The Black Carpet

Every year the Golden Globes kicks off red carpet season with everyone waiting to see their favourite celebs fancied up in some spectacular gown that will later be reinterpreted for us regular folks.  This year, in support of the Time's Up movement to protest sexual harassment, the carpet was a sea of black.  Black has always been a choice for many at these award shows, which left me wondering: what if your original pick was to be a black dress?  Are you then truly part of the movement or just part of it by default?  Could there have been a better way to bring attention to this cause instead of just wearing black?   The men finally all looked cohesive and elegant, but since most black tie options are indeed black, were they really part of this protest? Why wasn't a bolder colour such as red chosen to show solidarity?  Red symbolizes energy, strength, power and determination.  It is the colour of fire and courage. It is a colour that says no fear.  What will fast fashion do now?  Will we head into spring hue-less with only LBDs on the racks?  I don't have the answers to these questions, but here is what I do know.

Black is a complicated color.  It is a color that has no color. It is somber and authoritative.  A somber colour for a somber moment.  No doubt, its purpose was to shy away from any spectacle so that the message could be heard.  And yes, black is formal, elegant and timeless, and honestly, looks good on pretty much everyone. Whenever I am in the market for a formal dress, I usually turn to black, as you can't go wrong. Whether you are supporting Time's Up or just looking for something time-less, every woman should have at least one formal black dress in her closet. My latest LBD find was a simple floor length gown by REISS, a UK label favoured by the Dutchess of Cambridge. The dress retails for over $425, but I snagged it for just under $100.  

Dress by REISS

I had been searching for a pair of shoes to go with it and found the perfect set of heels, in of all places, the local antique mall. The shoes were a pleated satin and were brand new.  The golden spikes peek through with an unexpected flash of colour as you walk.  I picked them up for a mere $25, a truly accidental discovery, which goes to show you never know when or where you will find what you are looking for. 

Though black is a wardrobe staple and always a proper choice for any occasion, it shouldn't be our only option.  Being a woman, I support the movement, however, I must say, I missed the beauty and spectacle of previous, traditional red carpets.  My original questions surrounding the Golden Globes blackout remain, but I am looking forward to this weekend's SAG awards and the crème de la crème of all fashion moments - the Oscars.  It will be exciting to see some colour burst onto the scene, bringing life to the red carpet once again, and where my only question will be - "Who made that dress?"