Watch CBS News

Timothée Chalamet's harness, Cody Fern's heels: Stars shatter gender norms at the Golden Globes

Trans youth talk celebs
Transgender youth on their celebrity inspirations 00:56

Stars brought the glamour to the 76th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night, and the red carpet was filled with high fashion that went against the norm. Several stars chose gender-bending outfits that broke stereotypes and made the best-dressed competition hard to judge.

For transgender and gender non-conforming youth across America, these sorts of fashion statements and the visibility of celebrities shattering conventions in such prominent arenas can make a big difference. The CBSN Originals documentary, "Gender: The Space Between" profiles a handful of non-binary youth and delves into what it means to identify as something beyond he or she. Especially for young people living outside of urban areas, the importance of such moments cannot be overstated.

"Having somebody that's being themselves in the media helps out so much, for children and for adults alike, to feel valid with who they are," then-17-year-old Talia Bellia of Shorewood, Illinois, told CBS News in 2017. "It's just really nice to know that somebody's out there that can help you."

In 2019, when major male celebrities hit the red carpet in sheer blouses, eye makeup and heels, it can be a beacon of light for trans youth throughout America. Similarly, female celebrities opting to wear tuxes instead of dresses — regardless of the their own sexual and gender identities — communicates a subtle message to people everywhere that playing with gender norms is not only for people on the fringes, it is gradually becoming more mainstream.

1. Cody Fern

76th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals
"American Crime Story" actor Cody Fern attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Jan. 6, 2019. Getty

The "Assassination of Giani Versace: American Crime Story" star wore a smokey eye and a semi-sheer blouse. He strayed from the house of Versace, choosing to wear Margiela heels. 

2. Timothée Chalamet

View this post on Instagram

momma !

A post shared by Timothée Chalamet (@tchalamet) on

Timothée Chalamet, who brought his mother as a date, wore a black sequined harness by Louis Vuitton. The hand-made sparkly garment was made custom for the "Beautiful Boy" actor, according to the brand's artistic director, Virgil Abloh. 

3. Lena Waithe

View this post on Instagram

Queen & Queen

A post shared by Lena Waithe (@lenawaithe) on

Lena Waithe, the first black woman to win an Emmy for writing in 2017, attended the Golden Globes as a presenter this year. With her girlfriend, Alana Mayo, by her side, Waithe wore an all-black Prada suit with a black turtleneck and simple gold chain. 

4. Billy Porter

Nominated for best actor in a television series-drama, Billy Porter wore a custom suit and cape by Randi Rahm. The "Pose" actor's embellished ensemble dazzled on the red carpet, with the bright pink lining on the inside of his floor-length cape matching his pink Gucci loafers. 

5. Judy Greer

76th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals
Judy Greer attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.  Getty

Judy Greer, who stars along side Jim Carrey in the Golden Globe-nominated show "Kidding," wore an elegant black tuxedo.

6. Sara Gilbert and Lind Perry

Sara Gilbert,Linda Perry
Sara Gilbert and Linda Perry arrive at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 6, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif.  AP

The couple suited up for the Golden Globes – each wearing a far-from-boring pants suit. Gilbert chose a black velvet suit while Perry wore a gold metallic one. Each donned a t-shirt underneath. 

More Golden Globes red carpet glamour

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.