Scarlett Johansson Is the First Celebrity to Wear Marchesa Since the Harvey Weinstein Scandal

Scarlett Johansson arrived at the Met Gala last night for the debut of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination"—but the actress walked the carpet with her new beau, SNL writer and star Colin Jost, rather than the designer of her gown. Per Met Gala tradition—and since the event is part fashion spectacular, part fundraiser—tables are purchased by designers to raise funds for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and most stars walk the carpet as guests of the designer hosting their table.

Scarlett's off-shoulder ombré gown with appliquéd blooms and a watteau train was designed by Marchesa, a design house that has recently gone from A-list favorite to a brand Hollywood royalty seems afraid to touch, perhaps in fear of being the first to don the brand in the aftermath of the scandal involving Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein's ex-wife, Georgina Chapman, is the designer and co-founder of the brand. Johansson marks the first celebrity to wear the brand to a high-profile event—and a notable one at that, considering at the Met Gala, more emphasis tends to be placed on the gown itself than who is wearing it.

In late 2017, dozens of women in Hollywood and beyond shared horrifying stories of sexual harassment related to their interactions with film producer Harvey Weinstein, in New York Times and New Yorker investigative reports and in their aftermath. Rose McGowan spoke out on twitter, accusing Weinstein of rape.

Weinstein spokesperson Sallie Hofmeister issued a statement in response to The New Yorker's piece on Weinstein, which reads, in part: “Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein. Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances. Mr. Weinstein has begun counseling, has listened to the community and is pursuing a better path. Mr. Weinstein is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance.”

And as women, like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lupita Nyong'o and more, told their stories, many reports noted Weinstein used his intimidation tactics to persuade those who starred in his movies to wear his now estrange wife, Georgina Chapman's label, Marchesa, on the red carpet. Jessica Chastain and Felicity Huffman both spoke up about Weinstein's pressures to wear the brand, reports Harper's BAZAAR UK. Chastain noted that Weinstein tried to get her to don the brand on the Cannes red carpet, to the premiere of The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby. She refused, and Weinstein went on to publicly berate her at the festival.

Felicity Huffman was not as strong-willed at the time of Weinstein's threats to her; the actress admitted she was pushed to wear the brand to the Golden Globes when promoting Transamerica, where she was awarded the honor of Best Actress. The Cut reports that Weinstein threatened to pull promotional money from the film if she didn't wear Marchesa to the Globes. At the time, the film was in the running for an Oscar nomination, which it later received.

Georgina Chapman announced that she was leaving Weinstein in mid October 2017, and the fashion world wondered and waited on the fate of her brand, which has become known for glamorous red carpet moments (many now attributed to Weinstein's pressure), gorgeous ballgowns, romantic frothy skirts, elaborate beading and breathtaking uses of color. The brand chose to cancel its New York Fashion Week showing for Fall 2018, and showcased its Spring 2019 Bridal collection to buyers and select press only, in private appointments. As a result, many are wondering how the brand will rebuild and which celebrity would give Marchesa its first appearance on a red (or white) carpet since the onslaught of scandal.

Today, Johansson told People.com that she has no regrets about her wardrobe choice at last night's Met Gala; "I wore Marchesa because their clothes make women feel confident and beautiful and it is my pleasure to support a brand created by two incredibly talented and important female designers.” Marchesa's spokesperson echoed Johansson's positivity in a similar statement to People, stating: "We are truly honored that Scarlett chose to wear Marchesa for the Met Gala. She is an amazingly talented actor who has incredible style and presence. It was wonderful to work so closely with her in creating this custom look."

Johansson has been outspoken about the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, according to People, but chose not to speak out regarding the label of her gown at last night's Gala. At the Women's March in January, Johansson spoke out about certain actors accused of sexual assault, namely James Franco. She said, "In light of the recent revelations regarding abuse of power, and sexual harassment, and the question of consent versus coercion, I find myself pensive, taking time, and digging deep to understand where we are, and how we got here. My mind baffles."