An Emmy telecast unlike any other — virtual for the first time in the show’s 72-year history due to the COVID-19 pandemic — produced a fashion parade unlike any other. While some nominees and presenters opted for full glam with awards show-approved couture, others had an answer for whether or not there would be pajamas? Yes, yes there was.
The place to be — aside from Emmy headquarters at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles — seemed to be the Toronto gathering for cast and crew of Schitt’s Creek, which made Emmy history for winning the most trophies for a comedy series’ final season. The party came complete with a rose backdrop (a nod to the Rose family, no doubt) and a fearless leader (in a skirt!): co-creator Emmy winning Daniel Levy in a gray jacket and skirt by Thom Browne. Eugene Levy wore a Dior Men navy wool double-breasted suit, black cotton dress shirt, navy silk tie and black leather derbies.
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🎵 and this will be our year 🎵 pic.twitter.com/rRBxaTJEBW
— Schitt's Creek (@SchittsCreek) September 20, 2020
First-time nominee Zendaya, representing for her HBO hit Euphoria, looked ready-to-go for an in-person ceremony in a custom Giorgio Armani Privé black matte weave skirt with powder-pink polka dots, paired with a black velvet bandeau top fully embroidered in pearls and crystals and accentuated by Bulgari jewelry.
Black-ish nominee Tracee Ellis Ross took to social media to share her joy with getting dressed up, posing in what looked like a backyard with a red carpet remnant and a huge smile. “Can’t say I miss the frenetic energy of the red carpet or wearing heels but boy do I miss a pretty good dress!” Styled by Karla Welch, she found one courtesy of Alexandre Vautheir paired with Jimmy Choo heels and vintage Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Hands Necklace in 18k gold and platinum. But Ross was not stuck at home: She pulled a surprise cameo on the telecast showing up inside Staples Center to present an Emmy for outstanding writing for a comedy series (to Dan Levy).
Insecure nominee Yvonne Orji went full glam — wearing an Azzi & Osta red liquid sequin one-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit and crepe ruffled detailing, Christian Louboutin shoes, David Yurman jewelry — and also found a way to weave in some messaging with her look from the designer’s Fall/Winter 2020 ready-to-wear collection. Orji, a first-time nominee, also collaborated with Mickey West-Potts (aka Mickey Da Barber) for a Black Lives Matter fist logo.
Speaking of statement fashion, host Jimmy Kimmel also took to social media to show off an off-camera look before what he called the “Pandemmys.” Standing alongside wife Molly McNearney, the duo showed off face masks emblazoned with one word: “Vote.”
Ready for the #Emmys! #VOTE @MollyMcNearney pic.twitter.com/byBxVYnU4L
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) September 20, 2020
Jeremy Pope — nominated for lead actor in a limited series for his work on Hollywood — posted his Emmys look on social media, showing off a Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin shoes and an Omega watch look.
Emmys 2020 wassup pic.twitter.com/DFmy0pcadv
— Jeremy Pope (@jrmypope) September 20, 2020
Oscar-winner Regina King, nominated for her work in Watchmen, picked Schiaparelli Haute Couture SS20, designed by Daniel Roseberry. Also, during the telecast, she wore a pink Schiaparelli pantsuit with a “Say Her Name” T-shirt honoring Breonna Taylor while accepting her Emmy for outstanding actress in a limited series for the HBO hit.
King was not the only one who paid tribute to Breonna Taylor. Mrs. America star Uzo Aduba was wearing a black t-shirt with Taylor’s name emblazoned on it, paired with gold pants as she accepted an Emmy for her work on the FX limited series.
Breonna Taylor represented tonight on 2 newly-crowned Emmy winners — Regina King, Uzo Aduba — on tonight's telecast more than six months after she was murdered by police who have still not been charged. #Emmys pic.twitter.com/RHyQU1YW7h
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) September 21, 2020
The Good Place star Jameela Jamil did what many stars threatened to do ahead of the telecast — she wore pajamas. The actress and activist wore luxury loungewear by Markarian and JJwinks.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt nominee Tituss Burgess went with a bright red custom Varsity Mesh bomber short set by Lee Rickie Collection with shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti.
Emmy winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan was among those who picked pajamas but hers were custom by Christy Rilling pajamas.
The Morning Show nominated star Mark Duplass mixed two of tonight’s trends — formal wear and bedtime threads — by pairing a tuxedo jacket with a plaid pajama top. His accessory? Humor: “Tonight’s look brought to u by old ass tux jacket from CYRUS awards season and Target’s limited Clark Griswold Christmas Jammies collection,” he posted on Instagram.
Little Fires Everywhere nominee Kerry Washington carried the glamour in a Dolce & Gabbanna dress, Christian Louboutin shoes and emerald earrings and a ring, both by luxe jeweler Chopard. “Haven’t dressed up in a while so had to make the most of it,” she posted on Instagram. She also made the most of her time on screen by partnering with fellow Fires producer Reese Witherspoon on a backyard party that they turned into a New Year’s Eve bash they jokingly hoped would rush the arrival of 2021.
