Colman Domingo arrives at the Governors Awards on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at the Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Wherever he goes, Colman Domingo blazes a trail. When he received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Sing Sing, the Belizean-Guatemalan became the first person to earn back-to-back Best Actor nominations since Denzel Washington in 2017 and 2018. With the help of stylists Wayman and Micah, Domingo has also become one of the most influential forces in modern men’s fashion — so much so that he’s been named Co-Chair of the 2025 Met Gala.
As a part-time fashion journalist and full-time fashion obsessive, I watch awards shows for the clothes. I’ve made countless TikToks recommending outfits for celebrities, one of which caught the attention of Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo, who wore one of my suggestions on the press tour for the movie. Her seal of approval inspired me to keep voicing my ideas. And most recently, I partnered with Remezcla on a video about Domingo’s possible Oscars looks.
Domingo’s outfit should live up to his career-defining performance in Sing Sing. When searching for inspiration, I considered his contract with Italian fashion house Valentino, which has been the driving force behind many of his recent awards looks, including the perfectly-tailored, bow-adorned tux he wore to this year’s Golden Globes. There are endless ways to make Valentino’s fun-loving aesthetic work for him, but there’s still a chance he’ll wear a different designer.
Here’s everything I think Colman Domingo could — and should — wear to the 2025 Oscars. He already wore one of my suggestions, so I’m clearly on the right track.
This look from Valentino’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection channels Sing Sing’s whimsical spirit. It reminds me of the unconventional costumes worn for a play within the film, and the silhouette of its cummerbund-fastened jacket is right up Domingo’s alley. I’d prefer it with a cream-colored version of the same curly collar.
Domingo’s ability to pull off mixed fabrics needs to be studied. This Valentino SS25 look would take full advantage of his versatility. If he wears it, he has to include the deer brooch and lace gloves, both of which embody the sincere, playful energy he brings to every public appearance. More than anything, there’s something about that man and a pop of red.
Domingo has the chance to reinforce Sing Sing’s crucial message by wearing jewelry from silversmith Kirk Bloodsworth. Like Domingo’s character in the film, Bloodsworth was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit; but in 1992, he became the first American to be exonerated through DNA testing. Through his brand Blood Stones Creations, the activist creates one-of-a-kind silver rings for fellow exonerees. He seems like exactly the kind of creative Domingo would want to uplift.
I can’t talk about menswear without mentioning Willy Chavarria’s Fall-Winter 2025 collection. If Domingo arrived to Hollywood’s biggest night in this stunning marigold suit, he’d elevate a Chicano designer who publicly advocates for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. It would be a powerful statement to make in 2025, especially for a gay Afro-Latino. Realistically, I think Domingo would want the jacket tailored for a closer fit, but something tells me Chavarria would be open to the adjustment. I could see Domingo wearing this entire look, down to the hat.
