My Oscars Red Carpet Obsession Is Questlove’s Golden Crocs

As the 2021 Oscars’ musical director, Questlove didn’t need to wear a showstopping look to the red carpet. In fact, most of his look was quite simple: an all-black button-down, a pair of loose trousers, and Crocs. Yes, Crocs. But these weren’t your standard rubber clog. The humble shoes were elevated by a Midas touch, becoming an instant statement. And who can argue with a pop of 24 karat contrast?

Questlove’s choice of golden footwear fits into a small but hopefully growing trend of oddball red carpet accessories. Just this past Grammy’s ceremony, Bad Bunny arrived with a fresh sunflower to go with his Burberry look, while back in 2017, Jaden Smith brought his own freshly cut-off dreads to the Met Gala. The idea of bringing or wearing something that doesn’t classically abide by traditional red carpet rules is refreshing. It adds a bit of levity to the event that’s normally provided by outré fashion statements like Bjork’s swan dress and Céline Dion’s backwards tuxedo. These funky additions don’t deviate too far from a typical formal look, but lend an outfit a more genuine feel. Questlove’s golden Crocs aren’t supposed to evoke a gasp, but rather a smile. And that is just what they did.