Red Carpet Report: Let’s Go to the Golden Globes

Award season in Hollywood is in full swing, and the fatigue is already palpable. The Golden Globes show itself mirrors this weariness, and the red carpet was a yawn. It begs the question: How many hours, sacrifices, and relentless pursuits of perfection are poured into these dazzling appearances? The Hollywood standard demands talent and an unwavering commitment to an aesthetic ideal, often at the cost of personal wellbeing.

It’s no surprise that many, as they embrace their years, abandon this relentless chase after the unattainable standard set by the likes of the Kardashians. There’s a certain liberation in choosing self-contentment and confidence over the elusive dragon of eternal youth. Thankfully, not all of us will be in front of the camera. Some of us, perhaps, are meant to craft stories from behind it.

But awards shows are fertile ground for fashion critique and observation so, without further ado, I’ll weigh in with some looks from our crowd and how they did on the red carpet.

First up, Jennifer Aniston is in a Dolce & Gabbana column (she does this look better than anyone) and her fresh “new Rachel” cut. To me, she is perfection; but damn if I don’t think about the amount of time and effort it takes to look this effortless. For those of us who are mere mortals and can’t make it to Chris McMillan to get our haircut or train 23 hours a day, be happy that the lens is not firmly planted on you or me. I’m thrilled, personally.

And with so many options for the A-list crowd, am I the only one who wishes J.Lo would switch it up already? I get that girly glam is her thing, but I’d love to see a bit of a style evolution for her in something more architectural and strong vs frilly. To me, it’s tired and feels a bit played out. Kudos for wearing Nicole + Felicia Couture, two Taiwanese sisters, and not your household name designers, a la Chanel, Valentino, Dior, etc.

On the other end of the spectrum, Jodie Foster presented a modest ensemble that challenges the industry’s objectification standards. Her natural grace and understated elegance are fresh air in a sea of overt glitz.

One of my favorite looks of the night belongs to Julianne Moore in red hot Bottega Veneta. A friend and I were discussing this perfect red dress, and she said she would like to think Ms Moore dresses herself. I get her point. This woman knows who she is and seems to love style vs fashion. What a gorgeous and natural look. Again, I wonder if she gives herself a one-french-fry allowance (a la Jennifer Aniston), but she looks terrific and owns her age and stage.

Then we have Oprah, and I can’t help but wonder if the “O” stands for Ozempic. The dress is not to my taste, but I love her and always will, and she looks fantastic and fit in purple Louis Vuitton. Also in purple was Helen Mirren in Dolce & Gabbana (they were busy boys for the Globes), which I did not care about. As someone who is the poster woman for aging well, this dress ages her badly. Don’t hate me.

Rosamund Pike in Dior is so dramatic and over-the-top that it works for me. It’s from a few seasons back, I believe, and since she was in a ski accident, she wanted to cover her face. To me, this look is pure Hitchcock, and I’m here for it. 

Reese Witherspoon in Monique Lhuillier conjures visions of country club festivities in the ’80s mixed with Whit Stillman movies, which means I should like this look but it feels dated, and she can do better. Fun fact: Reese is a girl crush of mine, but she’s so so sorority-like in her style, and I would like to see her grow up a bit.

Angela Bassett always looks amazing. She is a genetic miracle, but I’m sure she works hard at it, too. Such an elegant and confident look. This Dolce & Gabbana gown is so flattering, powerful, and simple. Love it.

Speaking of love, let’s talk about all of those luxe tuxes.

Annette Bening in Dolce & Gabbana had me at hello. SO DAMN CHIC. 

Meryl Streep’s custom sparkly Valentino look was less successful for me and felt too, as my old boss and bubby would say, ungapatchka, which means contrived, overly ornate, or distasteful. O

On the boy’s team, I would wear Cillian Murphy’s YSL look on repeat. Losing the tie feels so modern, and I love this look’s super stylish and timeless vibe. Home run for either gender.

And English actor Jonathan Bailey’s all-white Givenchy look is the stuff of dreams. I’d wear the hell out of this. Yes, he is only 35 but tell me this look isn’t ageless. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

However, not all choices hit the mark. With its unconventional cutouts, Lenny Kravitz’s McQueen tuxedo seemed more a miss than a hit.

Amidst all of the silk skeletons, the gorgeous laid-back look from Jennifer Lawrence in Dior is perfection. I love the natural glam, and that dress would look good on so many ages and body types. It’s fabulous. Somebody send Heidi Klum and Kate Beckinsale a memo. They both looked ridiculous and tried way too hard.

Also, big props to Gillian Anderson, whose custom Gabriela Hearst minimalist white dress was covered in vaginas. Yes, vaginas. The dress was sublime, and the subtle nod to women’s health and sexuality was worthy of applause because she puts her money where her yoni is, which I love.

So net-net. The older crowd understood the assignment. 

As for the younger generation, Billie Eilish‘s choice of Willy Chavarria was a departure from the norm. It reflects her unique style, a comment on the industry’s rigid beauty standards. It represents the boundary-breaking time in which we live and, though I didn’t love the look, I admire her for going there.

In conclusion, the night blended classic elegance, daring statements, and a few sartorial missteps. It highlighted a generational shift in attitudes towards fashion and beauty. The older icons embraced their identities, for the most part, while the younger stars experimented with rebellion and authenticity. This juxtaposition of old and new Hollywood encapsulates the evolving landscape of celebrity culture, where individuality and personal narrative are becoming as influential as traditional standards of beauty and glamour.