While Hollywood may be in its off-season, Broadway’s brightest stars brought high fashion to the 78th Annual Tony Awards, held at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on Sunday. Despite the rain, celebrities dazzled in a palette of silver, cream, ivory, and champagne, with bold gowns and theatrical suiting setting the tone for the night.
The event came during a record-breaking year for Broadway, with the 2024-25 season becoming the highest-grossing ($1.89 billion) and best-attended (14.7 million theatergoers) in history, according to the Broadway League. The growing crossover between theater, TV, and film was evident, with stars like George Clooney and Succession’s Sarah Snook among the nominees.
As the red carpet solidified its place as a major fashion moment, here are 13 of the most memorable looks from the evening.
Cynthia Erivo
Fresh from her Wicked method-dressing era, Cynthia Erivo shone in a champagne Schiaparelli gown from the Spring 2025 couture collection. The dress featured an intricately embroidered bodice that appeared to float off her shoulders. Erivo kept one nod to her witchy roots—long, floral-adorned nails by Shea Osei. Later, she hosted the ceremony in an embroidered kimono by Ashi Studio and performed in a ruby-red GapStudio gown.
Danielle Brooks
The Orange Is the New Black star, co-hosting the event, stunned in a mocha Stephane Rolland haute couture dress with an embellished neckline and dramatic circular sleeves. Her sculptural braided updo, crafted by Tish Celestine, completed the elegant look.
Sarah Paulson
Co-presenter Sarah Paulson turned heads in a Schiaparelli two-toned gown—a black velvet bodice with a high neckline seamlessly transitioning into a sequin-embroidered satin skirt. Creative director Daniel Roseberry described the collection as “baroque and extravagant.” Paulson accessorized with Buccellati earrings and a sleek bun.
Cole Escola
Oh, Mary! star Cole Escola paid tribute to Broadway legend Bernadette Peters in a powder-blue Wiederhoeft gown, complete with a lace-up corset and glass-bead detailing. The halterneck design, framing Escola’s chest hair, offered a playful twist on Peters’ 1999 Tony Awards look.
Daniel Dae Kim
Making history as the first Asian American nominated for Best Actor in a Play, Daniel Dae Kim honored his Korean heritage in a modernized hanbok by Meehee Hanbok, paired with Christian Louboutin boots. Speaking to the Associated Press, he emphasized the importance of redefining American identity: “No matter what we look like or how we dress, we can all still be loyal and proud Americans.”
Julia Knitel
First-time nominee Julia Knitel, recognized for her triple role in Dead Outlaw, chose a strapless gold gown for her Tony Awards debut, radiating Old Hollywood glamour.
From couture statements to cultural tributes, the 2025 Tony Awards red carpet proved that Broadway’s influence on fashion is stronger than ever.
Related topics：
