By Imagine a stand-up comedian on stage—perhaps in a dimly lit basement with an exposed brick wall behind them or perched on a wooden stool in front of a black curtain. What are they wearing? Maybe a neatly tucked shirt, a Rat-Pack-style suit with a loud tie, or a casual graphic T-shirt with skinny jeans?
Today, female comedians are breaking away from these stereotypical looks, opting for high-end fashion pieces from designers like Versace, Gucci, and Alessandra Rich instead of casual denim. For instance, Ziwe, an American comedian and host of the YouTube show “Baited,” made a statement in a vintage 1980s Jean Paul Gautlier red skirt suit during an interview with George Santos. Ayo Edebiri, best known for her role as Sydney on “The Bear,” started her career in stand-up but is now frequently seen front-row at prestigious fashion shows by Prada, Loewe, and Thom Browne. Similarly, Rachel Sennott, who transitioned from stand-up comedy to acting in A24 films, is now a Balenciaga ambassador. Even Saturday Night Live’s Maya Rudolph is making waves in the fashion world, wearing brands like Khaite, Rodarte, and Schiaparelli while promoting her show, “Loot.”
In the stand-up scene, some comedians are making bold fashion choices on stage. New York-based comic Mary Beth Barone, for example, wore a dazzling silver dress during her first independent special, “Thought Provoking,” on YouTube. To fashion enthusiasts, this wasn’t just any dress—it was an archival Versace chainmail slip dress, previously worn by Kate Moss at a London charity gala in 1999. Barone acknowledged the blend of comedy and high fashion on Instagram, quipping that Versace designers likely never envisioned their creation being worn by a stand-up comedian decades later. Barone continued her fashion-forward streak by appearing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in a rare Fall-Winter 2003 Gucci little black dress, designed by Tom Ford.
In a video interview with CNN, Barone expressed her love for fashion, a passion rooted in her admiration for early 2000s pop culture icons like Britney Spears, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Paris Hilton. She believes in blending her feminine, runway-ready wardrobe with her sharp comedic delivery, creating a unique and captivating stage presence. Barone sees herself as part of the “pop star generation,” drawing inspiration from celebrities who embraced their aesthetics and personas as integral to their performances. She asks, “Why can’t comedians do the same?”
Catherine Cohen, who starred in her first Netflix comedy special “The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous” in 2022, shares Barone’s philosophy. She approaches her stage attire with a pop star mentality, favoring flamboyant mini-dresses and tall boots, often custom-made by pop star designer Kelsely Randall, who also designs for Beyoncé, Lizzo, and Lorde. Cohen embraces this glamorous style, seeing it as an essential part of her artistic expression.
While flamboyant female comedians are not new—Phyllis Diller, Jean Carroll, and Joan Rivers often performed in glamorous outfits—their successors were often pressured to dress more like their male counterparts. Barone recalls being advised against wearing shorts or dresses on stage, as they were considered distracting. She even faced criticism for being “too sexy” after one of her performances.
Margaret Cho, named one of Rolling Stone’s top 50 comedians of all time, has long been a fashion icon in the comedy world. Despite rising to fame during the male-dominated comedy scene of the 1980s and 1990s, Cho fearlessly embraced experimental, feminine fashion on stage. She recalls the challenges of being a female comedian during a time when attractiveness could undermine one’s credibility. Yet, Cho and her contemporaries found creative ways to express their style, even sharing outfits when resources were limited.
As the worlds of comedy and fashion continue to merge, it’s possible that stand-up comedy could become as influential for fashion brands as a major concert tour. Margaret Cho sees potential in comedians like Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott, who are bringing fresh energy to luxury fashion houses. She believes that a comedian’s brand now includes their style, much like a rock star’s image.
Catherine Cohen agrees, noting that fashion can enhance, rather than detract from, a comedian’s artistic performance. Mary Beth Barone, who has recently been spotted wearing Y/Project and archival Dior, is excited about the shift in the comedy world. As she embarks on her US tour “Pillow Talk” this August, she’s eager to continue blending comedy and couture. While she doesn’t claim to be the first comedian to wear a dress on stage, Barone believes something is changing in the industry—and she’s thrilled to be a part of it.
