Vogue’s ‘The Run-Through’ podcast reviews 2024’s cultural highlights, including the *Wicked* press tour, method dressing, and viral trends like Moo Deng. The year also saw a significant presidential election, marking a year of diverse and impactful cultural moments.
Jenna Ortega is channeling the gothic-romantic aesthetic of Beetlejuice with her press tour looks, proving that method dressing can be stylish and thoughtful. From pinstripe suits to chic corsets, Ortega’s choices are both edgy and fashion-forward.
Zendaya attended the opening night of Tom Holland’s Romeo and Juliet play, turning heads in a Vivienne Westwood dress that paid homage to Shakespearean heroines and London’s fashion heritage. Her stylist, Law Roach, has embraced the concept of “method dressing” for Zendaya, where her attire reflects the characters she portrays. However, her personal style remains eclectic, opting for casual pieces between press appearances and her co-chair role at the upcoming Met Gala.
Gone are the days of basic evening gowns for movie stars. Today, they use their wardrobe as an extension of their characters, mirroring the trend of method acting. This ‘method dressing’ has become a potent marketing tool, with viral outfits boosting film buzz and generating millions in media impact value. However, concerns remain about excessive literalism and the flattening of fashion into mere costumes. The shift towards archival pieces and playful color-coordinated looks suggests a potential evolution beyond ‘method dressing’ towards more imaginative and independent style choices.
Method dressing, once an inventive way for actors to promote their films, has become a stale norm. While it initially offered escapism and fantasy, it now faces criticism for blurring the lines between actors and characters, creating unrealistic expectations for audience engagement, and prioritizing promotion over creativity. The pressure on actors, particularly women, to conform to this practice contradicts the goal of individuality and self-expression.
Sanjeeda Sheikh, known for her captivating performances, has once again grabbed attention with her stunning traditional attire at the Global Excellence Awards. Dressed in a luxurious black silk velvet lehenga adorned with golden borders and intricate zardozi work, Sheikh exuded elegance and grace. The ensemble, created by designer Richa Ahluwalia, was complemented by a matching black georgette dupatta embellished with delicate metal sequins and a dabka zardozi border. Styled by Priyanshi Shah, the outfit showcased the ongoing trend of method dressing, where actors draw inspiration from their on-screen roles for their wardrobe choices.
