The Tony Awards are synonymous with grace, glamour and, of course, a touch of theatrics.
Named after its founder, the actress Antoinette Perry, the annual event celebrates the best of Broadway. It is to theatre what the Oscars are to film, the Grammys are to music and Emmys are to television. In fact recipients of the big four are granted the highly prestigious “EGOT” status, one that so far only 18 people have achieved, including Barbra Streisand, Viola Davis and John Legend.
To celebrate its 76th ceremony, which took place at the United Palace in New York City last night, the A list attendees leaned into the ultra-black tie dress code with dramatic flare. Jessica Chastain, who was nominated for the best performance by an actress in a leading role for “A Doll’s House”, wowed in a striking canary yellow custom Gucci dress with a pleated skirt and a matching cape. To top off the show-stopping look, she accessorised with a Gucci pendant necklace featuring 35.9 carats of emeralds and diamonds.
While Lupita Nyong’o took inspiration from high fashion’s obsession with breast-plates (think: Rihanna’s red Super Bowl Loewe ensemble or Zendaya’s pink Tom Ford moulded bodice) by tapping Pakistani artist and fashion designer Misha Japanwala for a fabulous, surrealist creation. “Honored, humbled, strengthened and energized to don this breastplate created by @mishajapanwala, which she cast and molded of my body”, the actress wrote in an Instagram caption. “In her artistic process, she creates a realistic and true record of a person’s body as an act of resistance and celebration, and an insistence on being allowed to exist freely in our bodies.” She paired the armoured bodice with a black suit, De Beers diamonds and an intricate henna head tattoo by Sonya Belakhlef.
There were also many sleek, understated looks, especially from Stephanie Hsu who chose a black off-shoulder gown with puffy sleeves and a voluminous skirt that was cinched at the waist. As well as Jodie Comer who turned heads in a gorgeous black encrusted Thom Browne gown that shimmered under the flashing cameras of the photographers.
Prints also had a moment, with “The Sign In Sidney Brustein’s Window” lead Rachel Brosnahan donning a polka-dot dress with butterflies cascading around the bust. Taken from Dua Lipa’s newly launched co-designed collection with Versace, the actress, whose aunt was the late designer Kate Spade, completed the ensemble with a high bun and diamond earrings. While “Funny Girl” star Lea Michele sported a floral Emilia Wickstead number that featured a square necklace and a faintly cinched bodice. As did Julianne Hough, who kept it seasonal in a gorgeous summery Carolina Herrera floral dress.
