With tragic news in Orlando casting a long shadow over the 70th Annual Tony Awards, it’s only appropriate that Sunday’s red carpet turned out a low-key night for fashion. The show went on — and many of Broadway’s biggest stars relayed the famous cri de coeur through confident clothing choices.
The most conspicuous display of optimism came via color: Yellow, symbolic of hope and happiness, was everywhere. “Eclipsed” writer Danai Gurira struck gold with her custom Rosie Assoulin creation, a simple dress with a sweetheart neckline that plunged into the shape of a lightning bolt.
Yellow also figured into the abstract floral pattern on Lupita Nyongo’s sequin Jason Wu gown, while presenter Lucy Liu went for zest-dressed in lemony Zuhair Murad couture. “The Color Purple” headliner Heather Headley and Jessie Mueller from “Waitress” likewise broke for bright shades. “Forget tomorrow,” the threads seemed to scream. “The sun will come out today.”
Elsewhere on the red carpet, rich jewel tones ruled. Presenter Claire Danes cut a sophisticated figure in a sapphire Narciso Rodriquez slip, while Jane Krakowski — nominated for “She Loves Me”— sparkled like a ruby in form-flattering Michael Kors Collection.
All around, Anna Wintour’s influence was clear. For the second year in a row, the Vogue impresario stepped in to help glamourize the Tonys, after reportedly being repulsed by the number of “mermaid fishtail strapless sequin gowns” present at ceremonies past.
Part one of her solution: Pair aforementioned thespians with great designers. Part two: Invite people who are paid to look good in clothes. Accordingly, models Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn and Karolina Kurkova were all in attendance, stunning as always in Altuzarra, Zac Posen and Coach, respectively.
Conspicuously absent were “naked” dresses, 15-foot trains, hazardous headpieces and corseted “Hamilton” nods. Apparently, Tonys-goers are quite content saving all the drama for the stage.