Red Carpet Blues, Do You Feel Lied To?

Did you watch the Oscars last night and if so do you feel sick? The quote above is actually from Psychology Today and references a principle called the Social Comparison Theory. It turns out there is scientific backing for your “sickness”. The theory goes that in watching these award shows one can’t help but think about the glitz and glamour involved and feel a little inferior. It’s also the reason why many get a little thrill from the fashion flops, makes us feel a little better.

Love Billy but proof that women aren’t the only one with hair/makeup/surgical? people

When I’m getting caught up, what makes me feel better (not that I don’t love a fashion blunder) is the effort involved. I asked my friends fab facialist Joanna Czech (clients include Kyra Sedgwick, Kate Winslet) and author and style expert Amy Tara Koch  about the red carpet process. They confirmed that it does in fact take a village, and months of preparation, to preen a celebrity. From their experience you have:

1-2. skin care goddess-esthetician or dermatologist

3. stylist for right dress, shoes and jewels

4. A-list hairdresser

5-6. nutritionist  or chef

7. trainer

8. manicurist

9. makeup artist

9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18. many of them with assistants

19, 20, 21 And of course PR and personal assistant(s) of the star
Twenty one people around while you get ready? 

This must-watch clip was for a print ad not red carpet but sums this process up well.

You watch someone go from plain to perfect via hair (and hair extensions), make-up and of course retouching. The clip takes about 30 seconds to watch and is slightly off-putting. While many of us relate to the person who sits down in the chair, she looks nothing like the person at the end. It’s reminiscent of when Oprah would bravely come on air sans makeup. As I watched the video this I can see how people feel there’s a little deception involved.

But is it lying? If people were food products and they were manipulated to appear completely differently than what I could purchase in the store I would think so. Photoshopping may be more extreme than primping. The American Medical Association adopted a policy on body image and advertising urging advertisers and others to “discourage the altering of photographs in a manner that could promote unrealistic expectations of appropriate body image.”

And it’s not just photoshopping. Remember the Victoria’s Secret model discussing her pre-show food plan. I shouldn’t call it a food plan because it’s comprised of over a week of protein shakes and twice daily workouts. Eventually she’s pulls the shakes to “dry out” before the show. I don’t know how common or uncommon this is. I know she was honest or foolish enough to mention it. She did caution young girls to “not try this at home”; I can guarantee you many did just the opposite.

Watching red-carpet events, fashion shows or reading magazines has different effects on people. Joanna summed it up well saying “I believe some people feel insecure and some inspired”.