Fashion took a backseat to caution at this year’s Golden Globes.
Black dominated the red carpet in a way not seen since the 2018 #MeToo solidarity moment, but this time the message felt different—less political statement, more protective shield.
While Hollywood’s elite gathered under a stifling tent complete with a dramatic new staircase, the evening’s sartorial choices reflected something deeper: an industry treading carefully through uncertain times.
From rare moments of daring to a constellation of pre-awards parties and an extraordinary auction of Hollywood history, the week revealed fashion’s complex relationship with the current moment.
Black Becomes the New Uniform
The sea of black gowns and tuxedos wasn’t accidental. Stars gravitated toward safe choices during what many observers described as “scary times.”
Longtime West Coast Vogue editor Lisa Love, now working as an event consultant, upgraded the red carpet experience with architectural flourishes. But the un-air-conditioned tent created less-than-ideal conditions for attendees sweating through their conservative choices.
Chanel’s Timeless Return
Selena Gomez and Ayo Edebiri embodied Old Hollywood glamour in classic black Chanel gowns paired with vintage bob hairstyles. The looks marked creative director Matthieu Blazy’s first major awards show impression since taking the helm.
The approach felt safe but on-brand—Coco Chanel herself famously created the little black dress as a timeless uniform. Blazy’s debut delivered elegance without risks.
Rare Moments of Daring
Teyana Taylor’s Schiaparelli creation offered a jolt of excitement. Her crystal-embellished, bow-tied gown featured a party-in-the-back design complete with a crystal G-string detail that separated her from the safe crowd.
Mikey Cyrus chose sultry Gucci black, while Emily Blunt opted for white crepe Louis Vuitton with a dramatic one-shouldered cape. Charli XCX mixed both in Saint Laurent satin crepe adorned with feathers.
Icy Elegance and Delicate Details
Several stars ventured into pale territory with stunning results. Elle Fanning wore custom silver-and-lavender Gucci featuring intricate flower-petal and fringe embroidery across the entire gown.
Kate Hudson dazzled in Giorgio Armani Privé, her pale gray dress shimmering with crystal-and-silk fringe in a bias-cut silhouette that captured light with every movement.
Designer Scorecards
Dior dressed eight guests, though not all looks reflected new creative director Jonathan Anderson’s distinctive vision. Jessie Buckley proved an exception in her light blue silk dress with modern side-swept panels and matching dyeable-style shoes.
Prada dominated with 12 attendees, including Zoey Deutch in a standout white silk georgette plissé gown. The black beaded peplum added Art Deco edge to ethereal fabric.
Vivienne Westwood made waves with a high-profile placement on Ariana Grande, reflecting the brand’s surging momentum with Gen Z shoppers. Lines regularly snake outside the West Hollywood boutique.
Menswear: Penguins Replace Peacocks
Gone were the ruffles, capes, and pussy bows that once defined adventurous male red carpet fashion. Classic black double-breasted tuxedos dominated, differentiated only by subtle silhouette variations and statement accessories.
Colman Domingo wore Boucheron diamond climbing ivy pins on an uncharacteristically conservative Valentino tuxedo. Patrick Schwarzenegger’s nipped-waist Dolce & Gabbana featured a cluster of brooches on the lapel.
Jacob Elordi paired Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses with Bottega Veneta tailoring for understated cool.
Timothée’s Independent Streak
Timothée Chalamet—original peacock who wore that memorable Haider Ackermann halter top in Venice back in 2022—took a different approach. He turned to Los Angeles luxury brand Chrome Hearts for an understated all-black suit worn with Timberland boots.
The combination mixed workwear with street style in a signature move. Industry insiders wonder if he’s preparing his own brand or Chrome Hearts collaboration rather than signing another mega luxury contract.
Pre-Awards Party Circuit
The Chateau Marmont buzzed with activity as brands hosted intimate celebrations. Tiffany & Co. gathered in Bungalow 1 on Friday to honor Amanda Seyfried and her nomination for “The Testament of Ann Lee.”
Seyfried’s husband Thomas, her mother, and her children joined stylist Elizabeth Stewart for the family affair. The actress wore a simple strapless black Khaite dress that let her Tiffany HardWear chunky gold chain necklace take center stage.
It’s old Marc Jacobs. Old Marc Jacobs is the best Marc Jacobs!
Seyfried’s enthusiasm captured the evening’s relaxed energy when discussing director Mona Fastvold’s vintage dress choice.
Quinta Brunson, also in Khaite, wore a graduated Tiffany HardWear necklace combining gold and diamonds.
I think everyone’s in black to show off the jewelry.
Gabriela Hearst’s Eclectic Gathering
Designer Gabriela Hearst assembled Demi Moore, Beck, Marisa Tomei, and Maria Sharapova at her Beverly Wilshire boutique Thursday night. Mezcal margaritas flowed before guests moved upstairs to the “Pretty Woman” Suite for dinner.
The occasion celebrated a limited edition book of prints by photographer Nikolai von Bismarck documenting the San Francisco Ballet’s “Carmen.” Hearst designed costumes for the female-first retelling where Carmen emerges as a survivor and boss rather than tragic figure.
Her parties consistently deliver unexpected mixes of artists, activists, and fashion insiders—always interesting, always ending with dancing.
Hollywood History Goes to Auction
Sotheby’s upcoming “From Doris With Love” auction offers hundreds of personal belongings from late tastemaker Doris Brynner. Once married to actor Yul Brynner, she later became Dior’s longtime head of home furnishings.
Her daughter Victoria Brynner, founder of L.A.-based Stardust Brands, curated the sale after spending months sorting collections stored across a Paris apartment and Swiss house.
The story to tell was one of her style and her taste and craftsmanship.
Victoria explained her mother’s strategy of acquiring pieces that held meaning, reflected artistry, and testified to specific eras.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Bow Brooch
A bow brooch once owned by Elizabeth Taylor represents one of several items with prominent Hollywood connections. When Taylor visited the Brynners in Switzerland, she asked Doris to bid on jewelry pieces at a Geneva sale.
Years later during an L.A. lunch, Doris admired the bow brooch while viewing Taylor’s collection. Taylor ultimately left the piece to her friend in her estate.
Another featured lot includes a brooch worn by Audrey Hepburn at an early 1960s public appearance. Victoria described it as emblematic of restrained glamour—minimalist looks anchored by single statement accessories.
Additional keepsakes include items linked to Frank Sinatra and a framed photo signed by Taylor and Richard Burton.
Couture and Craftsmanship
Doris Brynner’s wardrobe forms another major auction section with couture pieces from Balenciaga, Valentino, and multiple Dior eras. Victoria immediately recognized signature Balenciaga garments while cataloging, noting her mother’s particularly deep connection to the house.
One black lace Balenciaga cocktail dress shows evidence of customization. A researcher noted that the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a similar but longer version.
She would have had no qualms about requesting a shorter hem.
Victoria noted her mother’s confidence in tailoring pieces to personal preferences.
Other lots include a gold woven Jean Schlumberger evening bag, Cartier London handbags with interchangeable gold chains, and black Gucci suitcases ordered during a 1960s Rome trip.
Sotheby’s will exhibit the collection in Paris January 23-26, with the live sale on January 27 and online bidding running January 19-27.