The red carpet component of any awards ceremony has long been considered a spectacle in itself: The domain of bold couture, sleek celebrity physiques and the occasional wardrobe malfunction that often catches as much attention as the perfect choice in attire, this year the Golden Globes red carpet is being utilised for something other than fashion.

Stars attending are encouraged to wear black as a form of silent protest following the spate of sexual harassment allegations that have rocked Hollywood and beyond.

And as celebrities begin their parade in front of the cameras, E! host Gulliana Rancic says the question this year is not what are you wearing but why.

Amid what is quickly looking like a complete wash-out of black gowns, we highlight the strongest looks on this year's red carpet.

Milly Bobby Brown

Milly Bobby Brown. (Photo / Getty Images)

Bobby Brown arrived solo on the red carpet in her most grown-up look yet: a satin mini with a heavy shoulder frill and cutesy silver heels.

Debra Messing

 (Debra Messing. Photo / Getty Images)

"I'm wearing black to thank and honour all the brave whistleblowers who came forward to share their stories of harassment and asault," delcared a stern Messing.

"I'm wearing black to stand in solidarity with my sisters all over the globe ... we want diversity, we want intersectional gender parity, we want equal pay."

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson. (Photo / Getty Images)

Johnson focused on texture in this sleek velvet Gucci dress offset with a heavy buckled belt and elaborate, glittering train.

Elisabeth Moss

Elisabeth Moss. (Photo / Getty Images)

A simple yet eye-catching choice from the star of The Handmaid's Tale, Moss has picked perfect dimensions with this full skirt, sleeve and snappy collar.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams. (Photo / Getty Images)

Williams continues to rock her signature pixie chic style in this off-the-shoulder black and embroidered number. As she expressed her support for the Time's Up movement, Williams said the movement makes her hopeful her daughter won't endure what women of today have.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey. (Photo / Getty Images)

Nominated for co-writing the title track for The Star, Carey poured herself into this ruched, strapless number with tulle skirt.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep. (Photo / Getty Images)

Streep, who was slammed on Twitter as a hypocrite by Rose McGowan, looked regal in a black off-the-shoulder gown with full skirt.

The stars of Stranger Things

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The stars of Stranger Things, minus Milly Bobby Brown. (Photo / Getty Images)

The kids of Stranger Things did well to choose fun individual looks while also supporting the Time's Up protest.

Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain

Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain. (Photo / Getty Images)

Friends since their star roles on The Help, Spencer went for full sparkle while Chastain looked sleek in a velvet halter that featured an intricate silver backing.