Female Empowerment Through Fashion at The 2023 Oscars

As a testament to Women’s History Month, and in light of the 95th Academy Awards this past Sunday, I wanted to explore how celebrities are using fashion choices to make a statement, exemplifying modern day feminism. From bold statements, to subtle nods, the attendees at this year’s Oscars highlighted the power of fashion as a means for expression. Among them was Rihanna, who set a new standard for how women can embrace pregnancy as part of their style, and Malala, who broke boundaries by showing that activism and personal values can go hand in hand with iconic fashion. Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian woman to win Best Actress at the Oscars, also used her win to to highlight the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Throughout the night, Rihanna wore three different outfits, each of which revealed her belly after hinting at her second pregnancy at her performance at the Super Bowl last month.

On the red carpet, celebrities have traditionally opted for flowy dresses when pregnant, but Rihanna broke the mold by fully embracing her pregnancy and making her baby bump the centerpiece of her look. Her outfits also revealed more skin than we usually see in maternity outfits. Through fashion, she is promoting the shift towards a more body positive culture in which women should not feel ashamed of their bodies, and instead feel confident and beautiful no matter what stage of life they are in.

Rihanna exemplifies that women can do it all. Typically motherhood is reduced to only being able to do one thing or having to give the duality of motherhood is reduced to only being able to do one thing or having to give up on something you love, whereas Rihanna represents doing it all. Rihanna shows that being a mom doesn't hold her back professionally or physically. As Vogue says, Rihanna “once again proves that pregnancy and pop star edge can go hand in hand.”

Across her three outfits, Rihanna is clearly telling us something. Rihanna seems to make a point about embracing the beauty and power of motherhood.

Rihanna is known for embracing her belly in stunning looks. Here are some of my favorites:

Rihanna wasn’t the only one defying convention on the red carpet.

Malala, who made a stunning appearance at the event, radiated elegance and glamor in a sparkly modest dress that embraced her culture. The way she seamlessly integrated her headscarf into her dress was a testament to her impeccable style and fashion-forward thinking.

Despite its subtle nature, Malala’s fashion statement broke boundaries and challenged stereotypes, proving that one can be a trailblazer while staying true to their personal beliefs. Oftentimes women feel the need to sacrifice their values or what’s important to them in order to fit the mold of what society deems beautiful. In a world where women often feel pressured to conform to societal standards of beauty, Malala’s fashion choices are a shining example of how to stand out while staying authentic. Despite seeming like a small part of her incredible work for societal change and girls’ empowerment, Malala leaves a lasting impression and serves as an inspiration for girls and women everywhere, paving the way for a more hopeful and inclusive future.

One fan tweeted "no matter how big Malala gets or which high profile event she goes to she will always be a modest queen and I love her so much for that."

"From being shot at by Taliban warlords to turning heads in a classy, elegant, modest ensemble? This is a woman who uses her platform and her voice to do good. She is fearless," another agreed.

Last but not least, Michelle Yeoh made history (and bold statements) as the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress award. In a simple yet elegant gown, Yeoh commanded attention not for her outfit, but for the powerful message she shared in her speech. The 60-year old actress shared, “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime.” Yeoh highlighted the importance of breaking down ageist and sexist barriers in our society. Certain expectations of preserving youthfulness are more frequently placed on women rather than men. Yeoh's words serve as a reminder that women should be celebrated and valued at any age, and that true beauty and success have nothing to do with age or conforming to societal norms or expectations.

Unlike previous years, (such as 2019 and 2020) where activism was front and center and often conveyed through explicit statements on clothing, this year's examples were conveyed through more subtle references. A notable example is Natalie Portman's look from 2020, when she had the names of female directors who weren't nominated for the Oscars embroidered into her cloak.

Some other notable examples of activism on the red carpet:

The subtle approach taken by celebrities like Rihanna, Malala, and Michelle at this year's Oscars may reflect a larger trend in society towards activism becoming more integrated into mainstream culture and fashion. These influential women recognize that a more nuanced approach can be just as effective as a more explicit one. They also demonstrate how activism can be naturally incorporated into one's persona and style.