The 5 Most Jaw-Dropping Moments Of Gender-Fluid Fashion At The Golden Globes: Jonathan Van Ness's 2025 Gown Explained

The red carpet has long been a stage for fashion, but in the current landscape of Hollywood glamour, it has become a powerful platform for self-expression, identity, and the radical dismantling of traditional gender norms. The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, held in January 2025, provided the most recent and arguably most stunning example of this sartorial revolution when *Queer Eye* star Jonathan Van Ness arrived in an extravagant, show-stopping gown, instantly dominating the conversation and setting a new standard for men's awards show fashion. This bold appearance by Van Ness is not just a fashion statement; it is a cultural landmark that continues a growing trend of celebrities using high-profile events to challenge the binary dress code. This article dives deep into the details of JVN’s unforgettable 2025 look, explores the history of men in dresses on the red carpet, and celebrates the rise of gender-fluid style as a powerful force in modern celebrity culture.

Jonathan Van Ness: A Brief Biography and Red Carpet Revolutionary

Jonathan Van Ness, often referred to by the initials JVN, has become a global icon of self-love, authenticity, and non-binary visibility. Their career trajectory from a hairstylist to a multi-hyphenate star has made them one of the most recognizable and influential figures in modern media.

• Full Name: Jonathan McDonald Van Ness
• Date of Birth: March 28, 1987
• Place of Birth: Quincy, Illinois, USA
• Career Highlights: Emmy-nominated television personality; Grooming expert on Netflix's *Queer Eye*; Host of the podcast *Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness*; Two-time *New York Times* best-selling author (for *Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love* and *Love That Story: Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life*); Stand-up Comedian; Professional Hairstylist.
• Identity: Non-binary (uses he/she/they pronouns, though often referred to as they/them in media, but has stated they don't mind any of the three) and openly gay.
• Notable Activism: Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and body positivity.

JVN has consistently used their platform, including every major red carpet appearance, to champion the cause of fluid and non-conforming style. Their fashion is an extension of their public identity, proving that clothing has no gender and that true elegance comes from confidence and self-acceptance.

The 2025 Golden Globes Look: An Emerald Masterpiece

The moment Jonathan Van Ness stepped onto the red carpet for the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2025, the fashion press erupted. The look was a powerful blend of classic Hollywood glamour and contemporary gender-fluid rebellion. JVN wore an extravagant, off-the-shoulder gown in a deep, lustrous emerald green satin. The dress, a stunning creation by designer Christian Siriano, featured a voluminous skirt and a structured bodice that exuded pure haute couture elegance. The choice of Christian Siriano was intentional, as the designer is known for his dedication to inclusive and diverse fashion, often dressing stars of all sizes, ages, and genders. The styling was impeccable, elevating the look from a simple dress to a cohesive fashion moment. The dark green satin beautifully contrasted with JVN’s signature long, flowing hair, which was styled in a sleek, pulled-back look to showcase the off-the-shoulder neckline. Accessories were kept minimal and sophisticated, allowing the dramatic silhouette and rich color of the gown to take center stage. The whole ensemble was a celebration of maximalist fashion, proving that formal wear for men can be as dramatic, feminine, and beautiful as any traditional women’s gown. The look immediately turned heads and generated a massive buzz on social media. While the majority of the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, praising JVN's courage and style, the appearance also sparked renewed conversations about the boundaries of menswear and who gets to wear what on the red carpet. For many, it was a necessary and joyous disruption of the outdated tuxedo-only rule for male celebrities.

Beyond the Tuxedo: A History of Gender-Defying Red Carpet Moments

Jonathan Van Ness stands on the shoulders of other trailblazers who have used the red carpet to push the boundaries of menswear. The shift from rigid, traditional attire to expressive, gender-fluid fashion is a cultural phenomenon that has been building momentum for years. This movement, which embraces everything from skirts and kilts to full gowns, is a direct challenge to outdated notions of masculinity and style.

1. Billy Porter's Iconic Ballgown Moments

No discussion of men in dresses on the red carpet is complete without mentioning Billy Porter. Porter has consistently delivered show-stopping, gender-bending looks that have become legendary. At the 2019 Academy Awards, he wore a custom velvet Christian Siriano tuxedo-ballgown hybrid that broke the internet. He continued this legacy at the 2023 Golden Globes, where he wore a vibrant magenta velvet tuxedo jacket with a matching, voluminous skirt, proving that a dress or skirt is a valid, powerful, and utterly glamorous option for formal menswear. Porter’s looks are often cited as the catalyst for the current wave of gender-fluid red carpet style.

2. Timothée Chalamet's Harness and Skirt Era

While not a full dress, Timothée Chalamet has been a key figure in introducing more avant-garde and softer silhouettes into mainstream menswear. At the 2019 Golden Globes, he wore a sequined, black Louis Vuitton harness over a simple black shirt, a look that was widely debated but ultimately celebrated for its boldness and deviation from the standard suit. More recently, Chalamet has experimented with skirts, particularly in a high-profile Venice Film Festival appearance, signaling that even the most conventional leading men are ready to embrace non-traditional garments.

3. Oscar Isaac's Pleated Skirt

Oscar Isaac, known for his roles in *Dune* and *Moon Knight*, has also embraced the trend. He famously wore a pleated skirt suit to a premiere, a look that was both masculine and soft, blending traditional tailoring with a traditionally feminine garment. His choice, along with others like Brad Pitt (who has worn skirts in the past), normalizes the idea of men wearing skirts and dresses as a stylish, comfortable, and powerful alternative to trousers.

The Cultural Significance of Gender-Fluid Style

The appearance of a "man in a dress" at an event like the Golden Globes is more than just fashion; it’s a cultural statement with deep sociological resonance.

Challenging the Binary

These outfits directly challenge the rigid gender binary that has long dictated fashion. By choosing a gown, JVN and others are asserting that clothing is simply fabric and design, devoid of inherent gender. This is a powerful message of inclusion for the non-binary, genderqueer, and trans communities, offering visible representation on the world’s biggest stage.

Topical Authority and LSI Keywords

The movement is often discussed using LSI keywords such as gender-fluid fashion, non-binary style, red carpet risk-takers, and avant-garde menswear. This shift is not a fleeting trend but a foundational change in how society views and defines masculine and feminine expression. Designers like Christian Siriano and Thom Browne are at the forefront, creating collections that deliberately blur the lines between traditional menswear and womenswear, making these bold red carpet choices possible.

The Future of Formal Wear

The impact of JVN's 2025 Golden Globes gown will be felt for years. It further cements the idea that the red carpet is a place for personal expression, not just adherence to a dress code. As more celebrities embrace this freedom, the standard tuxedo will continue to cede ground to a richer, more diverse, and more authentic spectrum of formal wear, where a stunning gown is just as valid an option for a man as a bespoke suit. The revolution is being televised, and it is gorgeously dressed.