Celebrity dressing has come under intense scrutiny lately, with critics arguing that in some cases, it goes too far. Hollywood stars, for example, have faced backlash for increasingly provocative red carpet looks.
At this year’s Grammy Awards, singer-songwriter Chappell Roan was called out for her near-nude outfit, with some social media users questioning whether it bordered on public indecency. Last year, Bianca Censori – wife of the rapper and fashion designer formerly known as Kanye West – made headlines in a completely sheer dress that left little to the imagination.
The controversy even prompted the Cannes Film Festival to ban so-called “nude dresses” on its red carpet. In comparison, even Lady Gaga – long known for her avant-garde fashion choices – now seems almost restrained.
Perhaps it is less about a general decline in standards and more about the nature of the event itself.
“At edgier platforms like the Grammys or the MTV VMAs, that kind of daring energy feels on-brand. After all, shock value and spectacle are what you expect at these shows,” says The Star’s senior editor Gordon Kho, who has covered the entertainment industry extensively.
“But interestingly, there’s still a clear line when it comes to more prestigious events like the Academy Awards. The styling tends to pivot back to old Hollywood glamour – more polish, with a certain respect for tradition.”
Kho notes that virality plays a significant role, with celebrities using fashion as a strategic tool to command attention. “It’s even better if the outfit goes viral – because the more online chatter you generate, the more you build your brand,” he adds.
In Malaysia, red carpet dressing remains bold in terms of colour and embellishment, but stars are generally more mindful of local sensitivities.
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Actress Isma Hanum Husein believes Malaysian celebrities are more careful about how they present themselves. “Here, everyone needs to respect the culture. No matter how much celebrities want to go viral, it is never a good thing if you disrespect the culture,” she says.
Designers are careful too in designing for local stars, where they play with silhouettes – instead of showing skin, and more skin.It is how the Behati label often creates oversized red carpet outfits that turn heads, without compromising on modesty.
Isma maintains that fashion is meant to make a statement, and celebrities naturally use it to amplify their presence. “But generally, it is still within reason. Celebrity dressing today pushes boundaries, but you can’t please everyone,” she concludes.
