Attending an award show has become a predictable affair in recent years. Celebrities strut down the red carpet, showcasing custom creations from both renowned and emerging designers. Couples sometimes make their debut or walk separately, and, as always, the red carpet is lined with actors in black tuxedos or suits that, while expertly tailored, lack any groundbreaking flair. Though red carpets are typically a spectacle of fashion innovation, menswear often takes a backseat, with many lamenting its repetitiveness. However, it seems that stylists and actors are trying to shake things up. This year, at the Golden Globes, the men’s brooch once again made an appearance as an attempt to spice up the often-staid world of men’s formalwear.
While evening dresses offer endless opportunities for variety, tuxedos are far more limited in their design potential. Designers may play with color and texture, but the overall look remains largely unchanged. Could the answer to an exciting red carpet ensemble for men be hidden in a forgotten accessory — perhaps one once tucked away in a grandmother’s jewelry box?
Recently, the brooch has emerged as the answer to the long-standing question of how to refresh traditional black-tie fashion. While brooches are hardly new, they have certainly been given a modern twist. Adrien Brody, for example, made a bold statement at the Golden Globes with a sculptural brooch that was both large and intricately detailed, pinned to his Thom Browne outfit. The actor not only took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama but also earned the title of best “bro-brooch,” a term coined by New York Times reporter Guy Trebay in 2024. Brody has frequently incorporated brooches into his red carpet looks over the years, making him a consistent champion of the accessory.
At the 2025 Golden Globes, brooches were more than just a revival; they were an integral part of the evening’s fashion. Hollywood’s top actors, directors, and producers sported brooches on their lapels, adding a touch of flair to their formalwear. Other stars, including Sebastian Stan (who opted for a smaller brooch), Colman Domingo, and Dwayne Johnson, embraced the look. Some other men, like Jeremy Strong, attempted to elevate their outfits with bold splashes of color and accessories, such as his bright seafoam Loro Piana suit, paired with a bucket hat.
What makes the rise of the brooch in menswear particularly exciting is its subversion of traditional gendered fashion norms. It recalls Susan Sontag’s insightful observation in her 1964 essay Notes on Camp, where she noted the allure of gendered contradictions: “What is the most beautiful in virile men is something feminine; what is most beautiful in feminine women is something masculine.” Originally created for functional purposes, the brooch has transformed into a statement of adornment, now gaining prominence in the world of fashion. More and more, celebrities are turning to this piece to push the boundaries of menswear, giving it a fresh and bold new identity.
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