Celebrities pulled out all the stops on the virtual red carpet [1] at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards [2] on Sunday, but Viola Davis was among the few who used their style to deliver a meaningful message [3]. Viola attended the show in a multicolored, puff-sleeved gown made with African Ankara fabric [4], a wax print textile featuring vibrant batik-inspired patterns, according to Women's Wear Daily. To highlight the work of Black designers [5], who are so often overlooked in the fashion industry, Viola sought out a designer who spoke to her as a Black woman.
"In the age of diversity and inclusivity, we have to rethink glamour and couture on the red carpet," said Elizabeth Stewart, Viola's stylist. The gorgeous off-the-shoulder gown, which featured a dramatic peplum hemline, was created by Los Angeles designer Claude Kameni of Lavie by CK. For the evening, the Ma Rainey's Black Bottom [6] star coordinated the look with a $4,000 Gabo Guzzo leather clutch [7] and matching Pomellato jewelry.
In recent red carpet history, a select few celebrities have shown up in outfits that were designed with more than just the best-dressed list in mind. In 2018, numerous celebrities rocked the "Times Up" pin at the Golden Globes [8] to "fight systemic sexual harassment in Hollywood and in blue-collar workplaces nationwide." After the 2019 Emmy Awards [9], Laverne Cox auctioned off her custom Edie Parker rainbow pride clutch [10] to support the Anti-Violence Project [11] in keeping the LGBTQ+ community safe. And in October 2020, Lizzo covered herself in the word "VOTE" [12] from head to toe at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards [13] to encourage voters to cast their ballots in the 2020 presidential election [14].
With so many stunning and meaningful looks, this is certainly a trend we hope to see replicated in future celebrity fashion moments. Keep reading to see Viola dance out her excitement for the Golden Globes and to take a peek at what the dress looked like before it hit the virtual red carpet ahead.
