Breaking the myth: Why red on the red carpet is not a faux pas anymore

The Times They Are a-Changin’, and so are fashion rules. Red is not a misfit on the red carpet anymore, and celebrities are taking on the trend fearlessly.

Don’t pair colours that are stark contrasts, don’t double the denim and don’t wear red on the red carpet. What’s common between all of these fashion rules? The fact that they have all been broken, that too, in style. Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities are fearlessly busting fashion myths, with the latest example being actor Priyanka Chopra, who made it to many a best-dressed list in her one-shouldered Jason Wu scarlet gown on the Emmys red carpet — challenging the no red on red carpet norm. Designers say that the colour match is not a faux pas anymore.

Priyanka Chopra made a fashionable mark at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.(REUTERS)

Actors Tatiana Maslany and Dia Mirza pull off the all-red look, on the red carpet, like complete pros. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/AFP; IANS)

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“I think this is an interesting shift, thanks to designers, stylists and celebs who keep fashion on its toes. Red is one of the most versatile colours and it is back on the red carpet,” says designer Nida Mahmood. For designer Nachiket Barve, the trend is making a noise because red carpet regulars are doing it in a smart way. “Experimenting with the right shade of red which does not clash directly with the red carpet colour is vital. From marsala and oxblood to vermilion reds, there’s a lot to choose from. Also, intelligent detailing and choosing the right fabric also goes a long way in making sure the colour doesn’t get lost on the red carpet,” says Barve. While the red-on-red clash is known to be a risky fashion move, designer Anand Bhushan thinks the colour, nevertheless, has had an iconic place on the red carpet. “Valentino gowns in shades of reds have always made a statement on the red carpet. Along with black, white and blue, red continues to have its moment,” he says.