Golden Globes red carpet was awash in a sea of black

As predicted, it was a sea of black at the Golden Globes on Sunday night. As announced last week, in support of the Time's Up campaign, all women would come dressed in black. And most of them did as  they stood in solidarity by wearing their cause on their sleeves. Men too dressed in black, and the handful of women who didn't wear black, stood out like a sore thumb and seemed like complete misfits. It looked as if they were trying too hard to grab attention. Case in point was Blanca Blanco. She showed up in a red dress with deep cut outs and turned heads for all the wrong reasons. It is expected that some actors will continue with this theme even in March for Hollywood's biggest night out - the Oscars.

Designers quickly produced custom-made gowns in black over the weekend. Naeem Khan reportedly had to remake presenter Christina Hendricks' dress from gold into black - and since it took 20 craftsman to work on the custom gown, it wasn't an easy task at all. Still, fashion managed to provide ample options, and while actors stuck to the colour code, most managed to add their own twist to the look. Here are some actors who managed to own their look and yet stay loyal to the sentiment of solidarity that this year's Golden Globes will be remembered for:
Nicole Kidman, Givenchy Couture
She is the usual suspect as far as best dressed lists go. A winner for Best Actress in a Limited Series for her work in Big Little Lies, Nicole used this opportunity to speak out against abuse, and praise the power of women. She was aptly dressed in an outfit that was feminine, but not too risqué, and girlie without taking away from the sentiment of the night. The dress had some flutter and sparkle details, but the fluid black skirt kept it sophisticated. Nicole finished it off with some Fred Leighton diamond jewellery.
Mandy Moore, Rosie Assoulin
A nominee last year for her role in the popular TV series, This is Us, Mandy wore a black halter neck gown with a trail. It was offset with a red sash belt, and drop earrings and an elegant bracelet (also in red tones). Her hair was tied back neatly and her red lipstick added another pop of colour. She posed on the red carpet with her hands in her pockets, looking effortlessly elegant. Mandy had worn black last year too, and her low neck black gown received much attention then. By wearing black back-to-back in different styles, she has made it clear that she is a staunch supporter of the Time's Up Movement.


Claire Foy, Stella McCartney
A tuxedo is always a bold option, but when The Crown's Claire Foy walked on the red carpet with her co-star Matt Smith, it made for a picture few would forget as both turned up in tuxedos. Claire's hair was slicked back and her make-up was kept simple, except for a bold red lip. It had a feel of 1920s dandyism, when women first started stepping out in a tux, a time when women were campaigning for the right to vote. She added a feminine touch to the ensemble with a pair of high heeled Christian Louboutin stilettoes. And she wore her Time's Up badge on the edge of her sleeve, ensuring it was seen in every picture.
Tracee Ellis Ross, Marc Jacobs
The actor from black-ish came dressed in black - from head to toe. This was a lesson in how to do black and stand out. She teamed her figure hugging Marc Jacobs dress with black jogger pants and completed the ensemble with a black turban and black pumps. "We wear black to join with the voices of ALL women, particularly women of colour, LGBTQX women, disabled women and all other women who have been disproportionately affected by sexual violence. TIME'S UP on discrimination, harassment and abuse," Tracee said at the event. Her look and statement summed up the overall feeling of the night in style!
Kendall Jenner, Giambattista Valli
It seems that Kendall can never get it right - it was her Golden Globes debut and she wore an age appropriate high-low tulle dress. It was fun - a bit princess yet fashion forward. She was one the few on Sunday night to avoid a bold lip and stick to nude tones, giving the 22-year-old a fresh look. Her grown up T strap shoes were offset with messy hair. And while she had her fashion on point, Kendall was criticised for her skin. She has often spoken about her acne issues, and by turning up with her skin not in perfect shape, she made a statement for which she should be commended.
And the best dressed couple
Jessica Biel who was nominated for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie for her role in The Sinners walked the red carpet with husband Justin Timberlake. He was there not only to support her but also to support the Time's Up movement. Justin wore a traditional black tuxedo and swapped the white shirt for a black one. Jessica wore a matching Dior Couture tulle bare shoulder ball gown that had nude highlights and velvet details. She married old Hollywood glamour into her black dress. Jessica finished the look with Bulgari bling - earrings and bracelets. A low pony tail and berry lip finished off the polished but glamorous take on the night's dress code.
sujata@khaleejtimes.com