Kerry Washington’s Curls Were Pure Disco Diva At The Gotham TV Awards
Our take
The resurgence of '70s glamour isn't merely a trend; it's a cultural recalibration, a return to a time when self-expression through dress felt both liberated and undeniably chic. Kerry Washington's recent appearance at the Gotham TV Awards, complete with voluminous, disco-ready curls, perfectly embodies this shift. The image of her accepting the Spotlight Tribute award with that radiant, fluffy hairstyle feels like a visual embodiment of Studio 54's unapologetic joy and artistry. It’s a potent reminder that confidence and playful extravagance can coexist beautifully, a sentiment echoed by recent celebrations of vintage aesthetics like Dua Lipa's recent wedding, which drew inspiration from Bianca Jagger's iconic bridal suit Dua Lipa just got married in a Schiapparelli ensemble. This isn't about replicating the past, but rather extracting its essence—its boldness, its creativity, and its celebration of individuality—and reimagining it for a modern audience. The recent runways also demonstrated this movement, with fall/winter 2026 collections showcasing a renewed appreciation for the era's silhouettes and textures fall/winter 2026 runway shows.
What’s particularly compelling about Washington’s look is its effortless elegance. It's not a painstakingly constructed imitation; it feels like a natural extension of her personal style, a testament to the power of embracing one’s own unique beauty. This aligns with a broader cultural movement away from rigidly defined beauty standards and towards a celebration of diverse expressions of femininity. We see this mirrored in the thoughtful curation of personal style, with editors prioritizing wardrobe staples that speak to individual taste and enduring quality The Wardrobe Staples The Zoe Report Editors Swear By. The focus is shifting from fleeting trends to building a personal aesthetic that reflects inner confidence and a deep understanding of what resonates. Washington's curls aren't just a hairstyle; they're a declaration of self-assuredness and a visual invitation to embrace joy.
The impact of this revival extends beyond individual style choices. It’s influencing the entire fashion landscape, encouraging designers to explore vintage inspiration and consumers to seek out timeless pieces that transcend trends. We're seeing collaborations that blend heritage and innovation, like Reformation’s partnership with Courtney Grow, demonstrating the appeal of thoughtfully sourced and designed pieces Reformation's Collaboration With Courtney Grow Is Already A Hit. The emphasis is on quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style—a departure from the fast-fashion cycles that have dominated the industry for so long. The disco era, in its essence, was about creating a moment, a feeling, a memory, and that spirit of intentionality is deeply appealing in a world saturated with fleeting visuals.
Ultimately, Kerry Washington's disco curls are more than just a stunning hairstyle; they’re a microcosm of a larger cultural shift towards embracing individuality, celebrating joy, and appreciating the enduring power of timeless style. The question now is, how will this ongoing fascination with the '70s continue to evolve, and will it inspire a deeper exploration of other decades and aesthetic movements, ultimately leading to an even more diverse and personalized approach to fashion and self-expression?
It’s a great time to be a fan of ‘70s beauty and style. Dua Lipa just got married in a Schiapparelli ensemble evocative of Bianca Jagger’s wedding suit; the fall/winter 2026 runway shows were replete with sequins and Elvira Hancock-worthy slip dresses; and frosted makeup — a Y2K staple by way of the 1970s — has made its triumphant return. Add to the list: Kerry Washington’s fluffy, Diana Ross-worthy disco curls, which just made a triumphant appearance at the 2026 Gotham TV Awards.
For the event, held on June 1 in New York City, the Imperfect Women star — who was honored with the Spotlight Tribute award — wore shiny loose curls, parted down the center and cascading around her shoulders. Styled by Nai’vasha Grace, the bouncy mane was the perfect modern take on disco-diva hair. The Studio 54 vibes were amplified even further by the makeup, which included rosy lipstick topped with shimmering gold gloss, sparkling gold eyeshadow, draped blush, and plenty of fluttery eyelashes (the handiwork of artist Karoline Karakeosian).
The dance floor-ready glam made for a complementary, but not at all costumey, match for Washington’s gold Oscar de la Renta halter dress, styled by Mariel Haenn. DeBeers jewels — including chunky gemstone rings — and Aquazurra shoes completed the look.
While the event was far from Washington’s first time going for maximum volume (she wore a similar, albeit more brushed-out look about a year and a half ago), the look was a departure from the sleek bobs and long braids she’s favored as of late — and served as further evidence that she’s one of our foremost hair chameleons.
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