Among the award winners and Hollywood legends mingling at last night’s Vanity Fair Oscar party, a special guest took center stage. Anita Hill, the groundbreaking activist, academic, and author made her Academy Awards debut. In a year when #MeToo, the fight for gender equality, and increased awareness about sexual harassment have changed the cultural conversation, Hill’s presence couldn’t have been more relevant. She arrived alongside Kerry Washington, who famously portrayed her in the HBO movie Confirmation and Barbra Streisand, adding gravitas to an event typically known for its glamour.
In a demure gown from Susie Cave’s label The Vampire’s Wife, Hill added to the night’s fashion quotient with a little help from stylist Karla Welch; the pair were introduced via former Glamour Editor-in-Chief Cindi Leive. “Cindi and I follow each other, so we obviously know what we both stand for—talk about the power of IG,” shared Welch who has never shied from political commentary on social media. “She felt like I’d be a good fit.”
Though they tried several pieces before settling on the final outfit, a long-sleeved black dress with lace embellished sleeves, Welch, who also styled fellow attendees including Amandla Stenberg and Sarah Paulson, went with her gut when it came time to decide. “We had [some] amazing looks. Man, Anita Hill looks great in everything!”she said. Understated with elegant detailing, the dress meshed with Hill’s personal style and capped off an evening Welch will never forget. “Honestly it was my honor,” she said. “Pinch me!”
