater. Rihanna is greater, she is not the greatest, not the first, but regardless, the media coverage or lack thereof, will set a golden standard for how not to market pregnancy and motherhood

-Loay Kaied 6F06