The red carpet at the 2024 Golden Globes became a stage for sartorial conversation as Bella Ramsey, the acclaimed star of HBO's The Last of Us, arrived in a show-stopping ensemble that instantly divided opinion. The 22-year-old British actor, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, stepped out at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday in a look that blended sharp tailoring with dramatic flair.
A Red Carpet Statement
Ramsey's outfit centred on a impeccably tailored black suit, but it was the audacious accessory that captured global attention. A vast, bold pink satin bow was wrapped around their shoulders, fastened prominently across the chest. The look, sourced from Prada's Fall 2019 archive, was a deliberate creation by their stylist, Fabio Immediato. He revealed to WWD that the goal was to find an "interesting way to present a suit without looking like a typical suit," aiming for a modern and contemporary twist that fit Ramsey's unique aesthetic.
Social Media Erupts with Reaction
The internet's response was immediate and polarised. Many fans celebrated the look as a powerful commentary on gender and fashion norms. One supporter wrote that it represented "femininity and gender roles as a restraint," while others lauded its undeniable vibe and impeccable styling, declaring Ramsey an icon.
However, a more playful segment of observers drew humorous comparisons, likening the actor's silhouette to various objects. The most frequent comparison was to the distinctive pink coffins featured in Netflix's dystopian hit, Squid Game. Others saw a resemblance to a banquet chair or a gift-wrapped present, with comments joking about the ensemble being a "black box with a giant pink bow."
Navigating Gendered Categories
The event held particular significance for Ramsey, who was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series — Drama for their role as Ellie in The Last of Us, though the award ultimately went to Rhea Seehorn. This nomination touched on a topic Ramsey has previously discussed with Louis Theroux: the complexity of gendered award categories in relation to non-binary identities.
They expressed a personal discomfort with the term "actress" but acknowledged the importance of preserving recognition for women in the industry. Ramsey highlighted the ongoing conversation, stating, "I think that it is really important that we have a female category and a male category. But then, where do non-binary or gender non-conforming people fit into that? I don't know." This mirrors their experience at the 2023 Emmys, where their nomination in the actress category also drew discussion.
Ultimately, Bella Ramsey's Golden Globes appearance transcended mere fashion. It served as a catalyst for discussions on self-expression, gender identity in the public eye, and the evolving nature of red carpet statements, proving that a single outfit can generate a multitude of conversations far beyond the bounds of the Beverly Hilton.
