Colman Domingo Reveals How He Masters Red Carpet Style with Sparkle and Humor

Last Thursday, award-winning actor Colman Domingo joined Interview magazine’s editor-in-chief Mel Ottenberg for an intimate discussion on personal style and red carpet fashion. The event took place inside Swarovski’s Fifth Avenue flagship store, surrounded by sparkling jewels and an attentive crowd of editors and influencers. The conversation explored how Domingo uses sparkle and humor as essential elements of his red carpet presence, demonstrating why the Colman Domingo red carpet style is both unique and impactful.

The gathering set the tone with an elegant, champagne-filled atmosphere accented by Ariana Grande’s jewelry designs, creating the perfect backdrop for Domingo’s reflections on fashion, confidence, and his journey in entertainment.

From Humble Beginnings in West Philadelphia to Fashion Icon

Domingo traces his sense of style back to his upbringing in inner-city West Philadelphia. As the third of four siblings, hand-me-down clothes dominated his early years, but a first job at McDonald’s gave him the means to explore his own preferences. Reflecting on his teenage years in the mid-1980s, he described wearing brands like Perry Ellis and experimenting with two-tone jeans, although he struggled with confidence due to his thin frame, leading him initially to favor baggy clothing.

Over time, Domingo shifted his perspective, examining his physicality as a “palette” for style:

“Oh, my legs are long. What proportions look good on me?”

—Colman Domingo. This approach allowed him to build a wardrobe that combined classic tailoring with a playful flair, embodying a look that felt effortlessly luxurious and authentically expressive of his personality.

Balancing Elegance with Humor on the Red Carpet

When asked about the confidence to push boundaries in fashion now that he is an acclaimed actor, Domingo shared a memorable incident at an Academy gala. Wearing a custom Valentino outfit paired with a quirky cat-shaped bag, his choice sparked a stir:

“Oh, I love that bag. I want to take that bag with me.”

—Colman Domingo. This unconventional accessory provoked concern from his publicist and team, who worried it might not fit the seriousness of an actor nominated for a Leading Role. He recounted,

“How could you let this happen? This man is up for Leading Actor, and he’s got a cat with him on the red carpet?!”

—Colman Domingo.

Despite the surprise it caused, Domingo embraced the humor, viewing the bag as a conversation starter and an icebreaker:

“Demi, please stop staring at my pussy.”

—Colman Domingo, referencing a lighthearted moment with Demi Moore. This blend of sparkle and wit typifies his red carpet strategy, where style meets personality and invites engagement.

Prepping for Glamour: Routine and Music Before Major Events

For high-profile occasions like the Met Gala, where he once served as a chair, Domingo described a precise and patient preparation ritual. Starting three hours before the event, he builds in breaks to maintain his comfort and composure. His process includes time with a barber—whom he allows two hours for playful hairstyling—ordering food for himself and his team, and extending 90 minutes to makeup artist Jamie Richmond to relax and perfect the look.

Music is a crucial element in setting the mood; Domingo often listens to Amy Winehouse to channel the right spirit. As the final entourage of photographer, publicist, and agents arrives, a toast seals the moment. He emphasized the importance of community in these moments:

“I’m never just going alone. I’m taking all these people with me.”

Decades of Perseverance: The Long Road to Recognition

Domingo’s rise to acclaim was far from instant. His career began in regional theater in San Francisco without formal training, fueled by relentless effort and curiosity. Early experiences included unconventional jobs such as working in a circus, where he learned trapeze, juggling, and stilt walking, embracing each challenge as a lesson.

Relocating to New York around age 36, Domingo restarted without representation. Roles followed, including a part in Henry V alongside Liev Schreiber. Yet financial struggles persisted: after curtain calls on Broadway, he sometimes worked as a bartender near Stonewall to cover costs. He described moments of exhaustion and doubt in his mid-40s, when he almost gave up amid career lows and the allure of more stable professions held by friends.

A turning point came with encouragement from his friend Daniel:

“My managers have been wanting to meet with you for years.”

—Colman Domingo. Despite initial resistance, Domingo agreed to one meeting, ultimately signing with his current representation. Soon after, he landed a major role on Fear the Walking Dead, where he stayed for eight years, marking the beginning of his breakthrough.

The Complex Reality of ‘Making It’ in Hollywood

Even with multiple award nominations, Domingo remains reflective about the idea of success. He shared,

“Okay, well, I guess it wasn’t a fluke.”

—Colman Domingo, acknowledging his continuing presence among nominees. Yet, he resists the notion of fully “making it,” viewing his career as a continuous journey filled with personal growth and challenges. Domestically, he now enjoys simple freedoms, like dining out without hesitation, but maintains a humble stance on achievement.

A Message About Legacy and Authenticity for Emerging Artists

At 55, Domingo thinks actively about the legacy he will leave behind. A striking moment came when students recognized his pioneering role:

“Do you realize, Mr. Domingo, that as a black queer man in the world, you’re populating spaces and doing work that hasn’t been done before?”

—Colman Domingo. While he had not fully grasped this himself, he acknowledges the unique path he has created.

He resisted traditional ideas of professionalism imposed by his agent, who suggested a conservative appearance, explaining: “That’s not me at all.” Determined to create and lead projects true to his vision, Domingo has taken roles as director and producer, shaping worlds that represent his perspective.

Coming from a modest background without inherited advantages, Domingo proudly stated:

“I’m going to get in somehow. I’m going to come through a chink in the wall, but I’m going to get there at some point.”

—Colman Domingo. This drive to build his career independently highlights the strength and resilience behind his red carpet presence.

On Mentorship: The Importance of Self-Reliance

The actor expressed skepticism about the concept of mentorship, explaining why he declines frequent requests for guidance:

“We don’t have fucking mentors. This sounds terrible. Mentor sounds like I’m supposed to do the work for you and make sure you don’t step into potholes. And then when things don’t go well, you look at me and I’m the problem.”

—Colman Domingo.

He advocates for an observational approach: learning from how others work and represent themselves, rather than expecting direct mentorship. Everyone has lessons to offer, but ultimately, success comes from individual effort:

“You have to make it for yourself.”

Mel Ottenberg’s Path Back to Authenticity in Fashion

During the exchange, Mel Ottenberg shared his own challenges as a fashion stylist adapting to commercial demands. Early pressures to conform led to unsatisfying work, while his eventual break came after he left his agent:

“You cannot leave. This is the biggest mistake you’ll ever make.”

—Mel Ottenberg. He responded,

You don’t understand who I am. You’re totally nice people, however. Peace.

—Mel Ottenberg.

Domingo affirmed the importance of embracing individuality, noting:

“I’m okay if you don’t want me on your set.”

—Colman Domingo. He shared how he once tested directors by asking many questions and, if they just wanted someone to “hit their marks,” he knew the fit was wrong because he seeks to deepen his portrayal and the creative process. This resonates strongly with Ottenberg, emphasizing authenticity in their crafts.

Memorable Costumes and Upcoming Projects

Domingo highlighted his favorite costume work, particularly in the film Zola, where he portrayed a pimp. He appreciated the collaboration with costume designers who help shape a character’s story:

“Although he was a terrible person and he trafficked women, I wanted to tell a story from his point of view, as someone who had an immigrant story.”

—Colman Domingo. The details of clothing, sometimes from Canal Street, reveal the character’s aspirations.

He also cited his experience on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom working with legendary costume designer Ann Roth, calling her one of his heroes.

Looking ahead, Domingo has recently completed filming the third season of Euphoria and continues work on a Michael Jackson biopic. This fall, he appears in The Running Man alongside Glen Powell and Josh Brolin, as well as in Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire, set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival. He is also preparing to direct a film starring Sydney Sweeney and David Johnson, exploring an unrequited love story involving Ken Novak and Sammy Davis Jr.

Colman Domingo’s Style: A Harmonious Blend of Sparkle and Spirit

Colman Domingo’s red carpet style encompasses a distinctive combination of elegance, humor, and self-awareness. From cherished vintage shorts to custom Valentino hats and Swarovski jewels, he carefully balances sparkle with personality. His reflections reveal the deep thought behind every choice, his years of perseverance, and his insistence on authenticity. The Colman Domingo red carpet style is not simply about fashion; it represents an artistic expression born from a life of overcoming obstacles and carving out new spaces in Hollywood and beyond.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Q: On a related note, I don’t speak German, but Colman Domingo really sounds fluent while speaking. Did he already speak German, or did he learn it for this role? AC: He did not speak it.

A. Can Colman Domingo actually speak German?

Q. Was Colman Domingo nominated for an Oscar?

A. Colman Jason Domingo, born on November 28, 1969, is an American actor, playwright, and director. He has been well-known in film and theater since the 2010s. Domingo has earned several awards, such as a Primetime Emmy. He has also been nominated for two Academy Awards and two Tony Awards.