Melissa Rivers is set to honor her late mother, the legendary comedian Joan Rivers, with a special tribute titled “Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute,” which will air on NBC on May 13. This comedy special, recorded at the Apollo Theater during the 20th annual New York Comedy Festival, brings together an impressive lineup of comedians, including Chelsea Handler, Tiffany Haddish, and Rita Wilson, celebrating Joan’s pioneering contributions to comedy.
In a recent interview, Melissa discussed her thoughts on modern fashion critiques, particularly in relation to the recent Met Gala. This year, the gala explored the theme of Black dandyism, featuring the dress code “Tailored For You,” aiming to highlight menswear influences. While some spectators viewed the outfits as lackluster, Melissa expressed admiration for the theme, arguing that it was important for men to take center stage.
However, she noted that many female attendees seemed confused about the tailoring and suiting aspect, leading to less impressive looks. Melissa praised celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross and Janelle Monae for fully embracing the theme, while noting that other stars, including Zendaya, wore outfits that, although stunning, could have been seen on any red carpet.
Reflecting on her experience with “Fashion Police,” which she co-hosted alongside her mother, Melissa remarked on the shift in today’s culture where critics hesitate to share honest opinions. She believes that the Met Gala is still an opportunity for fashion critiques, as it should embrace creativity and extravagant styles. Melissa lamented that the fearless commentary that characterized their show would be difficult to replicate today due to fears of backlash.
Ultimately, Melissa emphasized that fashion should be viewed as art—something meant to be evaluated and critiqued rather than taken personally. This perspective aligns with the celebratory spirit of the upcoming tribute to Joan Rivers, whose legacy continues to inspire conversations about humor, creativity, and the art of self-expression.
This tribute not only honors Joan’s legacy but also aims to ignite discussions on the evolution of comedy and fashion, bringing a hopeful spin to the narrative that art, in all its forms, invites discourse and varied interpretations.