On a Golden Globes red carpet buried under a sea of black gowns, three women stood out for their choice not to comply with the unofficial black dress code introduced as a show of solidarity to support victims of sexual harassment in the film industry.

Perhaps the most notable exception was Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Meher Tatna.

The Indian journalist, who is publicly supportive of the ‘Time’s Up’ movement spruiking the black dress code, said she selected her red and gold gown with floral embroidery for “cultural reasons”.

“When you have a celebration, you don’t wear black,” she said, speaking on the red carpet.

She said her mother, who was watching at home, would have been appalled if she wore black.

Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Meher Tatna made a conscious decision not to wear black. Photo: Getty

The dress code, which came about in response to a string of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood beginning with high-profile producer Harvey Weinstein, was followed by most stars – including many men – with just a few notable exceptions.

Actress Blanca Blanco took to the red carpet in a siren-red Atria Couture gown with a thigh-high slit and cut-out neckline, but said she was  “excited” about the #TimesUp movement

I love red,” the 36-year-old told Refinery 29.  “Wearing red does not mean I am against the movement.

“I applaud and stand by the courageous actresses that continue to break the cycle of abuse through their actions and fashion style choices.”

Blanco said criticism of her style choice by women who may feel she should take a public stand against sexual abuse in Hollywood “hurts my feelings. Shaming is part of the problem.”

It wasn’t the first time the former Germany’s Next Top Model contestant has been bold at an awards event. At the 2017 Oscars, the beauty accidentally flashed her crotch in a revealing dress.

Red-headed model Barbara Meier, 31, also opted to stand out in colour at the 2018 Golden Globes, wearing a sheer, floral gown with appliquéd flowers.

The dress code was announced last week as an initiative of new women’s organisation ‘Time’s Up’, endorsed by entertainment industry heavyweights such as Natalie Portman and Reese Witherspoon.

Barbara Meier flaunted this pastel-hued dress despite the black dress code at the Golden Globes. Photo: Getty

Before the event, attendees such as GLOW comedy series star Alison Brie used the hashtag #WhyWeWearBlack, calling for equity and parity across all industries.

But the limited colour palette didn’t stop stars from finding a way to stand out among their designer-clad peers.

Daring silhouettes, sheer and textured fabric, pops of colour, crystal embellishment, statement jewellery and bright red lips among attendees offered personality to the black-themed event.

Girls star Allison Williams’ Armani Prive gown had a hint of orange and crystal embellishment, while model Kendall Jenner made her Golden Globes debut in a Giambattista Valli gown with a show-stopping train.

Film and television actresses also brought women’s activists as their guests to the award ceremony in the hope of offering media attention to the cause while posing for red carpet photos and giving interviews.

Actress Michelle Williams brought the founder of the #MeToo movement, Tarana Burke.

“We’re here because Tarana started a movement,” Williams said. “We actually have the opportunity to hand our children a different world.”

Comedian and actress Amy Poehler attended the event with Saru Jayaraman, an Indian-American attorney, author and activist, while actress Emma Watson joined arms with activist and black feminist organisation director, Marai Larasi.

Singer and actor Justin Timberlake, who attended the event with his wife, actress Jessica Biel, was among dozens of male stars who opted for black shirts and a ‘Time’s Up’ campaign badge.