Hollywood designers are mourning the loss of the virtual red carpet, with the news that the Oscars will be a small live event without the Zoom element.
A letter from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences posted on the film industry’s website Deadline said: “Our plan is to host an intimate and personal event at Union Station in Los Angeles, with additional elements from the live show at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. ”
“You are wondering about the dress code (and you should also),” added the letter, signed by the producers of the ceremony, including director Steven Soderbergh. “Our goal is a fusion of inspiration and aspiration, which, in fact, means that formal is totally cool if you want to go there, but casual isn’t.”
Virtual red carpets, which happen mainly on Instagram, are liberating for designers. “It gave us a lot of control as designers, as we were able to manipulate the lighting, angles and backgrounds to our liking,” said Wayman Bannerman of the Wayman + Micah duo who wore Regina King for the Emmys and Critics’ Choice awards.
“I really liked the way some celebrities and their stylists turned this platform into complete fashion photo shoots,” said Heather Cocks, a fashion commentator.
“There is definitely a bright side to fashion on a virtual rug, as it really goes from bare feet in pajamas to haute couture,” agreed Elizabeth Stewart, who wore Viola Davis and Amanda Seyfried to the Golden Globe.
“The virtual dressing made us think more outside the box and have more fun, whether through colors or silhouettes,” added Bannerman.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the entertainment industry has struggled with dress codes for virtual award ceremonies. At the Grammy, many embraced red carpet looks again, with the exception of John Legend, who celebrated the victory of his best R&B album wearing a Versace robe.
“I don’t know why Oscar decided to treat everyone like children,” said Cocks. “Besides, come on: you are really Won’t you let Viola Davis or Carey Mulligan come in if they show up in jeans? Of course, Jan. Honestly, all that is done is to make me wish all the guests to show up en masse in flannel sweaters and Ugg slippers, just to lose it.
Stewart is seeing the bright side. “Not only should the dress code honor the occasion of this prestigious award, but the red carpet can also be a show of support for the fashion industry, which has really suffered over the past year.” The ceremony, which will have a Covid security team with PCR testing capabilities at hand, will take place on April 26.