As the 77th annual Tony Awards kicked off on Sunday at New York City’s Lincoln Center, hopes were high for Broadway’s Black nominees. During a night of big wins and equally big onstage moments, there were several show-stopping fashion statements. From a reemergence of logomania to a series of golden girls, Broadway’s biggest stars and beyond showed that like the stage, fashion is made for grand performances.
Who wore the winning ‘fits? Below, theGrio has compiled the best looks and trends sported by Black stars on Broadway’s biggest night.
1. Kara Young was anything but drab in olive
As the first Black actress nominated for a Tony Award in three consecutive years, Kara Young proved the third time is the charm, winning Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role as Lutiebell Gussie Mae Jenkins in “Purlie Victorious.” In addition to delivering a heartwarming speech, she brought down the house in a heart-stopping chiffon gown by Bibhu Mohapatra, in an unconventional but very flattering olive hue.
2. Going for the gold with Taraji, Danai, Cynthia and Ariana
When it comes to making brown skin gleam, gold is the go-to, as proven by several leading ladies at the Tony Awards. Taraji P. Henson (in Oscar de la Renta), Cynthia Erivo (in Louis Vuitton) and Danai Gurira (in Gabriela Hearst) were gilded in varying shades of gold for dazzling results on the red carpet. Meanwhile, returning host Ariana DeBose joined the trend, sporting a glittery golden minidress for the ceremony’s opening number.
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3. Audra McDonald, Alicia Keys and more show off the inspiring elegance of braids and twists
One of the most refreshing trends at this year’s Tonys? The abundance of braided and twisted updos worn with glamorous gowns, showcasing the endless elegance of this cultural artform. Whether piled high, sleekly coiled or sculpted into museum-worthy shapes, the evening’s stars continued to demonstrate that protective styles are red carpet-chic, too.
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4. Men look great in florals, too
Spring is coming to a close but florals are forever in season — for everyone. On the Tonys’ red carpet, no one showed off the trend better than Tony Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell. He disrupted a sea of mostly boring black tuxes with an evening suit embroidered with striking ivory blooms, accessorized with a scarf-style tie woven through one lapel.
5. Lit from within looks
Really want to set a deeper skin tone off right? Step into the light, as several stars — including Alyah Chanelle Scott, Camille A. Brown and Lena Waithe — did on Sunday night. Against hues ranging from ivory to the barest blush, their brown skin glowed, reminding us that when it comes to color, sometimes it’s best to do less.
6. Logomania is back
Harkening back to the golden age of hip-hop, one of the night’s biggest moments also featured a familiar statement. When Alicia Keys hit the stage to celebrate her multi-nominated, semi-autobiographical jukebox musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” she did so in a Gucci puffer and pants set, paying tribute to the innovative, luxury logo-driven work of Harlem couturier Dapper Dan. Keys wasn’t alone; when Jay-Z joined her to perform their hit, “Empire State of Mind,” he did so in a bomber jacket created from Louis Vuitton’s signature logo-emblazoned coated canvas. On the subtler side, Lena Waithe joined the all-over logo trend; her ivory suit featured a Louis Vuitton logo damask print.
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7. Bare shoulders make a big impact
Skin-baring looks are nothing new on the red carpet, but when it comes to face-framing perfection, nothing beats an off-the-shoulder or portrait neckline. This fashion fact was not lost on some of Sunday’s biggest winners on the red carpet, including nominated “Suffs” star Nikki M. James wearing a stunning raspberry hue; winner for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, Maleah Joi Moon (in Marc Bouwer); and “Hell’s Kitchen” producer Alicia Keys (in Gucci).