Blake Lively made headlines after telling off a reporter who asked her about fashion at the Variety Power of Women event on Thursday.
But did the question really warrant such a strong reaction from the actress?
The Ask Her More campaign was started by The Representation Project in 2014, to encourage interviewers to ask female celebrities about real issues, instead of just wanting to know who made their dress.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTJ7J3uF3Wh/?taken-by=brandonmaxwell&hl=en
And while it is certainly true that we shouldn’t only be talking to stars about what they’re wearing, it isn’t automatically sexist to ask someone who is known for their fashion about their outfit.
Celebrities are routinely given clothing to wear on red carpets, in exchange for them drumming up some publicity for the designer, and Brandon Maxwell shared snapshots of Blake in his emerald green jumpsuit on Thursday while praising her for her charity work.
Yes, it is sexist to only want to know about a woman’s outfit. But if you’re a star who is known for liking fashion, there’s nothing wrong with asking a question about style and following it up with something else.
Blake Lively popping off after someone asked her about fashion at #PowerOfWomen – "Are we really doing this? Would you ask a man that?" pic.twitter.com/iPftkPfoeF
— Maeve McDermott (@maeve_mcdermott) April 21, 2017
What’s more, many reporters on red carpets are covering events specifically for fashion publications, and hoping for a particular quote about style or beauty.
Blake has widely been considered a style icon ever since she starred as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl – a TV show that was as much about fashion as it was about drama.
The actress has become the muse of Michael Kors, attends the Met Gala almost every year, and walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival last year in designer gowns through her deal with L’Oreal.
However it seems that an event called Power of Women was the wrong place to ask Blake about anything so frivolous, particularly as she was being honoured for her work with the Child Rescue Coalition.
Reese Witherspoon explained the Ask Her More campaign perfectly – and in a way everyone can agree with – ahead of the Oscars in 2015.
Summing up the movement, the actress revealed that she loves talking about fashion – and would be thrilled to be asked more in-depth questions along with what she’s wearing.
“It’s meant to inspire reporters to ask creative questions on the red carpet,” she shared on Instagram, also posting examples of questions about risks, accomplishments and characters.
“I love the Oscars AND fashion like many of you – & am excited to share #WhoAmIWearing later tonight. But I’d also love to answer some of these Qs…. There are so many amazing, talented nominees this year..! Let’s hear their stories! Spread the word.”
