The red carpet at the Golden Globes this year was a sea of black. Black dresses, black suits, and black (and white) “#TimesUp” pins. Instead of the usual eclectic selection of colorful, couture gowns, actresses united in wearing all black to support the anti-sexual harassment organization “Time’s Up.” This dramatic shift in the use of the red carpet from a showcase for fashion to a platform for solidarity and protest was in response to the many sexual harassment allegations in Hollywood, prompted mostly by those against Harvey Weinstein. While a valiant effort made by these actresses, the movement of celebrities wearing black on the red carpet fell short of successfully encouraging ongoing conversation regarding sexual harassment both in Hollywood and in the workplace.
The movement to wear black on the red carpet seemed to initially be successful in advocating against the harassment and mistreatment which countless women in Hollywood face. Nearly every conversation between stars and interviewers on the night of the Golden Globes revolved around the “Time’s Up” movement and women’s rights in Hollywood. Some actresses even brought activists as their dates to the red carpet and award show. Namely, “Big Little Lies” star Laura Dern brought Latina anti-sexual violence activist Monica Ramirez and Amy Poehler brought workplace justice activist Saru Jayaraman. Unfortunately, these efforts to show solidarity and bring awareness to issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality seemed insignificant in comparison to the gravity of the issue.
Many of the actresses who paraded the Golden Globes red carpet had come forward this past year with allegations against big name actors and producers. Admirably, these women gathered the courage to speak out about such atrocities committed by men in a male-dominated sphere; yet, the biggest statement these women could make collectively on live TV was to wear black designer dresses. Fashion has and always will be a way to make a statement. But, on a surface level, the color black is commonplace and mundane. Black is also somber and typically associated with death, which seemed startling in the context of a movement aimed at improving the quality of life for women in Hollywood. Perhaps the actresses were trying to visually portray the severity and solemnity of the present situation, or perhaps they were trying to use black as a way to take the shift the attention off of fashion. Either way, the conversation remained focused on their choice to wear all black. Instead of standing out and making a bold statement with their clothes, the actresses blended together, nearly undistinguishable and interchangeable in their black attire. Oprah Winfrey delivered a powerful acceptance speech towards the end of the night – would it have been any less had she been wearing fuchsia?
Regardless of the color of the dresses these women chose to wear, their bodies were still draped in high-end designer labels. It was hard to watch the Golden Globes and not think about the privilege these women have in being able to afford some of the most expensive clothing, worn only once at a red carpet event. For all of these famous women who have suffered the immeasurable pain living as sexual assault victims or victims of harassment, there are still so many nameless, faceless, women without a stage or microphone dealing with the same issues. Women in Hollywood therefore have both the pressure and great opportunity of speaking out for the average woman with television as their medium. Wearing designer or couture seems then only to alienate the average woman, making her feel distanced from the intended moment of solidarity that occurred on the red carpet. If our primary representatives of the movement against sexual assault are designer-clad celebrities, where does that leave the voice of every day, working woman?
Ultimately, sexual harassment should never dictate the fashion choices of women (regardless of their level of fame). The male gaze should not threaten the way women dress and experiment with fashion, which is the primary reason that the choice of Hollywood actresses to wear all black was a disappointment. Maybe there was no other way to physically represent solidarity on the red carpet. While the blackout on the Golden Globes red carpet did not match the power of the anti-sexual harassment movement towards gender equality, it at least brought more attention to the issue. The next steps of these actresses is what matters most now – black couture was not enough, but rather, continued conversation and engagement may eventually work to change the climate of sexual assault and harassment into one of respect and equality. These women were being recognized for their talent on screen, under the lights, and in front of audiences – their voices alone would have been enough to raise awareness and inspire change.