At the recent PEN America Literary Gala, a poignant red-carpet moment involving Sarah Jessica Parker and Jenna Ortega unfolded, revealing not only the complexities of celebrity culture but also the underlying themes of advocacy for literature and free expression. The 60-year-old Parker, famously known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City,” was asked by an Associated Press journalist about Ortega’s choice to wear a vintage Christian Dior dress reminiscent of Bradshaw’s iconic style. In a surprisingly curt exchange, Parker redirected the discussion towards the gala’s primary focus: books and the celebration of free expression.

When asked about Ortega’s dress, Parker interrupted the question, saying, “Why don’t you want to talk about reading and books and PEN?” This response sparked varying reactions online, with many arguing that the actress was right to maintain the event’s focus on literary issues rather than celebrity fashion. Social media users defended Parker’s stance, suggesting that the journalist failed to provide adequate context about the dress, which has become a symbol of both nostalgia and fashion evolution over the years. One user noted, “She felt the question was undermining the credibility of the event,” while another implied the journalist could have simply referred to it as the “newspaper dress,” which would have resonated more readily with Parker.

The backdrop of this incident is significant. The 2025 PEN America gala, hosted by Amber Ruffin at the American Museum of Natural History, was dedicated not only to celebrating writers and literature but also to protesting against censorship and advocating for free expression, particularly in an era marked by increasing challenges to these ideals. Honorees at the event included not only Parker but also imprisoned Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy and Macmillan CEO Jon Yaged, highlighting a diverse range of voices committed to safeguarding literary freedoms.

Parker has long been vocal about her commitment to literacy and the importance of libraries. She founded the publishing imprint SJP Lit and produced a documentary titled “The Librarians,” which explores the critical role of libraries in communities. Her advocacy work resonates profoundly with the themes emphasised at the gala, making her red-carpet comments all the more relevant. As the conversation surrounding freedom of expression intensifies in light of various socio-political censorship issues, events like this offer a platform for star figures such as Parker to reinforce the significance of literature in society.

Meanwhile, Ortega, at just 22 years old, has established herself as a fashion icon, with the Dior dress she wore—a piece from John Galliano’s Fall/Winter 2000 collection—having previously been donned by other celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Emily Ratajkowski. This history makes Ortega’s modern reinterpretation of the dress not only a nod to the past but also an exploration of fashion’s cyclical nature. At the gala, she wore the dress with understated elegance, accessorising it with subtle gold jewellery, a nude pink manicure, and styling her hair into a long bob with soft curls.

The interplay between the two actresses—the seasoned Parker and the emerging Ortega—serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of iconic television and the fashion it birthed. While their styles and public personas feature prominently in popular culture, the deeper narrative at the PEN America Literary Gala was prioritising artistic expression and the defence of intellectual freedoms.

In a world increasingly questioning the protection of literary arts, Parker’s commitment to this cause is clear, and her reactions on the red carpet underscore the gravity of the evening’s purpose, urging the spotlight to shine on literature rather than fleeting fashion moments.

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Source: Noah Wire Services