Tony Awards 2023 Fashion Review
On Sunday night, Broadway stars and lovers alike joined together to celebrate a year of fantastic work on stage. There’s no doubt the job of a Broadway actor is a tiring and strenuous job they deserve to be celebrated and, for some lucky ones, honored with the coveted Tony Award. Since this is Broadway’s biggest night, we also got a look at some amazing outfits as well. Here, PhotoBook rounds up some of the stand-out looks.
PhotoBook’s Top 5 Best Dressed
Lupita Nyang’o in Misha Japanwala styled by Micaela Erlanger
Lupita Nyang’o showed up to the red carpet in a truly one-of-a-kind piece: a custom silver breastplate molded of her own body by Pakistani artist and fashion designer Misha Japanwala. Japanwala describes the piece as “an insistence on shamelessness, on acceptance, on embracing what it means to be human.” paired with a simple suit and a henna headpiece by Sabeen Marghoob, this look is one that will be remembered for years to come.
Jodie Comer in Thom Browne styled by Elizabeth Saltzman
Jodie Comer took home the Tony for her role in “Prima Facie” in a gorgeous custom gown by Thom Browne. The sleek corset and dropped waist skirt is perfectly tailored and adorned with the most subtle embellishments to give it a little sparkle under the stage lights. For both a first-time nominee and winner, this look was a perfect choice, as it was just as classic as it was head-turning.
Annaleigh Ashford in Oscar de la Renta styled by Brad Goreski
Nominee Annaleigh Ashford wore a stunning navy tulle Oscar de la Renta gown with gold sequin embroidery. While my immediate thought was a starry night sky, the brand explains the inspiration is fireflies and “the romantic enchantment of a warm summer’s eve.” How charming!
Jessica Chastain in Gucci styled by Elizabeth Stewart
For another perfectly summery look, see Jessica Chastain’s gorgeous sunshine yellow draped Gucci gown and cape. The ombre effect of the fabric and the flowing silhouette truly makes Chastain look ethereal. The Gucci High Jewelry necklace that’s placed in a way that almost looks like a halter neckline of the dress was an unexpected but welcome touch of glam.
Rachel Brosnahan in Versace x Dua Lipa styled by Alexandra Mandlekorn
Rachel Brosnahan became one of the first celebrities to take the Versace x Dua Lipa ‘La Vacanza’ collection off the runway. The mixed print of butterflies and polka dots could very easily go too kitschy, but the strappy heels, sleek bun and fun eye makeup bring the look into the perfectly on-trend Y2K aesthetic.
PhotoBook’s Top Brand: Christian Siriano
Christian Siriano had the biggest night by far for any designer. From the black crystal mesh gown on activist and actress Dylan Mulvaney to a bright orange suit for Uzo Aduba that helped her debut her pregnancy. Siriano was also a part of history when Alex Newell became the first nonbinary performer to win a Tony while wearing a golden corseted gown by the designer. What a night of looks!
Photobook’s Top 5 Best Stylists
Jèrôme LaMaar styling J. Harrison Ghee in Jèrôme LaMaar
Jèrôme LaMaar both styled and designed this incredible suit with a dramatic collar and gloves. LaMaar described it as a “fusion of Afro-Futurism, regal glamour, physical abundance and historical elements manifested into a powerful silk faille look that simply glowed on stage!” And glow it did! When Ghee stepped on stage in this incredible ensemble to accept their award and become the second-ever nonbinary person to win a Tony, this look was just as striking as the actor themselves.
Michael Philouze styling Jordan Roth in Ludovic de Saint Sernin
Producer Jordan Roth paid homage to the revival of “Into The Woods”, which he was nominated for, with the Little Red Riding Hood-inspired ensemble. The hooded cape features hundreds of thousands of Swarovski crystals that sparkle at every angle, making this look the most glamorous version of Little Red I’ve ever seen by far.
Anatolli Smith styling Antwayn Hopper in Agbobly
Actor Antwayn Hopper’s full gingham look immediately caught my attention. This is a masterclass in styling print on print (on print on print…). A fully checkered pant, shirt, coat, and glove combo could easily take a turn toward optical illusion territory but unbuttoning the top buttons and playing with the proportions by folding the coat’s sleeves made this a stunning red carpet debut for Agbobly.
Jake Sokoloff styling Julia Lester in Batsheva
Just like Jordan Roth, Julia Lester paid homage to the show that made her a nominee, “Into The Woods” (coincidentally, she plays Little Red Riding Hood). Her whimsical ballgown with a tapestry-inspired corset was designed by her but created by Batsheva. Accessorizing with a choker and sheer gloves Lester truly looked like a fairytale character come to life.
Emily Sanchez styling Lorna Courtney in Markarian
Nominee Lorna Courtney’s Markarian gown was such a sweet choice for the first-time nominee. The demure pastels and bow-turned-train were offset by a looser updo and natural makeup to keep the look fresh while still being formal.
It’s always a treat to get to see these incredible performers and artists show up in their best, most fabulous looks. While some made history, others got to check a career-defining moment off their bucket list, and either way, they looked incredible doing it.
Article + Photos by Skylar Elizabeth, Editorial Assistant, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Isabella Gonzalez, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
*Images: Getty Entertainment
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