Last night, British actor Andrew Garfield turned heads at the London Film Festival premiere of his new film, "We Live in Time." What caught everyone's attention wasn't just his stylish outfit but an unexpected accessory: a lifesize cardboard cutout of his co-star, Florence Pugh.
Garfield arrived at the event dressed to impress in a custom Valentino suit, inspired by the vibrant styles of the 1970s. The suit was a striking dark peacock colour, complemented by a bold, floral silk shirt that added a lively touch to his look. He completed his ensemble with matching black leather loafers, creating a cohesive and fashionable appearance. However, it was the cardboard cutout of Pugh that stole the show. He cradled the cutout under his arm like a trendy clutch bag, making it an unforgettable part of his outfit.
As he walked the red carpet, Garfield playfully set the cutout down at various points, posing for photos with his arm wrapped around Pugh’s cardboard waist. The images of Garfield and his flat companion delighted fans and media alike, showcasing his playful spirit and sense of humour.
Florence Pugh, who was unable to attend the premiere due to filming commitments, shared the amusing moment on her Instagram. She referred to Garfield's creative move as “genius,” clearly appreciating the lighthearted tribute. This isn’t the first time a celebrity has used a cardboard figure to represent a colleague at a public event. Back in 2010, comedian Will Ferrell made headlines at a "Megamind" panel during Comic-Con when he brought along a cutout of Brad Pitt, anticipating the actor's rumoured appearance.
The actor took a cardboard cutout of his co-star to the red carpet. CNN
The trend of using cardboard cutouts has expanded beyond the red carpet. Many students across the United States are choosing to bring cardboard figures as their prom dates, opting for celebrity likenesses of figures like Michael B. Jordan, Bernie Sanders, and even Danny DeVito instead of traditional dates. This quirky practice has become a fun way to celebrate the occasion, ditching corsages for cardboard representations.
For those debating whether Garfield's cardboard companion qualifies as an accessory, fashion designer Michael Kors offers a fitting definition: an accessory is an "exclamation mark of a man or woman’s outfit." By this standard, Garfield’s cutout serves as a bold and memorable statement piece, arguably making a louder impression than a simple matching belt or shoes.
In a world where fashion often seeks to express personality and creativity, Garfield's choice to bring Pugh along in cardboard form exemplifies a playful approach to red-carpet appearances. It adds a touch of humour and charm, making the event not just about the film but also about the fun and camaraderie between co-stars.