So Many Possibilities: Dressing for the Emmy Red Carpet in 2020

Last year at this time, I was pouring over images of Zendaya in an emerald green Vera Wang custom gown. The bodice of the dress was a sheer corset with boning running down the front until it met the subtly draped satin skirt that ran from her hip bone to the floor. The satin fabric was broken up by a high leg baring slit that revealed last season's dye to match shoe trend. It was a new type of red carpet perfection. After witnessing this moment, I caught myself the Monday after the award show considering adding an emerald green something to my closet. Does this happen to you? The gowns we recall for a lifetime do much more than fit. They often bring out the best in the wearer and even have the power to show us a new dimension of who they are. At their best, they might even show us the possibility of who we could be.

Last night Zendaya not only made history by winning her first Emmy, making her the youngest woman ever to win “outstanding actress in a drama series”, she also reinforced that she is a fashion star to watch. We knew going into the evening that the looks would be all over the map. I wondered before show time how seeing everyone interpret the unwritten dress code “appropriate during Covid” might feel to watch. The truth is, the range of dress was equal parts refreshing and inspiring. There is something enjoyable about seeing how the stars opted for sleek and elevated takes on dress down from pajamas to casual footwear. It evoked some playfulness and a level of authenticity that was simply “feel good.” I took a deep exhale out when Rachel Brosnahan and her family, including the dogs, came up in my Instagram feed in matching pjs. The humanity of it and the joy of it felt like the right note to me. Pajamas with “game” were one of recurring themes of the evening and very much in accordance with my personal desire to elevate my own pajama game over these last few months. Julia Garner’s deluxe ivory Chanel pj set complete with an entire “program” of lust worthy pearls and matching hair accessories sent me into a dream state. In tandem with actual pajamas was the continuation of easy nightgown dressing most notably Jennifer Aniston’s chic vintage Dior version by John Galliano. I admire Jennifer Aniston’s simple and elegant style and deep commitment to always dressing like herself. It has always made me feel (real or imagined) that I have a sense of who she is.

Rachel Brosnahan in Laurie Simmons pajamas and Roger Vivier shoes

Jennifer Aniston in Vintage Dior by John Galliano

What I love about red carpets is the conversations they inspire. None of us will ever be unanimous on a best dressed list but what excites me the most is that red carpets, even last night’s, give us the chance to dream about the possibility of dressing up, dressing down or simply dressing differently. The concept of dress up is something that I’ve relished not having to do lately but also wished so badly for. Dress up for me signifies celebration, something I’m longing to do in the future. I’d like to give an additional award to Zendaya, Regina King, Shira Haas and Kerry Washington for dressing up last night and reminding us to look forward to sunnier days ahead and to find reasons to celebrate the present moment too.

xoxoxo,

Brooke