The Reign of Rich Jewel Tones
If there was one dominant story on the red carpet at Lincoln Center, it was the triumphant return of jewel tones. These saturated, luxurious colors have a unique ability to complement a wide array of skin tones by providing rich contrast and depth. Leading
the charge was Angelina Jolie, supporting her daughter and producer-in-training Vivienne on behalf of their nominated musical, “The Outsiders.” Jolie stunned in a custom teal velvet Atelier Versace gown. The color was deep, dramatic, and possessed an old-Hollywood elegance that felt perfectly suited to the occasion. Similarly, Sarah Paulson, nominated for her role in “Appropriate,” wore a custom Prada creation that paired a black sequin skirt with an elegant cream bow top, accented with emerald details. The flash of deep green added a layer of complexity and sophistication, proving that even a small amount of a jewel tone can elevate an entire look.
Seeing Red in the Best Way
Red is a power color, a Broadway showstopper translated into fabric form. It’s bold, it’s confident, and it never fails to make a statement. This year, stars leaned into its theatrical energy. Alicia Keys, whose musical “Hell’s Kitchen” was a major contender, embodied this spirit in a fiery red, custom Gucci gown completely covered in sparkling beads. The vibrant scarlet hue was impossible to ignore and radiated pure star power. But the beauty of red lies in its range. Elsewhere on the carpet, we saw deeper, more wine-inspired shades. Kara Young, a nominee for “Purlie Victorious,” opted for a dramatic Bibhu Mohapatra gown with a voluminous, sculpted crimson skirt. These varied takes on red demonstrated its versatility, proving it’s less about one specific shade and more about finding the undertone—blue-reds for cool tones, orange-reds for warm—that makes you feel unstoppable.
Gilded Glamour and Molten Metallics
What’s an awards show without a bit of sparkle? This year, however, the metallics felt less like a sprinkling of sequins and more like a full commitment to gilded glamour. These shades are inherently celebratory and have a unique way of catching the light, essentially creating their own perfect lighting wherever they go. Tony winner Shoshana Bean shimmered in a liquid-gold gown that looked as if it had been poured onto her, a perfect embodiment of the night’s celebratory mood. Nicole Scherzinger, fresh off her Olivier Award-winning performance in London's “Sunset Boulevard,” brought that star quality to New York in a shimmering, form-fitting dress that played with silver and rose gold tones. These looks weren't just shiny; they were architectural and textural, proving that metallics can be as sophisticated as any classic color. They work by reflecting light back onto the face, creating a natural, radiant glow.
The Enduring Elegance of Black and White
While vibrant colors dominated, the timeless appeal of black and white was still a powerful force on the carpet. It’s the ultimate palate cleanser and a testament to the fact that perfect tailoring and a strong silhouette can be just as impactful as a bold hue. Many of the men, including Best Actor winner Jeremy Strong (“An Enemy of the People”), opted for classic, impeccably tailored tuxedos that let their presence do the talking. On the gown front, Best Actress winner Maleah Joi Moon of “Hell’s Kitchen” accepted her award in a stunning black velvet dress that was all about modern, understated elegance. The beauty of monochrome is its blank-canvas quality; it allows the wearer’s personality, confidence, and joy to be the main event. In a night filled with color, the stars who chose black and white made a quiet, powerful statement about the enduring nature of classic style.
