The SAG Awards has wrapped for another year; it is a time for celebration of film and, indirectly, of fashion as we encounter one of the years most exciting red carpets in the warm up to the Oscars.
The 2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards was hosted this year by actress Kristen Bell, who doted a striking fuchsia gown that was positively in sync with her affable character. How stars express themselves on the red carpet through their fashion choices reveals a great deal of insight into their character. We can tell if they are risk takers or fence sitters, if they move to the beat of their own drum or fall back on trends. They can be vilified or praised for their choices, the subject of tabloid fodder or can it be more? The Golden Globes Red Carpet proved a historic moment when actresses wore black in support of female rights for the Times Up movement following the wake of Harvey Weinstein’s fall from grace. As Maya Angelou once famously quoted to Oprah:
“You have no idea what your legacy will be. Your legacy is every life you’ve touched”.
Nonetheless, not all fashion moments are as hallowed or as relevant to the cultural climate as the Golden Globe exception, incredible as it was . Fashion is about creative expression more than anything, so the regrettable and the fun should sit alongside the beautiful and even the reverent. With that said, lets take a look at the trends, the rule breakers and even the SAG Sacs as we take inspiration from the stars.
SUITING UP
Actress and activist Yara Shahidi was one of the best dressed on the night. Sporting a tailored black jumpsuit and bustle from Ralph Lauren, this piece epitomises classic American design with its’ clean lines, simplicity and just enough of the wow factor. In stark contrast to the Golden Globes Times Up dress code, the SAG carpet was awash with colour; so this piece was ever more striking and a standout for all the right reasons.
MAN ABOUT TOWN
It may seem like the boys have it easy, but there is less opportunity for statement in menswear. Promising signs from young Stranger Things actor Caleb Mclaughlin mixing block colour against print and texture. Classic is often best, Ventimiglia and Brown know the key is to add small contrasts like a satin lapel or patent shoe. Never double down like the velvet on velvet on young gun Noah Schnapp; it’s best to keep it to one standout piece, and usually a statement blazer is enough.
PRETTY IN PINK
Australia’s own Margot Robbie has topped every best dressed list for this year’s SAG. The Miu Miu number is picture perfect on the svelte actress, who is probably one of the few to pull off the fuller waist packed out with ostrich feathers. This feminine number was not alone; there were a number of knockout ivory and soft pink gowns to hit the red carpet and combined they formed the most successful trend of the night. Special mention to Saoirse Ronan who sadly did not follow up her win at the Golden Globes, but was one of the most fashion forward on the night with her column dress by powerhouse Louis Vuitton.
The younger gen also tried this on with more age appropriate ensembles, but perhaps didn’t quite hit the same high notes. As the new face of Calvin Klein by Appointment Millie Bobby Brown is the hottest young ambassador to have access to, but the mullet dress only did her half justice. That said, Sadie Sink’s Chanel number could have used Millie’s shorter hemline to add a bit of lightness to the number.
FLOWER POWER
Along with Kristen Bell’s pink gown, there were other floral notes to hit the red carpet. Some more successful than others. Brie Larson, was a standout in an embellished piece by Gucci. The talented Maya Rudolph donned one of my favourite designers Zac Posen, but this collaboration fell short. A bit more skin and glamour would have brought this to the level of impact achieved by her fellow actress.
DOUBLE TAKE
Block colour was out in force on the night from striking blue to these gold numbers. The gradated embellishment on Greta’s gown helps tone down the brass and offers a more flattering silhouette. Alexandra’s gown pulled too much focus on the solid mesh panel, a little medieval, in my opinion, that aged the piece a lot. The simplicity of a block colour on a column dress should not be underestimated.
SOUTHERN BELLE
Not usually a term I associate with the rocker spirit Kate Hudson. Perhaps her new locks have unleashed a sense of freedom to try new styles. These could have been really fun but they are weighted with print and texture that fails to meet their youthful beauty.
SHINY DISCO BALL
Sequins were perhaps the most tried trend of the night. For Nicole’s famous statuesque physicality the darker number works to enhance her tone, and the shoulder detail is balanced – unlike Allison’s accentuated caps. Danielle Brooks achieved this look best of all: the colour and silhouette were spot on for her. For Lupita who usually wears vibrant colours and very feminine numbers this look is a step into something more sophisticated, and she is rocking this look in the spirit of Dianna Ross.
BETWEEN THE LINES
These are the drummers I mentioned earlier. The looks are no doubt a strong statement. The bow on Jackie Thon’s tiered dress is stunning, but the strong pink lines are sure to divide opinion. As for Sally Hawkins geometric jumpsuit – BRAVO. This is a woman who is confident in her style and not afraid to take risks, love it or hate it – the inclusion makes for a more interesting show.
I’ve had my say and now it’s your turn to get in on the action – what fashion moment will you take away?