Our favorite Fashion term of the week comes from Columbia University, where one girl questioned Natalie Portman’s outfit… by asking if it was “humanitarian appropriate.”
Really.
The funny critique came on Tuesday, when the actress spoke about her work with leading micro-finance organization FINCA.
We thought Natalie dressed well for the occasion in her autumnal, pumpkin-orange dress and brown sandals — a cute but unpretentious ensemble that didn’t distract the audience from her message. But some of our peers insisted the dress was “super short” and “too trendy” for a political event.
But we think maybe some celebs just think of their charity outfits as another costume.
We’re reminded of the colorful headscarf Global Cool ambassador Sienna Miller donned on a recent trip to India. Paired with a uniform of t-shirt and jeans, Sienna’s look was no-fuss but not at the expense of her bohemian look.
And as long as a star acts respectfully towards their new environment, we don’t think it’s necessary to sacrifice a personal look and wear only conservative neutrals while doing service to others.
After all, what better way to look sincere about the issue than by dressing like yourself?
—NATALIE GUEVARA
posted by Pink Tartan
Oct 26, 2007 4:40PM
Being fashionable while working on a cause tends to give people the impression that the celeb in question isn't serious about the cause or issue.
It gives the appearance that they're only there for a photo op and not doing the real work, rightly or wrongly.
Sometimes, political correctness can apply to fashion.