As glamorous as the Golden Globes red carpet may be, the real Cinderella stories this year lie within the nominated films and TV shows themselves. The costumes embedded within 2024’s crop of Globes nominees – from pop culture juggernaut “Barbie” to intimate family drama “Succession” – reveal an unexpected emphasis on footwear, sparking viral sensations and tapping into larger fashion movements.
At the forefront lies “Barbie”‘s candy-colored fantasy world. Upon the first peek at Margot Robbie’s impossibly perfect character, the internet became fixated on her plastic fantastic feet, encased in glittering mules. This peek into Barbie’s closet introduced the concept of “Barbiecore” to the masses, an all-pink aesthetic oozing with fun. Yet her choice between practical Birkenstocks and fairy-tale heels also resonates as an important fashion decision for women today. No matter which shoes she slips on, Barbie remains an iconic role model for personal style and self-confidence.
Speaking of confidence, Taylor Swift’s glamazon persona reaches its peak in her “Eras Tour” concert film. Nominated for the ceremony’s Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award, the glittering showcase features several custom pairs of crystal-covered Christian Louboutin thigh-high boots. Coordinating with her array of glitzy mini-dresses designed by Joseph Cassell Falconer, these shoes epitomize Swift’s otherworldly stage presence and eye for spectacle.
Upping the nostalgia factor, best picture nominee “Air” flashes back to 1985 for an intimate look at young Michael Jordan’s rise to greatness alongside the first Air Jordans. The basketball sneakers sparked a craze back then, and their prominence in the film mirrors today’s ongoing dad sneaker trend. Yet the appearances of other retro models like the Nike Blazer and Waffle Racer connect “Air” to fashion’s current obsession with athleticwear-inspired style.
Representing the opposite end of the aesthetic spectrum, HBO’s “Succession” embodies quiet luxury rather than flash. As the dysfunctional Roy family backstabs its way through the final season, their minimalist-chic wardrobes by top designers exude privilege through neutral hues, sleek silhouettes, and labels like Tom Ford and Valentino. The logo-less loafers and understated heels cement these characters as the epitome of old money elegance.
We didn’t expect the Golden Globes to spotlight style, but both costume designers and celebrities used fashion to make artistic statements and set viral moments in motion over this past year. Whether fantasizing in pink or projecting power through minimalism, the shoes walked in by characters and stars will continue influencing pop culture long after awards season ends. The magic of movies and TV lies not only in masterful storytelling, but also in their ability to give fresh perspective – and even spark self-discovery – with every step we take in their shoes.
