Costume drama: Here’s how celebs are power-dressing now
Power Dressing as Narrative Art: Celebrities Redefine Style in 2024
Costume drama – In March, English singer-songwriter Lily Allen made headlines with a standout appearance during the tour for her album *West End Girl*. She wore a custom gown by designer Anna Fleischle, its flowing green fabric adorned with texts and handwritten notes from her ex-husband, David Harbour, who had sent them to other women while married to her. The design also featured receipts from Chanel, Nobu, and NYC’s The Plaza Hotel, subtly referencing Harbour’s financial investments in their relationship. Allen’s choice felt personal and poignant, especially given the album’s themes of infidelity.
A New Era of Fashion Storytelling
Throughout the spring, Allen emerged as a viral symbol of how power dressing has transformed in the entertainment industry. The once-simple “Who Are You Wearing?” query now demands more than a red carpet entrance—it seeks depth, purpose, and a narrative. Celebrities are no longer just wearing clothes; they’re curating visual messages that reflect their personal journeys, social causes, or artistic identities.
“Storytelling is now essential to convey thoughtfulness and respect,” says stylist Akshay Tyagi, who has worked with Cannes Film Festival and International Emmys attendees. “The look is a conversation, not just a costume.”
Some attribute this shift to fatigue with traditional fashion awards and their curated aesthetics. The illusion of effortless elegance, like skin-toned mesh beneath a bare dress or a corset hidden within a classic cut, has lost its mystique. Instead, celebrities seek authenticity, using their outfits as platforms for deeper meaning. This trend also aligns with a broader movement where luxury brands struggle to stay relevant, and stars prefer to feel like storytellers rather than mere fashion accessories.
Symbolism in the Spotlight
At the 2021 premiere of *The Matrix Resurrections*, Carrie-Anne Moss’s Oscar de la Renta black dress caught attention for its green sequins, mirroring the iconic digital rain from the franchise. Subtly powerful, the detail became a viral moment. Margot Robbie’s 2023 Barbie promo tour saw her embody the character through pink, frilly ensembles, while Zendaya’s 2024 *Challengers* press appearances included tennis-inspired elements, such as heels with embedded tennis balls.
Ariana Grande’s 2024 and 2025 campaigns for *Wicked* featured flowing pink tulle, echoing her role as Glinda. Yet her final look at the end of the tour carried an extra layer: a gown from Hubert de Givenchy’s Fall 1995 couture collection. The choice was deliberate, blending her character’s aesthetic with a nod to the designer’s legacy—a double farewell embedded in one garment.
India’s Fashion Activism
Across the globe, Indian celebrities have embraced this trend. In *Mr And Mrs Mahi* (2024), Janhvi Kapoor’s promo outfits fused cricket motifs with her sari, incorporating the sport’s imagery and her jersey-style player number in red sequins. This reflects a growing trend where fashion is not just about appearance but about aligning with a character’s identity or a story’s essence.
Rina Singh, founder of the luxury artisanal brand Eka, has long partnered with activists like Arundhati Roy. Her designs for the author featured soft silhouettes and a blend of muted and vibrant colors, creating a visual dialogue between art and activism. In 2024, Cate Blanchett’s Cannes Film Festival look also became a statement: her Jean Paul Gaultier black-and-white gown revealed bright green lining when the back hem was raised, symbolizing the Palestinian flag alongside the red carpet’s hue.
At the 2021 Met Gala, American politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used her white gown by Brother Vellies to protest capitalist excess. The bold red “TAX THE RICH” message across the back underscored her socialist values, proving that activism and style can merge seamlessly. This era of fashion is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating content that resonates, engages, and endures.