How Badass Women At Golden Globes 2024 Redefined Power Of Pink

As the curtain rose on the 81st Golden Globes, American comedian Jo Koy took the spotlight with a punchline that aimed to undermine the groundbreaking film "Barbie" and its director, Greta Gerwig. However, the silence that followed spoke volumes, as the women who adorned themselves in hues of pink proved that their fashion choices needed no words to counter Koy's outdated and offensive humour. The splash of the colour pink in the audience echoed the sentiments of the film, affirming that "Barbie" transcended its identity as a mere "plastic doll with big boobies." Instead, it emerged as a powerful statement on the evolving definition of strength, femininity, and the colour pink.

The list of women who dared to challenge conventions at the Golden Globes 2024 reads like a who's who of Hollywood's elite: Margot Robbie, Hailee Steinfeld, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Camila Morrone, Cassie DiLaura, Kit Hoover, Keltie Knight, and Erika Alexander. Each of them, in their own unique way, showed that pink isn't just a colour but a statement of power.

The Conundrum of Pink

When we think of pink, the image of a delicate young lady in a pretty dress often comes to mind. Unfortunately, society has assigned negative connotations to this colour, associating it with weakness and 'girly-ness.' The stereotypes surrounding femininity have perpetuated harmful notions where qualities like sensitivity and caring are viewed as inferior to traditionally male traits. Pink's struggle extends to the confines of toy stores, where the infamous pink aisle is designated exclusively for girls. This aisle, adorned with dolls and miniature makeup kits, reinforces the societal expectation that pink is solely for females. This subtle yet significant message is ingrained in our culture from a young age, perpetuating stereotypes that limit the potential of both genders. However, paradoxically, pink remains denoted as a colour of weakness, betraying the inherent strength associated with femininity.

The negative associations assigned to the concept of being 'girly' serve as a manifestation of a broader societal mindset that tends to position femininity as inherently inferior to masculinity. Expressions such as "fight like a girl" or "stop crying like a girl" underscore the deeply entrenched stereotypes that persist in our day-to-day conversations. This issue was further highlighted by  Koy's statement at the Globes, where he drew a comparison between Oppenheimer and Barbie.

The problem doesn't lie in the act of comparison itself; rather, it lies in the questionable parameters used in such comparisons. As he articulated, “Oppenheimer is based on a 721-page, Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project...and Barbie is based on a plastic doll with big boobies.” The sexist undertones in his joke echoed the deeply ingrained biases within the entertainment industry.

This kind of comparison not only misses the point but also perpetuates the undermining of women's achievements by using inappropriate benchmarks when pitting them against men's accomplishments.

It is crucial to recognize that the characterization of pink as feminine and weak, along with the tendency to juxtapose the achievements of women and men in a competitive manner, detracts from the celebration of both genders' accomplishments. 

Making a Statement at Golden Globes 2024

However, amidst this controversy, the women at the Golden Globes, through their pink ensembles, showed how Barbie stood tall with the power of pink and symbolized strength, empowerment, and a new definition of badassery.

Margot Robbie's Ode to Barbie

Margot Robbie, the star of the groundbreaking film "Barbie," took centre stage at the Golden Globes in a breathtaking Giorgio Armani Privé gown. The hot pink sequined ensemble paid homage to the 1977 SuperStar Barbie's 50th anniversary. Robbie's custom Giorgio Armani Privé gown, adorned with sequins and a pink tulle boa, was a visual masterpiece that replicated the iconic Barbie doll. The actress, nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor, embodied the essence of SuperStar Barbie, captivating fans and fashion enthusiasts.

Robbie's commitment to celebrating Barbie's legacy extended beyond the Golden Globes, with her and stylist Andrew Mukamal consistently delivering diverse Barbie-inspired looks as part of the film's promotional tour. From a pink and white polka-dot Valentino mini dress reminiscent of a Pink & Fabulous Barbie from 2015 to the Golden Globes masterpiece, Robbie's wardrobe choices exemplify a commitment to challenging stereotypes.

Jennifer Lopez: Glamour, Sophistication, and Pink Power

Global icon Jennifer Lopez effortlessly stole the show in a mesmerizing strapless Barbie pink gown. Featuring a corseted bodice and striking off-the-shoulder sleeves constructed from oversized rosettes, Lopez's ensemble was a perfect marriage of glamour and sophistication. Complementing her gown with a pink crystal-embellished clutch, a diamond hummingbird ring, and pink diamond drop earrings, Lopez not only sought the title of best-dressed but also made a powerful statement through fashion.

Reese Witherspoon: Legally Blonde Pink Power

Reese Witherspoon made a splash at the start of the 2024 awards season, attending the Golden Globes with her son Deacon Phillippe. In a Monique Lhuillier-designed ankle-length look, Witherspoon seamlessly blended powerful black with Legally Blonde pink style. Opting to share the spotlight with her son underscored the significance of inclusivity, deviating from the conventional red carpet norm of walking with a partner or spouse. Through this unconventional choice, she showcased her greatest strength—her bond with her son.

Hailee Steinfeld: Channeling Audrey Hepburn's Wisdom

Hailee Steinfeld channelled her inner Audrey Hepburn, making a strong statement on the carpet with a classic Prada gown and sheer elbow-length opera gloves. By embodying the legacy of Audrey Hepburn, a timeless icon known for her wisdom and famous quote, "I believe in pink," Steinfeld celebrated the strength and positivity associated with the colour.

Cassie DiLaura: A Rising Star in Pink Power

Cassie DiLaura, an up-and-coming talent in the entertainment industry, made a stunning appearance at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. Dressed in an exquisite pink gown, her red carpet look turned heads and garnered attention from both fans and fashion enthusiasts. Cassie's presence at the prestigious event not only solidified her status as a rising star but also symbolized her choice to embrace the powerful pink colour, which was a testament to the emerging influence of women in the industry.

The ensemble of pink-clad women also included Camila Morrone, Kit Hoover, Keltie Knight, and Erika Alexander. Each woman brought her unique style to the carpet, challenging the preconceived notions surrounding the colour pink.

Barbie's Influence Beyond the Red Carpet

The influence of "Barbie" extended beyond the red carpet, with the popularity of "Barbie outfits" becoming the No. 1 trending search in the outfit inspiration category in the U.S. according to Google's 2023 Year in Search recap. Moviegoers embraced the trend, donning their own Barbie ensembles to celebrate the film's release. The cultural impact reached new heights, with the film receiving nine Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture Musical or Comedy.

Robbie and stylist Andrew Mukamal's choice to outfit the actress after vintage Barbie looks for the film’s press tour intensified the Barbie craze. Fashion became a powerful tool for people to channel their excitement for the film and nostalgia for the decades-old toy that's both celebrated and vilified for its representations of womanhood.

This is the most this theatre has ever done for a movie. The hype is real. pic.twitter.com/G5Gx49Lx3Y

— Pramit (@pramitheus) July 21, 2023

The theatres became a sea of pink worldwide, marking a cultural reset. A colour that was once deemed 'uncool,', especially for teenage girls, witnessed a resurgence in popularity. The release of 'Barbie' made pink 'cool' again, challenging the gender politics attached to the colour. People online shared pictures and stories of audiences arriving at movie theatres dressed in pink, addressing each other as 'Hi Barbie!' across the world.

The badass women at the Golden Globe Awards, through their wardrobe choices and style, redefined the colour pink, turning it into a symbol of strength, empowerment, and a new age of badassery. The silent roar of fashion at the Golden Globe Awards 2024, Barbie's box office success, and its cultural impact on a global scale said it all, proving that sometimes the loudest statements are made without uttering a word.

Views expressed are the author's own.