Raise your hand if you’re bored of red carpet menswear
Year after year, we anticipate the return of all notable personalities to grace the red carpet, whether that be for movie premiers or fashion week. But year after year, we face disappointment with yet another iteration of the same black tuxedo carelessly thrown on with minimal to no effort. Perhaps we could view this as an alternative to the classic LBD (little black dress). However, when placed alongside gilded glamour, haute couture, and carefully curated looks, the humble tuxedo does not compare.
As much as I want to keep swooning over the monochrome look, it’s getting boring and I want to see something new! Whether we want to admit it or not, one of the main reasons we pay attention to these events is rarely because we actually care about what’s going on, but because we want to see our favourite celebrities all glammed up. There is a sense of anticipation to see the drama, the couture, and the storytelling. This excitement is only satiated by the likes of those who consistently dress for the occasion.
When we think of the red carpet, names such as Zendaya styled by Law Roach, Jessica Chastain styled by Elizabeth Stewart, Janelle Monáe, Elle Fanning, and Anok Yai come up. Notice how the names mentioned were mostly female. Without fail, these celebrities continually appear on the carpet grabbing the attention of everyone around them with the lens of the camera latched on to their every move. Why can’t we experience this same thrill with the menswear that we see on the carpet? It is possible that the classic black and white tuxedo has run its course and the general public has become desensitised to its wielding power.
Does anyone even remember when Brad Pitt wore that tuxedo on the Oscars carpet 3 years ago? Let’s be honest, no… we don’t. The tux’s genesis dates all the way back to the scene of 1835 to serve as another option besides the formal tailcoat. The tuxedo oozed aristocracy, regardless of the wearer’s societal standing; and in the 20th century, it had the American market in a chokehold. But during the Second World War, the black tie attire got its small period of rest as the suit became the first choice of wear for a night out. Over the course of the century, it underwent several minor changes while still maintaining the classic silhouette. The tailored tuxedo became a staple for every formal occasion that held the symbol of a strong and powerful man. So how does this classic go-to become so vanilla… so dry… so unforgettable?
Having an interest in fashion has notoriously attained its link to identifying with femininity. Although it is widely acknowledged and accepted that clothing has no gender, hobbies that relate to fashion and clothing often get associated with being feminine. It is hard to deny that historically, heterosexual men would have garnered unsolicited comments or assumptions about their sexuality if they were to have expressed an interest in “dressing up”. By going against what was considered “normal” and “acceptable” attire, you would have been faced with comments of “trying too hard” or even more ludicrous remarks. This has obviously tainted the free expression of self through fashion regardless of what sexuality one identifies as.
Dressing yourself in a way that is against the grain of society is brave. It takes courage to believe in your sense of style and to be comfortable with it, whether or not judgement is given to you. It is possible to consider that maybe the male celebrities we see on the red carpet are afraid of being perceived as something they are not, which is why the tuxedo is worn time and time again. In my personal opinion, the essence of masculinity should not be restricted by the shackles of a black and white tuxedo. Being masculine can be expressed in a variety of ways.
For all one knows, our perspective on what is considered masculine on the red carpet can be changed. There are a few celebrities who have successfully proven that is possible while being secure in their sexuality. Enter Timothee Chalamet, Jon Batiste, and Billy Porter. These men have played around with their creativity when it comes to showing and dressing up. It’s experimental and definitely a breath of fresh air amongst the sea of black and white uniforms. Playing around with different colour schemes, silhouettes, textures, and accessories, it’s a wonderland of possibilities that is definitely appreciated and respected. Being brave with what you decide to wear is admirable.
The point of this piece isn’t to strike out the tuxedo, but instead to offer food for thought when it comes to the capabilities of menswear on the red carpet or even in day-to-day wear. Women have been held up to a double standard when it comes to their red carpet-appearances. If they show up in simple attire, they get called lazy. And if they go all out, it’s “too much”. It’s hard to find the equilibrium between the two. Meanwhile, a man can show up in a dull tuxedo and call it a day. To balance out the intricate thought process and gargantuan effort that goes behind a woman’s red carpet look, maybe male counterparts could take the small risk of going outside of their comfort zone and being secure and comfortable with their sexuality.
There’s nothing fun in going with what is expected. Challenging these expectations is what gains more admiration and respect. Because how lucky are we to live in a generation where experimentation with self-expression and individualism is applauded for? Is it possible that this is something we all should consider when it comes to our lifestyles outside of the world of fashion?
