The Good, The Bad, & The Banal: Governors Awards 2024

Award show season enables the convergence of creativity and passion, innovation and boldness – a precondition for fashion exploration. Yet, with such a vast array of looks, repetition is inevitable, and at times, predictability creeps in. Why have celebrities opted to blend into a sea of lacklustre outfits, seemingly content with the safety of the ordinary? So, here’s to the exceptional, the underwhelming, and the all-too-familiar.

Fashion has long been described as a byproduct of human existence, something we all have the ability to consume and explore. Yet, when it comes to male celebrities, fashion often seems elusive, leaving them adorned in basic and downright boring attires. Of the 25 male attendees, only a mere 5 stood out as true trailblazers. Perhaps men have found solace in the safety of black and white suits, clinging to the simplicity of tradition. While the Governor’s Awards may favour a more refined, monochrome dress code, does that mean fashion must remain stagnant and devoid of creativity? Absolutely not. This is precisely why fashion rules must be broken – in the name of self-expression and style.

Barry Keoghan opted for a Dolce & Gabbana satin pussy-bow, which perfectly encapsulates the charismatic verve of this Irishman. In the same vein of sleazy open shirts, Paul mescal wore a GUCCI ensemble, paying homage to the Renaissance period. With typographical elements resurfacing in the outfit. One would hope a Gladiator reference would transpire, with the release of his newest movie, but alas no, Mescal also opted for a renaissance revival piece.

Jeremy Strong’s mint green suit was a refreshing beacon of hope amidst a sea of black and grey ensembles. But did Strong truly stand out because of the lack of bold fashion looks across the movie stars? Or did his somewhat lacklustre posture undermine the impact of the look? Meanwhile, Kevin Costner swapped the usual black suit for a bold gold number. It was a fresh, daring departure from his usual sartorial comfort zone. I can’t help but applaud him for taking the risk and embracing something different.

The women dazzled this awards season, showcasing a symphony of timeless pieces, from Margot Robbie’s elegant Celine dress to Zoe Saldana’s striking YSL green. Undeniably chic, both evoked the spirit of the 50s Oscars red carpet. But the true stars were the ones who dared to break from traditional fashion rules. Among them, Elle Fanning, who continues to push boundaries with her playful approach to fashion. This time, she wore a dreamy baby blue Valentino gown, effortlessly feminine.

Rosamund Pike brought a breath of fresh air with her Erdem pre-fall look, a stunning piece adorned with fuschia coloured flowers, adding a touch of whimsy to the evening. My personal favourites of the night were Ayo Edebiri and Fantasia Barrino, who truly took my breath away with their bold décolletage cuts. Adibiri’s minimalist, almost Hunger Games abnegation-inspired look, exuded style. In contrast, Barrino’s old Hollywood glamour aesthetic was pure perfection, with its stark simplicity it was nothing short of captivating.