Quinta Brunson Originally Planned for a Wrinkled Dress at the Emmys 2024 - Vanity Fair

Article by Kase Wickman

The creator and star of Abbott Elementary, Quinta Brunson, found herself as the topic of online conversation when she appeared at the Los Angeles ceremony in a retro-inspired candy-pink, tea-length Dior creation. The focus of online discourse was not only her presence but her dress’s texture. The fold details of the dress were not accidental; they were deliberate, thanks to the material: crushed satin, stated Jessica Paster, Brunson's stylist.

The fashion Instagram page @checkthetag, known for identifying celebrities' outfits, published a full-length photo of Brunson's outfit. E! News reported the completion of this red-carpet look mere hours before the Monday morning event, drawing a lot of criticism.

Such criticism from one commenter read, "Regrettably, this was a big miss. Despite the love for her and her stylist, a crumpled fabric never depicts anything more than a mess on a red carpet." This was enough for Paster to respond.

Paster defended her choice of material on the post replying, "Guys, it's crushed satin… I anticipated this! But it beautifully adds to her silhouette and complements her so well… Moreover, the color showcases her beauty." Another commenter on the same post insinuated that whoever created Brunson's look must dislike her. To which Paster quickly clarified, "I adore her enormously!"

It is noteworthy that Paster also styled The White Lotus nominee Aubrey Plaza for the awards, with Plaza's striking butter-yellow Loewe creation landing on Vanity Fair's best-dressed list.

Brunson's style may have intrigued some; she nonetheless emerged victorious at the Emmys 2024, bagging another accolade. She set a record as the first Black woman in 42 years to bag the outstanding lead actress in a comedy series award, proudly representing her role as the sincere kindergarten teacher Janine Teagues in Abbott Elementary.