“There is this image of us on the red carpet being very fancy, then there is the reality.” -Sia
Lights, camera and tonnes of poses, these are the expected actions when proceeding to be on the red carpet of any event or award ceremony. From searching the internet like the cabin crew member of Star Trek, The Next Generation (with Captain Jean Luc Picard), to whitening your teeth, to stressing over the shape of your dress, if you are sucking in your belly to your back, what will critics say? Is bad press better than no press? Praying you will not trip on your dress, will you outshine the usual shiners and so much more? Stressfully glamorous, right? Yet like every industry that often must play a key role in ensuring the brilliance of a situation, silent or loud chaos ensues. It is no secret that in the glamorous world of high fashion, every high red carpet occasion plus stress is a rite of passage for anyone on or off the red carpet. More so, in the world we live in today, with a simple click of a button and the “freedom of expression,” careers can be made, or an everlasting trail by fashion fire follows you through the ages (ah, thank you internet). The red carpet now serves as the ultimate battle ground for designers and tailors to showcase their creations, as well as stylists to showcase their creativity in matching dress to theme, to makeup, to hair as well as to jewellery (I swear this should be considered a sport, too), as well as media to showcase who caught what first, what angle and what little titbits others may have missed. However, behind the scenes lies a whirlwind of stress, last-minute bookings, debts, and the harsh reality of keeping up appearances at any cost.
Well, as always, if you are new to reading any article I have written, welcome to that article section that gives you alternative insights and perspectives into daily societal cases and issues, while teaching you how to either appreciate scenarios or possibly prevent them. To the old, having you here is definitely always a plus. So let us dive right into it, shall we? Let us dive into the mad-hatting wonders of award ceremonies and the beautiful ridiculousness of AWARD SEASON: THE PRICE OF BEING RED CARPET WORTHY.
This will definitely be served hot or cold, let your mind decide! Remember, deep breaths and let’s jump, shall we?
The red carpet is kind of a surreal experience. There’s nothing normal about it, so for me the most important thing is to maintain some normality right until the point you get out of the car. – Samantha Barks
It is no secret that designers and tailors as well as make-up artists, jewellers and any fashion creator or worker dedicated to dressing A-list (or Z-list) celebrities for events like the AMVCAs, the MET Gala or Cannes Film Festival endure immense pressure to deliver show-stopping pieces at a moment’s notice. The demand for perfection often leads to sleepless nights, frenzied fittings, coffee or energy drink bingeing and financial strain as they pour their creative energy into crafting hopefully the next iconic red carpet (blue or black or pink, colours set the tone for the occasion) look. For this mind-tingling perspective read, we will be looking into both the positive and negative attributes of the red carpet, how to counteract them and a much needed checklist one must strive to adhere to (for the understanding and benefit of all parties usually involved, especially those behind the scene).
So let us start with the scary part, shall we?
The Looming Darkness
Apart from not breathing for the sake of beauty, not sleeping for the sake of creating an iconic piece or personality, one of the darkest secrets of the red carpet world is the immense toll it takes on those who strive to maintain a picture-perfect image. Many individuals in the industry more often than not face the challenge of seemingly appearing well-fed and healthy while secretly battling hunger and exhaustion behind the scenes (the price of the red carpet should not be high enough to cause you damage). The pressure to fit unrealistic beauty standards can lead to dangerous habits and create ridiculous harmful stereotypes that glamorise extreme thinness (more body positivity than shaming).
In the case of the image makers behind the scenes a.k.a. the glam squad there are certain factors that the public is often unaware of. This deadly form of darkness often looms and breaks many, causing them to forcefully shift from the career path they once loved such as:
1. Debt. Celebrities owing on services rendered, thereby causing a mental and financial strain on the image makers as well as tarnishing the bond between them and suppliers (especially if items were sourced based on credit).
2. Deteriorating mental and physical health: With the need to impress, many plunge themselves into very unhealthy habits that become hard to break from – from binge drinking, poor sleeping habits, poor or non-existent eating habits, explosive fits of rage, fainting spells and extreme exhaustion (the list is endless).
3. Little or no recognition: This one often can be more mentally painful. So many image makers literally go through fire, bargain with the devil, dance with demons and lose a part of themselves just to ensure celebrities look like the bag of money they either are or claim to be, just to receive no recognition at all. Image makers depend on those “shout-outs” to gain more patronage to further build their business. Not being given any recognition can reduce one’s self and brand esteem in ways only personal experience can explain.
Sparkle, Glam and Benefits
I’m always on a red carpet . . . the other day I thought, this ain’t bad. You can meet people on it. – Al Pacino
There is so much more to just looking stunning on the red carpet; is that what you possibly came for? Yes! But can you definitely gain a lot more? Of course. So here are three top positive attributes I believe red carpet goers should embrace.
1. Media Mix. For years the media has always played a love-and-hate relationship with the red carpet and its participants. Granted, a lot of the paparazzi and journalists unfortunately have been known to be cruel to celebrities, especially during award season, yet there are many that are interactive, fun, funny and kind. Those are the ones to mix with. Always look out for them, feel free to approach them yourself, give the needed information you are comfortable with the public knowing, and simply radiate like the star you are. By playing it up favourably, you score yourself free press and PR (public relations) for the rest of your career, be it short or long. The benefit of this is also for your war-fighting behind the scene team. They get to bask in the afterglow of making you look and feel your best. If you have time with the journalists, make sure you give them a shout-out or mention the designer, at least. Hey, talk to the paps (paparazzis) to ensure they get your glam squad’s names and businesses correctly. Everyone should get credit because, after all, you’re stunning, even more so that everyone wants to take your picture because of your army.
2. Mingle and pay compliments especially on the outfits, not just the face or body. For some this may be a 50/50 arena of to-do or not-to-do, but I humbly suggest you do (even if it looks or feels scary). Introduce yourself, tell a bit of what you may have done or are doing, pay honest compliments, ask about who they are wearing, talk about who you are wearing (makeup, hair, dress, jewellery etc) offer the stashed candy or snacks (definitely an ice breaker because people are always hungry at red carpet events), take selfies and ask questions about ordinary life. Not only do you create a light hearted atmosphere for yourself and everyone around you, but you also slowly build your own community of event(s) going like minds as well as open potential doors for recommendations on projects (not just for yourself but your glam squad as well). Remember, less is more but it can also be powerful and life changing.
3 Celebrate and be celebrated: Everyone deserves recognition for how far they have come in their careers, including you. What is more precious and inspiring than hearing stories similar to yours (bells, whistles and all), being applauded for pushing, going against the grain and standing tall when life should have broken you or them. This will inspire and motivate you to do more and be more. Also, after all the hell your tailor and designer went through to create the masterpiece hugging your body, you get to show it off. That is an even better bonus for your team. Do not forget to mention them on stage when you get there.
Red Carpet Checklist
The world was like a huge red carpet out ahead of me to be walked on. And it stretched on and on, no end. — Elia Kazan
So while everyone scrambles to look their very best while stepping on necks and being brighter than God’s own stars in the sky, here are a few things (in my humble opinion) you should do. Now remember, everyone does have a right to their opinion but without throwing shade at the non- doers, these are realistic points.
1. Search the internet for realistic styles
Tailors will humble you, especially in Nigeria. Forget the fact you either do not want to pay the original price by visiting ‘what-I-ordered versus what-I-got tailors’, you must remember that not all dress types or designs fit every form or figure. Fabric sourcing can be on different levels, so whatever design you may be picking, it had better be realistic enough to avoid you going online and crying because you suddenly look like a poster child for Shrek’s list of what not to wear!
2. Pay your tailors or designers/glam team
Remember what we said earlier about everything; how lives can change simply by the click of a button? Yes! You really do not want to be dragged by your weave or braids online by someone who was humble enough to work with you, who also probably gave you a discount as well. The internet is such an unforgiving place; you seriously do not want to look like a million bucks on the red carpet just to be dragged for a hundred thousand online. Personally, I believe you must always cut your coat according to your available material and honest budget. Think of your reputation (well unfortunately some people seem not to care these days, forgetting others may have to face the consequences of their bad behaviour later on)
3. Keep the prices (or exaggerated prices) off the internet. This is a clear statement.
4. Recognition: Whether you pay for a dress or it is given freely, always remember to mention the designer or tailor when you are asked: what are you wearing? Growth is not a single train; the hands that built the train and the railways as well as the stations must be acknowledged. It takes nothing from you but gives the audience a more holistic view into your personality.
5. Lastly, do not forget to breathe: I fully understand getting those perfect shots but it would be ruined if you pass out simply because you refused to let the poor stomach breathe.
Conclusion
Everyone wants to go to the party and the red carpet, but my life is 90 percent the work. – Bret Michaels
Amidst the glitz and glamour, it is essential to emphasise the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in an industry that thrives on appearances. True style and confidence come from within, not from conforming to external expectations or following the crowd. By celebrating your individuality and embracing your hardworking image makers’ efforts as well as values over material wealth, we can cultivate a culture of empowerment and inclusivity that transcends the fleeting trends of the red carpet. So yes! Till next time, bye.
