'Red Carpet' suit, the phrase used to refer to what the male celebrities are wearing whilst attending some prestigious event. Think the Oscars, The BATFA's, The Golden Globes, film premiers and the Met Gala and you're on the right track. Although you'll find most of the media coverage is focused on what the ladies are wearing. Due to this we feel the men's Red Carpet suits certainly deserve a mention. Although historically male celebrities always wore dinner suits. Don't get me wrong the dinner suit is still the most popular choice now a days but we are starting to see the Red Carpet suit becoming more daring.
Red Carpet History
The Oscars
The first Oscars ceremony was held on 16th May 1929. It took place at The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. It cost $5.00 a ticket and catered for 270 people. The whole award ceremony took less than 15 minutes! The rest of the evening was a dinner and dance.
Golden Globes
The first Golden Globes awards took place on 20th January 1944. They were held at the 20th Century Fox Studios as an informal lunch, the Winners got a scroll rather than the award we associate with The Globes these days.
The BATFAs
The first British Academy of Film and Television Arts took place on 29th May 1949. It was held at The Odeon in London's Leicester Square. The venue remained the same until 2008 when it was moved to The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. In 2017 there was another venue changed and the awards are now held at The Royal Albert Hall. The date of the event was also changed in 2002 from April or May to February. This was done to act as a precursor to the Academy Awards, The Oscars.
Styling a Red Carpet suit
As one of Hollywood's leading men Brad Pitt you would think would own lots of dinner suits. All of his DJ's are designed and made by Brioni, an Italian brand. (Brioni ready to wear tuxedo jackets start from £4000-£6000.) When chosing a more classic fabric Brad always seems to favour a classic peak lapel, although each Red Carpet suit is styled slightly differently. At the 2020 Golden Globes Brad styles it with a low cut single breasted waistcoat. For the 2020 BAFTA's, he is seen wearing a cummerbund and for the 2023 Golden Globes a Marcella black dress stud shirt. He appears he also favours a slightly larger bow tie with his dinner suit. Its amazing how the accessories can change the entire look.
Black dinner suits, classic peak lapel
The classic peak collar dinner suit has a long and storied history in men's formal wear. Its origins in the tailcoat, its formal elegance, and its enduring appeal have solidified its status as the quintessential dinner suit. It continues to be a favoured choice for formal occasions, especially on the red carpet, where it embodies timeless style and sophistication.
If you're looking to recreate this Red Carpet suit look check out our blogs. 2023 Oscars red carpet suits, 2023 BAFTA red carpet suits or Golden Globes mens suits 2023 for more information.
Black dinner suits, shawl collar
The shawl collared dinner suit has its roots in the smoking jacket, with a soft curved collar that distinguishes it from the peak lapel style. While it was historically considered less formal due to its informal origins, it has evolved to become an elegant and popular choice for formal occasions, offering a unique and timeless alternative to the peak lapel dinner suit. Another Red Carpet suit staple.
Black dinner suit, double breasted
The black double-breasted evening suit has a cyclical history of popularity. Notable periods of acclaim in the 1940s and 1950s then becoming the 'power suit' style 1980s. It has had a quiet resurgence with the fashion conscious in the last couple of years. Its unique design and ability to convey a sense of sophistication have made it a standout choice for those who appreciate its timeless yet distinctive appeal, especially on the Red Carpet.
Red Carpet blue tuxedo
The blue dinner suit made its debut in the 1920s, enjoyed popularity in the 1930s, and continued to be a fashionable choice through the 1940s and 1950s. It faded in the 1960s but experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s. Today, it remains a favoured alternative to the classic black dinner suit, especially on the Red Carpet, where it offers a traditional yet distinctive look.
For more information on our blue dinner suit check our our blog.
White tuxedo as a Red Carpet suit
The (off) white dinner suit has a unique history, from its introduction in the 1930s as a holiday alternative to black. It really rose to iconic status when worn by Humphrey Bogart in the 1942 film 'Casablanca'. The white tuxedo has had a resurgence in popularity at weddings. This is due to dinner suit weddings becoming more popular over the last couple of years. With its distinctive appearance, versatility, and ability to coordinate with wedding dresses make it a standout choice for those seeking an elegant and eye-catching formal look. Therefore due to it's stand out ability it has also become a great colour for a Red Carpet suit.
For more information check our our blog white dinner suit.
Red Carpet suits, velvet
Velvet dinner suits, whether in classic black or bold colors, are a fantastic choice for making a statement as a Red Carpet suit. They offer a luxurious and elegant appearance, allow for personal expression through colour choices, and ensure that you stand out with a memorable and sophisticated look at any formal event.
For more information on our velvet suits check out our blog velvet wedding suit. This blog will inform you in more detail about what we have to offer to recreate this look.