Lessons from Emily and John, Buckingham Palace's considerate deflection, impact of speeches on Oscar voting, economics of fashion week attendance, 2024 isn't #OscarsSoWhite, and style makeover recos
Thank you, Lainey, for your discreet and astute assessment of the British royals’ medical announcements. They’re not my favorite people...but they are _people_. I wish more of the discourse I’ve seen on the matter would stick to discussing the work while respecting their privacy.
I think it might confuse the people who think she's only out to criticize them at every turn. Mostly, it's cause they do a LOT to bring it onto themselves. But not here.
@thesquawk @cinesnark I wish we didn’t have to waste a Q&A on anything royal. We could be considering what is up with Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Is she friends with Emerald Fennell? (imagine their conversations?!), Ayo and Quinta’s friendship! Oscar intel. More about the eco-system - fascinating to read about sponsorships and ambassadorships, I could go on.
@MissMellie you probably already know, but just in case, check out Celebitchy blog, they break all the royal stuff down in detail
While I'm happy for the list of winners at the Emmys, I must add that the Emmys (and the Oscars) have a huge Latino problem. Latino art and artists are looked over at an outrageous rate. Latinos accounted for less than 3% of the total number of actors (102) nominated for an Emmy this year although we represent 18% of the overall U.S. population. Progress isn't made unless there is progress for all.
100%. And the cancellation of shows like One Day at a Time, Gentefied, and Gordita Chronicles is depressing. That vastly reduced what little representation there was. Big step back on that front.
Punky Chanel is an oxymoron that shouldn’t exist and I feel bad for all of the brand ambassadors made to wear it. And just because Chanel can’t make Kristen Stewart look bad doesn’t make the look good. Sorry not sorry.
What is happening with Chanel, by the way. They are ruining looks for perfectly gorgeous women, like Penelope and Margot, with one painful red carpet outing after the other. Sometimes the clothes are okay, but there's always something off.
I felt the same last week when Sarah answered my Saltburn question. Your chats and weekly roundups are amazing, I’m a part of a number of paid Substack communities and your chats/interactions are easily the best executed and most engaging! Thank you - it’s a pleasure to be part of this community. Xo
Lainey, I loved your assessment of the PR strategy behind the announcements regarding Kate's and Charles's health issues. Completely agree that this was a strategic decision to help minimize the press window and attempt to distract from all the questions about Kate. One comment I have is that BP's more detailed announcement naturally draws comparisons to how vague KP's announcement was about Kate. Maybe they felt that as King, the public has more of a right to that information. But it seems that the unevenness of these two statements in terms of details just fosters more questions and criticisms about a lack of transparency. And thus keeps the press cycle going.
It's the paradox of celebrity medical reporting. No one is owed the details of anyone else's illness, medical history, etc, but if you don't provide details people will naturally fill it with speculation. I think the lack of detail about Princess Kate, combined with the estimated length of her hospital stay and recovery, suggest something pretty serious going on, which should be enough for people to check themselves, but of course, it won't be.
In cases of health issues and hospitalizations for celebrities how much information is the public owed? Not much in my opinion. Perhaps Charles felt comfortable giving more information and Kate did not. Maybe she didn’t want a lot of details out about her health because it’s personal and could also upset her young kids.
Also Charles is the reigning monarch and Kate will never be monarch. It makes sense to me that he would provide more details (in addition to the other reasons already discussed)
Oh yeah, I don't think the public is owed all the info, particularly as it seems quite serious. Had to have been a tough call by their press teams to make the right call on timing and wording in such a delicate situation.
About the lip reading, Taylor was recorded covering her mouth while talking on a couple of occasions at the game last week. I thought of you right away Lainey.
Re: Olivia Rodrigo’s seeming lack of interest in being a fashion girly... Taylor also strikes me as someone whose interest in and execution on the red carpet has been mixed. She is so into her Easter eggs that I think it’s often at the expense of fashion. She seeps her of-the-moment vibes into every fiber of her being. At this point, she has transcended what fashion could ever possibly do to help her career. I would guess we never ever see Taylor do an endorsement deal because she wants to be purely music driven.
But I don’t get why someone like Olivia Rodrigo wouldn’t seize the opportunity to elevate her career with fashion - a la Zendaya, et al.
So let the music and the work speak louder than the red carpet looks. It’s an interesting approach, and Taylor was (is?) someone Olivia looks up to so it tracks. I kinda like how their street style is more interesting than the red carpet looks. Street style is generally associated with more authenticity - going to a restaurant, hanging with friends - and red carpet more work focussed. So maybe it’s a signal that they try to keep business and pleasure separate?
Style comment, given talk of front row - Riley Keough has just been killing it lately in Chanel, like her pal Kristen. Such a great match, unlike Margot Robbie!
Sarah! I finally ended up watching the first 2 seasons of Party Down after you had talked about the series last year when they announced season 3. I remember how much you liked the original show - curious what you thought of the 3rd season? I'm part way through it, and thought the first episode or two were pretty good but mid way through its hitting a bit of a slump, imo
Thank you for answering question so thoughtfully! For Jennifer vs Carey I think that Jen goes for a more minimalistic aesthetic. Lots of sheaths, not much jewelry or adornment. Carey’s looks this year, while mostly black, have dramatic cuts and shapes. I wondered if the 90s minimalist aesthetic even works today, as expectations are so high on red carpet to outdo previous looks. Like would Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s minimalist formal looks still be praised today?
Oh gosh i just googled CBK and answered my own question. She was minimalist with a dash of spice - the zipper down the front of her long sleeved white gown. Opera gloves with her strapless black dress. That gorgeous coat over an interesting halter neckline. What an icon. Miss her and her style so much!!!!
And BCoop moves even closer to being Barry Manilow here. I can't be mad! He should have done that film instead of Maestro. lol
BARRY MANILOW. I am CRYINGGGGG.
I’ve been wondering who BCoop looks like as he ages. Barry Manilow is perfect!
Thank you, Lainey, for your discreet and astute assessment of the British royals’ medical announcements. They’re not my favorite people...but they are _people_. I wish more of the discourse I’ve seen on the matter would stick to discussing the work while respecting their privacy.
I think it might confuse the people who think she's only out to criticize them at every turn. Mostly, it's cause they do a LOT to bring it onto themselves. But not here.
@thesquawk @cinesnark I wish we didn’t have to waste a Q&A on anything royal. We could be considering what is up with Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Is she friends with Emerald Fennell? (imagine their conversations?!), Ayo and Quinta’s friendship! Oscar intel. More about the eco-system - fascinating to read about sponsorships and ambassadorships, I could go on.
@MissMellie you probably already know, but just in case, check out Celebitchy blog, they break all the royal stuff down in detail
Thanks, @Phyl. I usually limit my Celebitchy reading to the links LG shares. There only so much internet one can consume in a day!!
Same!
So I take it you're supportive of our removing ROYALS from the site header....
While I'm happy for the list of winners at the Emmys, I must add that the Emmys (and the Oscars) have a huge Latino problem. Latino art and artists are looked over at an outrageous rate. Latinos accounted for less than 3% of the total number of actors (102) nominated for an Emmy this year although we represent 18% of the overall U.S. population. Progress isn't made unless there is progress for all.
100%. And the cancellation of shows like One Day at a Time, Gentefied, and Gordita Chronicles is depressing. That vastly reduced what little representation there was. Big step back on that front.
So we will see if America Ferrera’s Critic’s Choice Awards speech was heard by Oscar nominators because we the audience want her to be recognized.
Her speech was amazing! I absolutely loved seeing her owning that moment! She deserves it!
Punky Chanel is an oxymoron that shouldn’t exist and I feel bad for all of the brand ambassadors made to wear it. And just because Chanel can’t make Kristen Stewart look bad doesn’t make the look good. Sorry not sorry.
What is happening with Chanel, by the way. They are ruining looks for perfectly gorgeous women, like Penelope and Margot, with one painful red carpet outing after the other. Sometimes the clothes are okay, but there's always something off.
I feel so special that you answered my question. Thank you!!
I felt the same last week when Sarah answered my Saltburn question. Your chats and weekly roundups are amazing, I’m a part of a number of paid Substack communities and your chats/interactions are easily the best executed and most engaging! Thank you - it’s a pleasure to be part of this community. Xo
Lainey, I loved your assessment of the PR strategy behind the announcements regarding Kate's and Charles's health issues. Completely agree that this was a strategic decision to help minimize the press window and attempt to distract from all the questions about Kate. One comment I have is that BP's more detailed announcement naturally draws comparisons to how vague KP's announcement was about Kate. Maybe they felt that as King, the public has more of a right to that information. But it seems that the unevenness of these two statements in terms of details just fosters more questions and criticisms about a lack of transparency. And thus keeps the press cycle going.
It's the paradox of celebrity medical reporting. No one is owed the details of anyone else's illness, medical history, etc, but if you don't provide details people will naturally fill it with speculation. I think the lack of detail about Princess Kate, combined with the estimated length of her hospital stay and recovery, suggest something pretty serious going on, which should be enough for people to check themselves, but of course, it won't be.
In cases of health issues and hospitalizations for celebrities how much information is the public owed? Not much in my opinion. Perhaps Charles felt comfortable giving more information and Kate did not. Maybe she didn’t want a lot of details out about her health because it’s personal and could also upset her young kids.
Also Charles is the reigning monarch and Kate will never be monarch. It makes sense to me that he would provide more details (in addition to the other reasons already discussed)
Oh yeah, I don't think the public is owed all the info, particularly as it seems quite serious. Had to have been a tough call by their press teams to make the right call on timing and wording in such a delicate situation.
About the lip reading, Taylor was recorded covering her mouth while talking on a couple of occasions at the game last week. I thought of you right away Lainey.
Re: Olivia Rodrigo’s seeming lack of interest in being a fashion girly... Taylor also strikes me as someone whose interest in and execution on the red carpet has been mixed. She is so into her Easter eggs that I think it’s often at the expense of fashion. She seeps her of-the-moment vibes into every fiber of her being. At this point, she has transcended what fashion could ever possibly do to help her career. I would guess we never ever see Taylor do an endorsement deal because she wants to be purely music driven.
But I don’t get why someone like Olivia Rodrigo wouldn’t seize the opportunity to elevate her career with fashion - a la Zendaya, et al.
So let the music and the work speak louder than the red carpet looks. It’s an interesting approach, and Taylor was (is?) someone Olivia looks up to so it tracks. I kinda like how their street style is more interesting than the red carpet looks. Street style is generally associated with more authenticity - going to a restaurant, hanging with friends - and red carpet more work focussed. So maybe it’s a signal that they try to keep business and pleasure separate?
Style comment, given talk of front row - Riley Keough has just been killing it lately in Chanel, like her pal Kristen. Such a great match, unlike Margot Robbie!
Sarah! I finally ended up watching the first 2 seasons of Party Down after you had talked about the series last year when they announced season 3. I remember how much you liked the original show - curious what you thought of the 3rd season? I'm part way through it, and thought the first episode or two were pretty good but mid way through its hitting a bit of a slump, imo
Thank you for answering question so thoughtfully! For Jennifer vs Carey I think that Jen goes for a more minimalistic aesthetic. Lots of sheaths, not much jewelry or adornment. Carey’s looks this year, while mostly black, have dramatic cuts and shapes. I wondered if the 90s minimalist aesthetic even works today, as expectations are so high on red carpet to outdo previous looks. Like would Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s minimalist formal looks still be praised today?
Oh gosh i just googled CBK and answered my own question. She was minimalist with a dash of spice - the zipper down the front of her long sleeved white gown. Opera gloves with her strapless black dress. That gorgeous coat over an interesting halter neckline. What an icon. Miss her and her style so much!!!!
I think they would be!! She’s all over Gen Z’s mood boards, like she’s still such a vibe