The Met Gala was filled with looks Monday evening. Some were amazingly iconic like Lena Waithe and with others … an attempt was made. However, one of the most controversial dresses was worn by the Black Widow herself, Scarlett Johansson, who arrived wearing a Marchesa gown.
Marchesa is the brand of high-end womenswear that was co-owned/co-founded by Harvey Weinstein’s soon to be ex-wife, Georgina Chapman. Marchesa was well-known for designing dresses for A-list celebrities until the Harvey Weinstein controversy broke. Since the allegations came forward Chapman has never stood by or defended her husband’s actions, still, people have always been suspicious about what role she may have played in covering up Weinstein’s sexual crimes.
It became even worse when Felicity Huffman admitted Weinstein threatened her career unless she wore Marchesa on a red carpet, promising to pull funding for one of her projects if she did not comply.
A publicist said that “He was the mastermind behind Marchesa — orchestrating deals and using his influence in terms of the celebrity connections for her on behalf of the brand” and that actress Sienna Miller dealt with a similar situation. Miller ended up having to wear Marchesa because she found out that she was seated with Weinstein and Chapman at the Golden Globes and “he would be very upset if she didn’t wear Marchesa.”
That led to a lot of female celebrities deciding to boycott the brand in solidarity with the Weinstein accusers. Johansson is the first actress to wear Marchesa since.
“I wore Marchesa because their clothes make women feel confident and beautiful, and it is my pleasure to support a brand created by two incredibly talented and important female designers,” Johansson said in a statement to Variety. According to Johansson’s reps, the actress approached Chapman and Craig months ago about dressing her for the Met Gala and the gown was custom-made.
“We are truly honored that Scarlett chose to wear Marchesa for the Met Gala,” a Marchesa spokesperson said. “She is an amazingly talented actor who has incredible style and presence. It was wonderful to work so closely with her in creating this custom look.”
The only statement Chapman has made since the allegations broke was the following: “My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions. I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time.”
Is it too soon for people to show support for Chapman? Maybe so. If Chapman knew nothing about her husband’s actions, it doesn’t change the fact that he weaponized Marchesa in order to help it become profitable and failing to acknowledge that, even just on a business level, will make it suspect anytime someone wears a dress from there. Especially when the people who have been critical of the Hollywood branch of the #MeToo/Time’sUp movement point to this as an example of celebrities wanting to look the part of an activist while still supporting their own agenda.
(via Variety, image: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
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