The return of the Golden Globe Awards as an in-person event after a two-year break brought together some of the most important film and TV personalities. Michelle Yeoh accepted the award for Best Actress in a Comedy for Everything everywhere and at once in a triumphant Armani Prive Gown. At Fabelman’s actress Michelle Williams wore an ivory Gucci dress with frills, while Margot Robbie chose, as usual, bespoke Chanel. As trains meandered down the red carpet and bow ties finished off tailored tuxedos, the sartorial heritage of Hollywood glamor seemed to shine through – although it looked very different from the days of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.
Michelle Yeoh wears Giorgio Armani as she poses with her first Golden Globe for Eeverything everywhere all at once.
When one thinks of Old Hollywood glamour, images of actresses with sparkling dresses, wavy combed hair and deep red lips immediately come to mind. Undeniably, the era of actresses from the 20s to the 50s continues to permeate our modern definition.
“Hollywood glamor is probably the first thing we all think of when we talk about glamorous fashion moments,” says fashion commentator Osama Chabbi City and village. According to him, the intersection between pop culture and celebrity culture is the reason why aesthetics is in the subconscious of many, and it especially refers to good wavy hair and a tight sequined dress. “There’s something about it that seems to survive through time as a powerful symbol of American pop culture and fashion.”
Audrey Hepburn leaves the Center Theater in New York after winning an Oscar at the 1954 Academy Awards.
To clarify, Hollywood glamour, also known as Hollywood Regency, is defined by glitz, drama and, most importantly, timelessness. There were certainly a few stars who followed the classic definition during last night’s Golden Globes. But many have split up. Anna Taylor-Joy arrived on the carpet in a more casual look, wearing a Dior two-piece yellow bra and skirt. Milly Alcock wore a Givenchy gown with a headband that felt a little safe. While Emma D’arcy gave a punk touch to Hollywood glamor wearing an oversized blazer by acne studios. The luxury remained, but it was clear that some stars were ready to turn the classic codes into their own.
While the aforementioned pushed the needle, it was the men who really pushed the boundaries. During the glamor era of Old Hollywood, men were limited to the classic black tuxedo. While some—like Danny Ramirez at Saint Laurent; Ke Huy Quan at Thom Browne; and Tarzan Davis at Berluti — sticking to tradition, more than a handful opted for a contemporary approach.
Seth Rogan wore a classic Dior tuxedo, albeit in coral color. Percy Hynes White ditched the tuxedo jacket and replaced it with a sleek and stylish Saint Laurent cape. Among them, Tyler James Williams, who won his first Golden Globe for Abbott Elementary School, she opted for the most interesting choice: a blue lace-up suit from Amira’s spring 2023 collection.
Instead of a classic tuxedo, actor Percy Hynes White wore an elegant Saint Laurent cape.
“The evolution of gender codes has made the Hollywood glamor look for men a little more playful than a tight tuxedo,” says Chabbi. “There’s also this spirit of red carpet dressing that’s taken over recently. It’s almost as if moving away from black tie is the most modern gesture a man can make on the red carpet.”
With this in mind, we can’t help but notice the changing tides of what is considered appropriate for a red carpet moment. The legacy of glittering Hollywood icons continues to live on, and there’s no doubt that many celebrities are hoping to keep it going. How to continue like this? Aside from basics like a well-tailored suit or a flattering dress that doesn’t sag on the costume, a look at last night’s Golden Globes reveals that there’s simply no set route.
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