The rise of high-street brands on the red carpet ft. Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway made quite a statement as she stepped out for a Bulgari event in Rome. The brand ambassador was seen wearing a stunning diamond necklace featuring a sapphire centre stone, a matching ring, a diamond-studded Serpenti bracelet, and diamond earrings from the brand. While her jewels were enough to make a statement, they weren't the reason her look made news.

One would have expected her to wear a luxury brand like Valentino or Versace for a Bulgari event; however, the actress chose to complement her million-dollar jewels with a white shirt dress from Gap! The look was curated by Zac Posen, the newly appointed creative director of Gap. The unbuttoned white shirt dress revealed a sheer corset underneath and had cap sleeves and a thigh-high slit. Hathaway's look is a testament to the fact that the "gap" between high-street fashion and luxury labels is being filled with red carpet at a time. 

Apart from Gap, brands like H&M and Topshop have been dressing celebrities for red carpets like the Met Gala for a while now. At the 2024 Met Gala, Adwoa Aboah wore a fiery red H&M outfit as she flaunted her baby bump, Da’Vine Joy Randolph wore Gap, and Madelyn Cline wore Tommy Hilfiger. But the question remains, why are neighbourhood brands such as these making their way to the red carpet?

An opportunity to be seen alongside luxury houses 

 

 

The relatabilty factor 

Celebrities wearing neighbourhood brands can create a sense of relatability with the general public. When fans see stars like Anne Hathaway in Gap or Adwoa Aboah in H&M, it sends a message that you don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous. This approachability can enhance a celebrity’s image, making them seem more down-to-earth and connected with their audience.

Creative collaborations 

High-street brands often collaborate with renowned designers to create unique pieces. Zac Posen's role as creative director for Gap is a prime example. These collaborations bring a fresh, high-fashion perspective to the brand's offerings, making them more appealing for red carpet events. These partnerships blend the creative visions of fashion legends with the accessibility of high-street fashion, resulting in standout looks that go viral. 

Redefining luxury 

The merging of high-street and luxury fashion on the red carpet challenges traditional notions of luxury. It suggests that luxury is not just about price tags or brand names, but about the overall aesthetic, creativity, and personal expression. Anne Hathaway's choice of a Gap dress with Bulgari jewels is a perfect example of this new definition of luxury—one that is inclusive, versatile, and modern. 

All images: Bulgari 

Also read: Naked dresses, butts, and butt cracks were at the center of Met Gala 2024 fashion

Also read: 5 amazing Anne Hathaway movies to watch if you liked 'The Idea Of You'