Can the free-spirited and “cool” essence of denim shine on the extravagant red carpet?
May
From a material originally crafted for the working class to a staple donned confidently by a myriad of trusted celebrities on the red carpet, denim has undoubtedly traversed a remarkable journey on the fashion map.
In the glamorous world of fashion, especially on opulent red carpets adorned by a constellation of renowned stars, denim might not be readily embraced and endorsed by many due to its wild, rugged, and inherently casual nature. While luxurious silks, sparkling sequins, or lavish fur layers thrive on red carpets under dazzling flashlights, denim prefers the freedom and simplicity of everyday life, thriving in the most unassuming, carefree, and untamed corners, such as alleyways on city streets. However, denim remains a familiar and timeless material that has transcended generations in the collections of fashion houses, from emerging designers to iconic figures worldwide. The spectacular resurgence of denim in a plethora of showcases during the Spring/Summer 2023 fashion weeks has sufficiently demonstrated its “timeless” appeal.
Although already a familiar sight on fashion runways big and small, denim likely only began to solidify its position on the red carpet when the duo Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears appeared at the American Music Awards 2001 in matching denim-on-denim outfits from head to toe. From fishtail wrap skirts and sleek suits to entirely denim handbags, the two leading pop stars of that era endeared denim to the discerning fashion community, gradually convincing them of the irresistible allure of this “everyday” material. Since then, following the popularity of Y2K, denim has gradually gained favor among stylists and celebrities as they strut alongside them on the most prestigious red carpets.
As a material originally created for the working class and ubiquitous on the streets, let’s not discount denim on opulent red carpets or in the wardrobes of famous celebrities. Denim is always a staple in anyone’s closet, especially in the form of jeans. With the open-minded approach of today’s fashion leaders, denim has evolved beyond being merely streetwear to embodying this free-spirited, rugged essence in a more luxurious, extravagant fashion world, such as on dazzling red carpets. The appearances of Hunter Schafer at Vanity Fair’s After Party Oscar 2022 in March, Kodi Smit-McPhee at the Met Gala 2022, Jodie Turner-Smith at the Venice Film Festival, all serve as clear evidence of denim’s invasion into red carpet fashion. From the Oscars to the Met Gala and even the Venice Film Festival, denim has truly asserted itself as the new “dominant force” in red carpet fashion in 2022.
However, the daunting challenge for stylists, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts here is that not all denim outfits can shine and be appropriate on the red carpet or at important events. Because the dress code for these occasions revolves around sophistication, elegance, and meticulous investment from head to toe. So how can one wear denim in a formal, appropriate, and non-discrepant manner at events? Let readers explore the fascinating mix-and-match suggestions under the theme “formal with a touch of denim” from Style-Republik!
