Fashion, Lifestyle, Opinion

Opinion: Why Asking Female Celebrities “What They’re Wearing” On The Red Carpet Isn’t Sexist

0 1724

By Shawna Healey


Since even before the beginning of the #MeToo movement back in the autumn of 2017, female celebrities have been “hitting back” at questions about what they’re wearing on the red carpet, as they perceive it to be sexist, but is it?

Male celebrities rarely get asked “What are you wearing?” on the red carpet, because more often than not, they’re wearing a standard suit and tie.

However, female celebrities showcase works of art, and works of history on the red carpet. It’s part of their job to promote themselves and what they stand for as well as fashion brands.

In 2017, Emma Stone wore a gorgeous custom blush haute couture Valentino dress, with silver star appliqués. However, when asked about, she simply responded: “It’s just a dress…. with stars on.”

But it’s not just an off-the-rack dress, it’s a custom Valentino. She’s not just “wearing a dress”, but she’s representing a brand. If Emma Stone didn’t want to talk about her dress, why wear something so high profile?

In 2015, the hashtag #AskHerMore was created by the Representation Movement. The campaign aims to:

“Inspire people to call out sexist reporting and suggest ways to re-focus on women’s achievement“.

On another occasion, at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in 2015, Nicole Kidman was asked by Ryan Seacrest what she was wearing. She simply said: “I don’t know what to say.”

Of course, interviewers on the red carpet should ask these women more questions about their work, and not focus solely on their outfits. However, asking what brands celebrities are wearing simply isn’t sexist; it’s a cog in the machine that pumps out the process of designers creating a dress, a celebrity wearing said dress, that celebrity getting asked about it, and then everybody else buying clothes inspired by the dress.

And in case you were wondering, Kidman was wearing Thierry Mugler.

About the author / 

Shawna Healey

I'm Shawna, 21, and Welsh studying Geography at MMU. I have varying interests and opinions but usually its all things feminism.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • BOOT Magazine celebrate Issue 14 launch in style at The Rat & Pigeon

    Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch Hungry, Cutscene and Funeralcare take centre stage for Manchester and Liverpool-based BOOT Magazine’s 14th issue launch, showcasing some of the most exciting emerging music from the North West. Manchester band Funeralcare open the night at The Rat & Pigeon, drenched in deep red lighting in the small yet lively…

  • A good read: Manchester Met students fundraise for ‘book bank’ charity

    By Holly Lindsay and Amelie FalconerFeatured image: Jamie Taylor Remember nestling into your parents as they read you the worlds of Harry Potter, The Faraway Tree and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Unfortunately, not all children get the opportunity to create a lifelong love of reading, as 1 in 8 children in the UK currently…