Gillian Anderson Makes Feminist Statement with Custom Vulva-Covered Gown at Golden Globes
In a bold and empowering fashion statement, Gillian Anderson, the American-British actor known for her role in Netflix’s “Sex Education,” graced the 81st Golden Globe Awards red carpet in a custom gown that carried a powerful message. Designed by Gabriela Hearst, the ivory gown, while seemingly unassuming at first glance, featured an intricate embroidery of vulvas on the bell skirt.
The strapless silk corset gown, adorned with hand-sewn anatomical decorations, showcased a series of vulvas in a white thread against the cream-colored fabric. The choice was a nod to Anderson’s character as a blunt sex-therapist mother on “Sex Education,” showcasing a celebration of female anatomy.
The designer, Gabriela Hearst, shared on Instagram that the gown was crafted in New York City at the in-house studio, with each vulva motif taking approximately three and a half hours to embroider. The delicate yet impactful design aimed to draw attention to female empowerment and the celebration of women’s bodies.
Styled by Martha Ward, Anderson complemented the custom gown with silver strappy heeled sandals and a matching silver semicircular mini pouch, both from Aquazzura. Additional accessories included jewelry from Chopard, creating a cohesive and elegant look for the red carpet.
Taking to Instagram, Anderson expressed her delight in collaborating with Gabriela Hearst on the dress, highlighting the intention behind the design. Explaining her choice, Anderson stated, “Since my Instagram presence has been highlighting yonis (Sanskrit for vagina) since Sex Education landed on Netflix, and with the mantra of my brand G-Spot being to ‘prioritize pleasure,’ I wanted to bring this element into the design.”
The gown’s unique design sparked conversations about empowerment, body positivity, and the intersection of fashion with social and feminist ideologies. Anderson’s choice to use the red carpet as a platform for such a statement was widely praised, reinforcing the idea that fashion can be a powerful means of expression and advocacy.