As one of the latest awards show dates before an unofficial a summer hiatus, the Tony Awards enjoys a special time of year, when the weather in New York is nearly perfect (save for the recent wildfire smoke event), the Broadway crowd is guaranteed to serve up a dependable dose of drama and glamour but somehow in a less high-stakes way than, say, the Oscars or Grammys. The result is a more carefree evening, where attendees seem less stressed — and it shows in what they wear.
Case in point: Jessica Chastain‘s Gucci gown, in a summery yellow with layers of sweeping, pleated chiffon in an ombré effect, topped with with a Gucci high jewelry necklace sitting right in the crook of the gown’s sweetheart neckline, creating the illusion of a halter-neck silhouette.
Chastain’s sunshine gown wasn’t the only summer-worthy look on the red carpet. “Funny Girl” Lea Michele’s Emilia Wickstead white floor-length gown was dotted with a red floral pattern. Florals for spring or summer may not be groundbreaking, but they are way less common on the red carpet, making the look something of a novelty and a standout of the evening.
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Rachel Brosnahan also channeled summery prints, in a swishy polka dot gown from Versace’s summer collaboration with Dua Lipa. The calling card of the singer? Tiny embroidered butterflies attached to the neckline and bodice of the dress.
![Lea Michele at the 76th Tony Awards held at the United Palace Theatre on June 11, 2023 in New York City.](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SE1_5578-1.jpg?w=650)
![US actress Rachel Brosnahan arrives for the 76th Tony Awards at the United Palace in New York City on June 11, 2023. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1258622267.jpg?w=650)
Lupita Nyong’o wasn’t in summery hues or floral prints, but her red carpet look may resonate with those looking for new ways to show skin. The actress wore a black suit with a silver breastplate by artist Misha Japanwala. The Pakistani artist cast and molded the resin breast plate directly from Nyong’o’s body. Japanwala calls the pieces “beghairat,” which means “shameless” in Urdu, a word that the artist has turned on its head with the breast plate to symbolize liberation.
A fitting idea for the start of summer.
![Lupita Nyong'o at the 76th Tony Awards held at the United Palace Theatre on June 11, 2023 in New York City.](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SE1_4781-2.jpg?w=650)
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 11: Jessica Chastain attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1497768206-1.jpg?w=650)