Celebrating Roots: Stars Shine on the Red Carpet with Heritage‑Inspired Outfits

A growing trend sees celebrities proudly wearing garments that echo their cultural heritage, turning red carpet events into showcases of diversity. The trend began with Drew Afualo’s Samoan‑inspired look at the Moana 2 premiere, where she paired a traditional crown with a shell necklace and teeth jewelry. In 2025, K‑pop star S. Coups stunned at the Met Gala in a hanbok‑inspired suit, highlighting the Korean jacket’s silhouette and contrasting shades that play with light. Vietnamese actress Kelly Marie Tran made history in 2022 by donning an áo đài at the Oscars, a piece that required six designers to craft its intricate patterns. Indian star Alia Bhatt wore a Sabyasachi sari at the 2024 Met Gala, its hand‑embroidered beads and semi‑precious stones echoing the event’s “Garden of Time” theme. Actors from Hawaii, India, and the Philippines have also joined this movement: Jason Momoa’s feather cape at the Chief of War premiere, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s lehenga at Gold House’s gala, and Darren Criss’s custom barong in Piña Jusi fabric. Each outfit not only reflects personal identity but also pays homage to traditional craftsmanship, from the delicate weaves of Tongan ngatu to the bold prints of Samoan feather cloaks.

The practice extends beyond film premieres; athletes and musicians have worn culturally significant attire to award shows, such as Naomi Osaka’s obi‑style belt at the 2021 Met Gala and Saweetie’s dual‑flag gown that merged Black American and Filipino colors. These choices invite audiences to reconsider the role of heritage in contemporary fashion, encouraging a dialogue about representation and authenticity. Critically, while the celebration of roots is commendable, it also raises questions about cultural appropriation versus appreciation. Some argue that wearing traditional garments on a global stage risks commodifying heritage, especially when designers or sponsors profit without genuine community involvement. Others counter that such visibility empowers marginalized voices and challenges Eurocentric beauty standards, suggesting a nuanced balance between respect and artistic expression. Ultimately, the red carpet has become a platform where identity is both displayed and negotiated, prompting viewers to reflect on how fashion can honor tradition while evolving in a multicultural world.

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