Red Carpet Fashion: Beauty or Torture?

You know what they say: beauty is pain, and nobody proves that more than the glamorous attendees of Hollywood’s biggest nights. A recent BuzzFeed article highlights some of the wildest—and most uncomfortable—red carpet looks that caused celebrities to suffer for the sake of style. Take Hailey Bieber’s jaw-dropping 2021 Met Gala look, for instance. Her team advised her against moving or even sitting while donning the gown. Picture this: you’re all blinged out with a gown that practically hugs you like a boa constrictor, but the moment you want to sit down to enjoy that chic hors d’oeuvre, you have to weigh the risk of fabric-related bodily harm against your hunger. Heavy sigh.

But Bieber isn’t alone in this fashionable conundrum. From outdated corsetry to skyscraper heels that can go from stylish to sinister in an instant, many celebs have sacrificed comfort at the altar of high fashion. According to a piece in Vogue, it’s not uncommon for stars to wear shoes that, while stunning, can do a real number on their feet. Bella Hadid and her infamous off-the-shoulder dress may look like a million bucks, but it’s just another example of the lengths these icons will go to for that perfect photo op. It’s a modern-day Cinderella story—minus the happily-ever-after ending!

And what about those mind-bogglingly intricate gowns that make even the most seasoned stylists gasp? Have you seen Kim Kardashian’s Skims collection barely-there number that left her strapped for breath? It seems some designers are getting a little too carried away with pushing boundaries. As highlighted in Elle, iconic designer Alexander McQueen once famously said, “There’s no such thing as bad taste.” His creations might just be the ultimate testament to that philosophy, enticing fashionistas to embrace discomfort for the sake of art.

So why do these stars put themselves through such torture? It’s all about that killer Instagram shot, my friends. As we plunge deeper into a world driven by likes and follows, red carpets have morphed into high-stakes fashion battlegrounds that are as much about engaging the audience as they are about celebrating talent. In this industry, wearing something you can actually move in is kind of a novelty, making these wild fashion statements not just moments of art but also an insight into the pressures of celebrity culture.

Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Vogue, Elle, HarpersBazaar