Many Hollywood celebrities on the red carpet are dressed in stunning designer outfits that we ourselves might envy.
Meanwhile, othersarrive dressed in hair and feathers, or in massive gowns resembling jellyfish.
Such outfits usually do not appeal to the average person, nor to clothing chains.
Why are such designs showcased on the red carpet?
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Ida Elise Eide Einarsdóttir is the fashion editor at the women's magazine KK.(Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB)
Not meant for everyday wear
"Fashion is more than just clothing, it's art," says Ida Elise Eide Einarsdóttir.
She is the fashion editor at KK, a Norwegian women's magazine.
Einarsdóttir believes that designers do not necessarily aim to appeal to 'ordinary' people when it comes to the outfits showcased on the red carpet.
"The outfits on the red carpet are usually not meant to hang in your closet," she explains, adding:
"Fashion houses dress celebrities in custom-made outfits or creations taken straight from the runway."
Julia Fox, Ariana Grande, Teddy Swims, Rihanna, and ASAP Rocky from various award ceremonies this year.(Photo: NTB)
Synne Skjulstad is a professor of communication and design at Kristiania University College.
The road from the red carpet at the Oscars to Norway is a long one, says media and fashion researcher Synne Skjulstad.(Photo: Stina Myhre Pedersen / Kristiania University College)
She agrees with Einarsdóttir and emphasises how important award shows are for fashion houses.
"The red carpet is like a major fashion show where all designers participate. It's an important arena for attention," explains Skjulstad.
The crazier, the better
In a world where fashion trends change faster than clothes can be produced, fashion houses must stand out just to be noticed.
Moreover, we are constantly bombarded with impressions, making it harder for them to surprise us.
Einarsdóttir at KK believes this results in more eccentric designs.
"The competition for attention is fierce. That's why it's the more 'crazy' outfits that get talked about," she says.
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Selena Gomez was one of the celebrities inspired by old Hollywood glamour.(Photo: Jae C. Hong / NTB)
Media and fashion researcher Skjulstad explains that we see the same fight for attention on social media.
In an endless stream of posts, she believes it's crucial for fashion and clothing to capture the eye.
Subtle textures and small details do not work in this setting.
"Big and exaggerated elements capture attention," she says.
Fashion houses draw inspiration from street fashion
"But where do trends emerge if not on the red carpet?"
"That has changed a lot in recent years due to social media," says Einarsdóttir.
She explains that in the past, it was often the clothes on the runway that inspired budget clothing chains and eventually trickled down into everyday fashion.
Now, trends often emerge in the opposite direction.
"With social media, people on the street can create trends," explains Einarsdóttir, adding:
"Today, it's often clothing trends from social media that trickle upward to the runway and the red carpet."
Light yellow and Hollywood glamour
Timothée Chalamet wore a light yellow suit at the Oscars.(Photo: Aude Guerrucci / NTB)
Both Einarsdóttir and Skjulstad agree that red carpet outfits do not necessarily become trends or are meant to turn into everyday fashion.
"The younger generation likely looks to TikTok the most for fashion inspiration. Very few trends are created on the red carpet," claims Einarsdóttir.
She also notes that trends change quickly and are almost impossible to predict.
Still, there are occasions when outfits from the red carpet resonate.
"The road from the red carpet at the Oscars to Norway, is long" says Skjulstad.
"But it wouldn't be surprising if a pastel yellow suit appears in stores soon," she adds, referring to actor Timothée Chalamet's outfit at the Oscars.
Einarsdóttir also believes that light yellow could become popular in 2025, along with outfits inspired by old Hollywood glamour.
