Laverne Cox on Using Her Emmys Look to Make a Political Statement

At last night’s Emmy Awards, Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox hit the red carpet in a frothy Monsoori gown with tiered tulle—but all eyes were on what she was carrying. The trans actor used her moment in the spotlight to support LGBTQ rights, carrying a custom Edie Parker clutch that raised awareness about an upcoming Supreme Court hearing, which will decide if anti-LGBTQ employment discrimination qualifies as sex discrimination. “This current administration is telling the Supreme Court to make discrimination against LGBTQ people legal,” Cox told Vogue. “Very few people are talking about this crucial case. I hope this will get people talking about the implications for LGBTQ people and beyond.”

The handbag, specially designed by Cox, featured the transgender community’s flag on one side and the LGBTQ rainbow on the other, with lettering that reads, “Oct 8, Title VII, Supreme Court.” October 8 is the date when the Supreme Court will hear a case about whether LGBTQ workers are protected by the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a law that “prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.”

In a photo diary made exclusively for Vogue, Cox documented how she prepared her political fashion statement by partnering with her longtime stylist Christina Joy Pacelli.

The process began with the duo collaborating with Edie Parker on the special clutch. Then, for the red carpet dress, the pair sought “opulence and volume”—which explains why they ultimately chose a look from Monsoori’s Spring 2019 collection. “We held several fittings for her Emmys look starting six weeks prior to the event, and ultimately selected the gown the morning of the red carpet,” said Pacelli. “It came down to two gowns and we decided on the winning look a few hours before she went into glam.”

With her glam team, Cox wanted to channel a certain supermodel. “I am forever inspired by the Atelier Versace Fall/Winter 1999/2000 runway show,” Cox said. “I have been wanting to do my version of the hair from that show for 20 years, particularly Naomi Campbell’s hair.” After she was given a pulled-back hairstyle and smoky purple eye, Cox received the finishing touch: sparkling jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz. The result perfectly captured her style, said Pacelli: “sophisticated, sexy, edgy, rock and roll, and elegant."

Below, see Cox’s photo diary.