Whoopi Goldberg Reflects on Her Bold and Controversial 1993 Oscars Look: ‘It Hurt My Feelings’
In a recent interview, Whoopi Goldberg opened up about one of her boldest and most controversial fashion choices: the vibrant, eye-catching outfit she wore to the 1993 Academy Awards. Designed with both flair and homage, the ensemble featured a striking purple-and-green brocade jumpsuit adorned with sparkling crystals, topped off with a deep eggplant bolero jacket and an open-front skirt lined in a vivid lime green silk. To complete the look, Goldberg paired the outfit with matching heels and large chandelier earrings, creating a colourful statement on the Oscars red carpet. She had drawn her inspiration from Lucille Ball’s unforgettable, daring wardrobe on I Love Lucy, feeling emboldened to channel the same spirit of uniqueness and creativity in her Oscars look. As she explained, “Lucy would always come out in these great ensembles, and I thought, I would like to wear that!”
But the public’s reaction was a harsh wake-up call. In an era when red-carpet fashion choices were subjected to intense scrutiny, her outfit became a target for critics, landing her on many “worst-dressed” lists and leading to widespread media criticism. Goldberg admitted that the experience was painful: “It hurt my feelings, I’m not going to lie.” The overwhelmingly negative response left such a lasting impression that she avoided dressing up for major events for years afterward. Reflecting on how impactful the criticism was, she shared that it made her question her appearance and her choices at the time, wondering, “Do I really look that ridiculous?”
Despite the backlash, Goldberg has always stood by her decision to wear the outfit, recognising that it reflected her individuality and willingness to push boundaries in a way few others would. In retrospect, she firmly stated, “Absolutely, I stand by it,” affirming her unapologetic stance on the look and its lasting significance to her. With time, Goldberg has not only healed from the experience but has also evolved into a celebrated fashion icon known for her distinctive, often whimsical style. Her unique approach to fashion, once controversial, has since made her a beloved figure in the style world, earning her a seat at the front row of New York Fashion Week and even inspiring her to launch her own fashion line, Dubgee, in 2019.
Today, Goldberg’s influence in the fashion world is characterised by her unorthodox taste in accessories and an irreverent sense of style. Her eclectic shoe collection, which includes quirky items like Santa Claus stilettos and Balenciaga Crocs, has particularly captivated her fans. Her favourite pair? Transparent platform heels filled with tiny decapitated Barbie heads, which she playfully wore on The View to celebrate the release of the Barbie movie. Her self-proclaimed “crazy” shoes, acquired years before the “Barbiecore” trend, embody the playful, boundary-defying style that has become her signature.
In embracing her unique fashion journey, Goldberg has transformed what was once a painful memory into a testament to her resilience and creativity. The 1993 Oscars ensemble that initially kept her from the red carpet for years now stands as a reminder of her ability to stay true to herself. From controversial beginnings to iconic style status, Goldberg’s fashion journey is an inspiring celebration of self-expression, defying conventions, and boldly challenging the status quo.
