The Evolution of Red Carpet Fashion
At what point did red-carpet fashion start prioritizing provocative statements over tradition? Whether it's using these events to draw attention in the media or taking it as an opportunity to make a political statement, red-carpet looks have undoubtedly shifted over the past few decades.
But is this evolution in red carpet fashion for the better or worse? Red-carpet styles have adjusted with society, but through the process, changed what it's all about. Red carpets symbolize glamour, fame, and exclusivity; celebrities are obsessed with using events like this as an excuse to exploit their fame in the name of fashion.
The whole point of making a statement in an exclusive environment, such as a red carpet event, is to be provocative and get people talking.
Everyone remembers Lady Gaga's infamous 'Meat Dress' from the 2010 VMAs. Yet, many people don’t remember what it represented: society's tendency to view women in the spotlight as objects for consumption rather than for what they are, as well as a way to protest the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy held by the United States Armed forces which prevented service members from being open about their sexuality.
Even when congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) was invited to the Met Gala for the first time in 2021, she made a statement wearing a white dress designed by Aurora James with "TAX THE RICH" painted in large red letters on the back. Ironically or intentionally, this statement against both the patriarchy and the elite was at an event where the majority of that exact audience was on the carpet alongside her. Regardless, it got people talking, which has become the whole point.
Other fashion statements draw attention because the media is obsessed with analyzing what it may mean. Take Jaden Smith's look at the 2025 Grammy Awards. He wore a Louis Vuitton tuxedo with a custom $4,600 black castle on his head. And ever since the awards, there's been an ongoing debate about what this meant. But isn't it possible it doesn't mean anything? Couldn't it just be a publicity move to get people talking?
One of the biggest waves in red-carpet fashion right now is maximalism. Classic and reputable designers are starting to give into these bold, maximalist statement styles to stay relevant. Through this shift, brands begin to appeal to broader and often newer demographics, and though these styles are bringing brand recognition, they're also changing the label's image.
John Galliano, a red carpet icon who has maintained his renowned image as one of fashion's most talented designers, never fails to deliver stunning looks and has kept this up for the past few decades. His brand and similar ones have managed to maintain their timelessness by collaborating with other relevant labels and, like Galliano, have preserved their influence as designers on the red carpet.
Marilyn Monroe was, and still is, an icon in American pop culture. She symbolizes the beauty and glamour of old Hollywood. Kim Kardashian's decision to wear her 'President's birthday' dress 60 years later on the 2022 Met Gala red carpet proves that Marilyn's legacy will never fade, and her influences on fashion are timeless.
When Monroe wore it, it scandalized America, and a Kardashian wearing it to the Met Gala certainly captured the media's attention as well. Even though she said that she only wore it for five minutes on the red carpet, she got a lot of backlash accusing her of 'ruining' the iconic dress. Overall, this classic fashion statement worked well. Monroe was considered a sex symbol in her time, and in the late 2000s and 2010s, Kardashian was too.
More recently, Sabrina Carpenter wore a stunning vintage-inspired dress on the red carpet at the 2025 Grammys, proving that by honoring old Hollywood fashion on the new Hollywood red carpets, celebrities have found a way to keep the vintage A-list couture alive.
Specific statements can be made with certain style choices. The allure of red-carpet fashion today is maintaining relevance and keeping people engaged by boldly staying in the spotlight. Celebrities and designers use these strategic branding opportunities to keep the media talking, showing that red-carpet fashion is no longer fixated on glamour and elegance but rather on making a statement that keeps them relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Strike Out,
Elise Archer
Boca Raton
Elise Archer is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She loves being inspired almost as much as she loves inspiring. She has a passion for everything creative- and she’s a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. If you can’t reach her, she’s either busy shopping, lost somewhere, or writing. But if you would like to: elisearcher111@gmail.com or on Instagram @elisearcherr
