How to slay the blue carpet
How to slay the blue carpet

How to slay the blue carpet

It's that time of the year where stars either go hard or go home as everyone puts their best foot forward for the extravagant event.
June Shimuoshili
What's trending

Fashionista Leah Misika says red carpet trends this year have had a lot to do with what is going on in the world right now. She believes one can expect to see two things; designs from designers that are very much aware of the world feminist movement and want to add to it with very powerful and regal pieces, or designers that are very much aware of the negative vibes of 2018 who will aim to lighten the mood up with a more fairy tale-like attitude that will leave behind an air of a happily ever after and an air we all need.

“So expect a mix of bold, strong colours and with light, fluffy and soft fabrics. The silhouettes of choice are anything but mermaid, but some clients just look really good in that style so those few will hopefully be forgiven,” says Misika.



Who's your designer?

SynEdgy designs founder Simeone Johannes says the world over is embracing the idea of less is more; there will be more minimal, simple and well put together garments at the NAMAs blue carpet this year. In terms of silhouettes, the mermaid cut will definitely be the go-to-style for this year's carpet.

“Fashion should not be limited by age, for as long as something looks appropriate and elegant, go for it. Let's all be blue carpet ready, avoid looking too casual or too street style. Think of Hollywood, look to South African red carpet looks for inspiration. Jeans and t-shirts are not red carpet staples and we shouldn't see it on this year's carpet, or ever. Men should avoid wearing suits with sneakers, it's neither fashion forward nor blue carpet worthy,” said Johannes.

Johannes' only advice is for people not to call designers to make you an outfit as last minute arrangements don't work out well. He says one should always opt for something that will make one stand out on the blue carpet… and it doesn't have to be the comfortable garment, because fashion doesn't necessarily equal comfort.



The right make-up

One very important thing about attending a red carpet event is to look memorable. It is essential to make sure you look good by making sure the make-up is camera-ready. Make-up artist Jay Aeron urges everyone to slay in whatever they are wearing by being bold. Colours like red, purples, and emerald green are colours that look amazing in photographs. He says the trick to get one's make-up to last the whole night is to use an amazing primer that gives your foundation a great finish. To prevent a shiny face, translucent and pressed powders can be used just before hitting the blue carpet for that photo-ready look.

“The beauty of make-up products is that they also have a variety of setting sprays from different brands. If you spritz on some setting spray after your make-up is done, you are guaranteed to have it on for the whole night,” he says.



Lights, camera, click

Red carpet pictures live on the internet forever hence the importance of getting your poses right. Although posing does not come naturally for some people, renowned red carpet expert Rumano says one has to put in extra effort to make sure your pictures comes out good. Owning the red carpet is all about oozing confidence and those that don't have it must fake it till they make it.

“My go-to pose on any carpet is the hand-on-the-hip pose thing. I do that to draw attention to my waist in an attempt to make me look thinner. When doing that you have to lightly place your hand on your hip instead of aggressively clutching onto your flesh. It'll make you look uncomfortable. Always, put one leg in front of the other. That will make you look taller in pictures and gives my body a more hourglass like shape,” said Rumano.

Rumano's quick tip to wardrobe malfunctions is trying to make the incident look less obvious. One can also block the malfunction with a hand bag or clutch or one can simply pose in such a way that the malfunction is not seen.

“Overall the most important thing is that you shouldn't try to copy poses of celebrities that you've seen on social media. Work with your body and what you have,” he concluded.



Stylist tips

Award-winning stylist Reinhard Mahalie says the trick to shopping cheap and still looking great is to invest in pieces that one can wear over a long period and ones that will also blend with the glitz of the blue carpet. Although he doesn't advise last minute shopping; for those who have not yet gotten their outfits can rent garments from designers.

“Your garment needs to be memorable. Keep your look, simple, elegant and well-tailored. Also stick to soft or neutral pallets. Make sure you wear clothes that will make your photographs look stunning,” he says.

June Shimuoshili

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-20

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