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Disclaimer:
I do not proclaim to be an authority on any of the subjects
I write about. I merely share my experiences with
those who wish to learn from it, or just read about it.
Please
contact us should you have additional information or
information that proves otherwise.
I am not the designer of any of the gowns that are published
on this page, nor have I made them, or photographed them,
I, like so many others before and after me only draw
inspiration from the beauty of life.
 We
live in strange times where the media scrutinizes the smallest
mistake a public figure
makes. Although 'complete privacy' would be an escape to those
who often seek the
limelight, there is one place where one cannot hide anything:
The Red Carpet!
I have been blessed to have walked “the red
carpet” multiple times, and have studied the art since my
earliest involvement and interest with theatre, the world of
modelling, fashion, and of course the ultimate: The Oscar Award
ceremony. Few people get it right, and if they do, they are not
praised enough for it.
 Overview
A red carpet is traditionally used to
welcome VIPs such as dignitaries and celebrities at formal
events. More commonly, "the red carpet treatment" and "rolling
out the red carpet", refer to any special efforts made in the
interests of hospitality.
Who walks the red carpet?
Once upon a time, in 485 B.C., way before the
Academy Awards, rolling out the red carpet was reserved for
kings and queens. That is how far back the concept goes
Now, almost any two-bit celebrity up for an award
gets to tread on one.
Many events nowadays have VIP’s and VVIP’s. Although this may
confuse many invitees, in paparazzi terms, “VVIP” (Very VERY
important people) refers to those who have to be photographed on
the red carpet – often walk on the left, closer to cameras and
they walk slower. “VIP” (‘just’ Very important people) refers
to those who gets to walk on the right, further away from
cameras, also gets special seating and other benefits like free
drinks. Nevertheless: they all belong on the red carpet.
The earliest known reference to walking a red
carpet in literature is in the play Agamemnon by
Aeschylus, written in 458 BC. When the title character returns
from Troy, he is greeted by his vengeful wife Clytemnestra who
offers him a red path to walk upon:
"Now my beloved, step down from your chariot, and
let not your foot, my lord, touch the Earth. Servants, let there
be spread before the house he never expected to see, where
Justice leads him in, a crimson path."
Agamemnon, knowing that only Gods walk on such
luxury, responds with trepidation:
"I am a mortal, a
man; I cannot trample upon these tinted splendors without fear
thrown in my path."
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Why red?
In 1821,
President James Monroe was entertained with a red
carpet rolled out to the river. And when the New York Central
Railroad unrolled a red carpet to welcome passengers aboard its
famous 20th Century Limited train, in 1902, the official term
"red-carpet treatment" was born.
This
is believed to be the earliest modern use of the "red carpet
treatment" as part of ceremony.
The SAMA awards
use a Yellow Carpet, And corporate companies would often try and
incorporate their corporate colours like a Blue Carpet, or a
Black Carpet. It simply is not as classy as the RED carpet.
For much of
history, though, purple was considered the most regal colour.
Probably the
most...expensive dye of ancient times was Tyrian purple...
obtained from a small sac in the body of a snail-like marine
mollusk...
Only royalty and the very wealthy...could afford to wear apparel
coloured with this dye…
Until
the Middle Ages, the word "purple" was also used to describe
various shades of red. This may account for purple's majestic
aura crossing over to its crimson cousin. Today, red rules,
though royal proponents of purple still exist.
What does the set-up look like?
There often is a backdrop of sponsor’s names (or
the event’s name) on the one side of the carpet, and all
participating media is found lined up on the other side. A
coutousy vehicle (often sponsored) will drop VVIP’s at the start
of the carpet, where spectators are allowed to see arrivals,
applaud, or gasp at their favourite people.
Although there are many ways of honouring guests
at arrival, there are certain manners expected on the red
carpet, and this should be a part of, or become part of your
business etiquette.
Walk “THE WALK” In Seven Steps:
There is a
science to RCW, (Red Carpet Walking). I will try and make it
easier for those of you who do not intend to do a modelling
course just to look and/or feel good on a red carpet..
Here's my suggestion on procedure and etiquette at a strictly
formal wide red carpet:
1) Do
not wear a name tag
If names are necessary, this would be found in a
foyer/entrance to the event, and put on after THE WALK. Mostly,
RCW’s are VVIP’s and usually recognizable by the public. VIP’s
are escourted through via a separate entrance or carpet.
2) Do
not drink
Welcome drinks are also only
found after THE WALK and at the reception hall only. It may be
sparkling water, but looks like scotch and soda. Your public may
think you are boozing it up. Or worse — you’re having too much
of a good time.
3)
Practice at
home
Red carpet-affairs are usually formal, and often
strictly formal, and therefor gowns may have trains. Become
comfortable with this at home already and do not walk THE WALK
as an experimant. Try and come across as a professional. You
should have a personal assistant who should handle this, but
always be aware of what’s behind you.
4)
Count till 5
The
organizers of an event will space your arrival time, but should
the unforseen happen and you’re early or late, make sure that
you are not on top of someone in front of you, Give the person
ahead of you time to clear out. It will also compress your posse
behind you, if your entourage is to trail. Count to Five.
Expectation mounts. Walk in with your head back and smile.
Photographers have been waiting for you.
5)
Pose for
the papparazi
And of course the cameras. Again: count till
5. 5 seconds is enough, almost to much, but timing is
everything on the red carpet. We’re all professionals, but even
fast shutter times of a camera might blur. Walk slow. Smile.
Again. The cameras never blink. This is often all it is about!
… and the only touchable memory you have left in years to come.
6)
Coats are
no-no’s
Even in the heart of winter! Fur yes, but not
outer winter wear. Try and stay away from additional warmers
like shawls if this is not part of the planned look from your
designer. You are only walking from the car to the entrance
hall to the venue. …and again: this is where a friend, or a PA
comes in extra handy. Arrange with ushers/friends to have it
ready on the other side of the carpet.
7)
Get “snapped”
Now if LeeAnn
Liebenberg, or Nicole Kidman is ahead of you, the cameras will
follow her. Either be their date for the evening, get asked to
stand with them in a group for a photo, but space yourself by
counting to 5, so that your face do not get cut in half by the
media. If you’re unknown to the public, I suggest you get close
behind the celebrity, especially if it’s a woman. It makes it
difficult to "photoshop" you out.
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