Tonys 2022: Who brought dramatic style to Broadway’s biggest night?
The 75th Annual Tony Awards were the most diverse in recent history, and the evening’s fashions were equally diverse.
The return of Broadway after a year-and-a-half hiatus held new promise — namely, a much more colorful and inclusive “Great White Way” than in years past. The season launched with seven plays by Black playwrights that also centered on Black casts, many of whom were on the 2022 Tony Awards red carpet Sunday night.
Ariana DeBose shows her excitement hosting the 75th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall Sunday night in New York City. (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Technically, the carpet wasn’t red but silver, in honor of the ceremony’s 75th year. And silver was just one of many colors trending for the night, which was billed as one of the most diverse Tonys in history (if not in actual wins). As it happens, just as much diversity could be found in the finery worn for Broadway’s biggest night — and, as always, Black talent led the way in creative dressing.
For winning playwright Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), it was a sartorial ode to Andre Leon Talley. Best actor in a musical Myles Frost (MJ the Musical) gave a subtle nod to the other Michael Jackson with beaded epaulets on his all-black, asymmetrical suit. Joaquina Kalukango, whose win for best actress in a musical for Paradise Square was one of the most emotional moments of the night, notably thanked her sister for designing her Tonys gown, which gave golden glamour in the front and a shocking waterfall of color in the back.
From jumpsuits evoking Elvis Presley to African-inspired updos and prints, the Tonys silver carpet was much like the theater itself: A place to be expressive, daring and entertaining. See all the dramatic looks for yourself in our gallery below.
Maiysha Kai is theGrio’s lifestyle editor, covering all things Black and beautiful. Her work is informed by two decades’ experience in fashion and entertainment, great books and aesthetics, and the brilliance of Black culture. She is also the editor-author of Body (Words of Change series).
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