Dressed to protest

Actress, author, and social activist, Rose McGowan recently revealed that her 1998 MTV Video Music Awards dress, which exposed her butt and breasts was actually a political statement. She said, “That was my first public appearance after being sexually assaulted. I was like, ‘Is this what you want?’” (probably alluding to her accusations against Weinstein), adding, “I’ve never worn something like that before or since. That was a political statement that… of course, there was no Twitter at the time or Instagram, no way to speak for yourself.” While McGowan has finally opened up about her motivations when it came to making a political statement all those years ago, it’s not the first and will probably not be the last time it happens. Over the years, many celebs have walked the red carpet in designer ensembles choosing to support a cause and make a fashion or a social statement with their outfits. Here are the ones that stood out...

Beyonce’s quiet nod to the Black Panthers

Beyonce made a quiet but bold statement at the Grammy Awards 2018. She chose a Nicolas Jebron black velvet custom couture hat and gown, accessorised with retro Alain Mikli sunglasses and a sparkly Judith Leiber clutch, Jimmy Choo heels and $7 million in Lorraine Schwartz diamonds. All of which was an ode to the African-American revolutionary party Black Panther of the 1960s. The bold shoulders and dramatic slits were meant to evoke the power and strength of the social justice movement.

Lorde points to gender disparity

Singer Lorde chose to wear a ravishing crimson Valentino gown at the 2018 Grammys, and sewed a poem by feminist artist Jenny Holzer to her back. It read, “Rejoice! Our times are intolerable. Take courage, for the worst, is a harbinger of the best. Only dire circumstance can precipitate the overthrow of oppressors. The old and correct must be laid to waste. Before the just can triumph. Contraction will be heightened. The reckoning will be hastened by the staging of seed disturbances. The apocalypse will blossom.” While many felt it was an act of resistance and support for #TimesUp and #MeToo, there was also speculation about whether it was Lorde’s way of giving it back considering it’s customary for the nominees in the Album of the Year category to perform, and while the men were given their time on stage, Lorde was not.

Katy Perry stood for Planned Parenthood

At the 2017 Grammys, the singer performed Chained to the Rhythm in a Hillary Clinton-inspired pantsuit and wearing a Persist armband. Also, pinned to the left level of her blazer, Katy Perry made her final political outfit choice — a Planned Parenthood pin. Clearly, she was panning US President Donald Trump and the Republican policies.

Evan Rachel Wood suits up

Westworld actress Evan Rachel Wood chose to suit up for her red carpet appearance at the Golden Globes 2017. She explained that she did it for the occasion to make sure young girls and women ‘knew dresses aren’t a requirement. She said, “I’m not trying to protest dresses, but I wanted to make sure that young girls and women knew that they aren’t a requirement. And that, you know, you don’t have to wear one if you don’t want to and to just be yourself because your worth is more than that.”

Ava DuVernay shows solidarity 

For the 2017 Oscars, American film director, producer, screenwriter, film marketer, and film distributor, Ava Du Vernay, chose to wear a gown by Ashi Studio of Lebanon for her red carpet appearance. Earlier she tweeted, “A small sign of solidarity. I chose to wear a gown by a designer from a majority Muslim country. Thanks to Ashi Studio of Lebanon. #Oscars.” Her choice of outfit appeared to protest President Trump’s immigration order, which had temporarily barred refugees and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. The directive was later after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on it.

Designers speak
‘If done right, it’s a great initiative’

Nachiket Barve

This trend started in the '70s, when celebs tried to express their personal style and support a cause. Then somewhere down the line it became generic and has now again gained momentum. It’s a great initiative if done right. One has to balance aesthetics and the purpose/cause they want to highlight. Red carpets are a great platform to draw attention to a cause, especially if you are a celeb, the world’s eyes are on you. And to turn that attention to a worthy cause can make a huge difference to it getting the mileage it needs.

‘It’s a commendable effort’

Nikhil Thampi

Celebrities have such a wide reach and the means to influence millions of followers. It’s commendable that they are using this platform to bring about awareness or positive changes in society. Whether it is taking part in Women’s marches around the world or using fashion to make a political statement on the red carpet, this effort is applause-worthy.