This year’s Golden Globes dress code looked slightly different to what it has in previous years.
For 2017’s award show, actresses wore black to show solidarity with sexual assault victims, in defiance against the shocking allegations made over the past year, in particular the Harvey Weinstein allegations and in support of the ‘Me Too’ campaign.
Prominent actresses taking part in this demonstration – which is part of the ‘Times Up’ campaign – included Michelle Williams, Jessica Chastain and Angelina Jolie.
According to a statement released ahead of the show:
We believe we are nearing a tipping point in transforming the culture of violence in the countries where we live and work.
It’s a moment to transform both the written and unwritten rules that devalue the lives and experiences of women.
The group also encouraged viewers to join in at home:
However you choose to participate – you can get dressed up in a gown if you want.
We’re accepting PJs and sweats too. Whatever you want.
Infamous actress Meryl Streep stated:
People are aware now of a power imbalance and it’s something that leads to abuse.
It led to abuse in our own industry and led to abuse in domestic work… in the military, in Congress… and we want to fix that.
We feel emboldened to stand together in a thick black line.
However, one actress stood out – wearing a revealing red dress among the sea of black:
Torch actress Blanca Blanco’s dress was as red as the award show’s carpet, complete with a stylish red clutch – you may remember her outfit from last year’s Oscars where she suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction.
Blanca attended the event with her long-term partner, Dark Angel actor, 68-year-old John Savage.
Despite the apparent solidarity, there’s reportedly been some people who disapprove of the all-black demonstration.
Rose McGowan – who’s known for speaking out about sexual assault said:
And not one of those fancy people wearing black, to honor our rapes, would have lifted a finger had it not been so.
I have no time for Hollywood fakery
A source told People:
There’s some backlash to the wear-black mandate. Some feel women should celebrate their newfound power, strong voices and the future by wearing a wide variety of brighter shades.
Instead of distracting from the real issue with a mandate to wear one particular colour.
There will be big important speeches, no doubt, and they will make a much better statement.
As 2017 drew to a close, only with safety in numbers, have individuals felt able to talk about the abuse they’ve suffered, showing just how insipid and poisonous the nature of sexual abuse can be, especially at the hands of powerful people.
In bravely telling their stories, these women have inspired others to come forward on social media, the hashtag ‘Me Too’, was and is a cathartic but horrific display of how widespread sexual abuse is in wider society.
There’s also the deafening silence of those survivors who’ve been unable to come forward, due to their circumstances, which we would be remiss to forget.
Sexual abuse, can and sadly, does occur outside of heteronormative relationships.
It’s a sad fact which shouldn’t be forgotten at a time like this, when more and more people in power are being outed for abusing it.
For support and information, you can call the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Refuge and Women’s Aid on 0808 2000 247.
You can also call the Men’s Advice Line (managed by Respect) on 0808 801 0327.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.