What makes a dress worth talking about for years?
Red carpet fashion changes fabric into cultural moments. When celebrities step into the spotlight, their choices spark global conversations. A gown becomes a statement.
A suit challenges tradition. These moments define how we see style and self-expression.
What happens on that crimson walkway shapes trends far beyond Hollywood. Designers pour months into a single look. Stars use clothing to show who they are and what they believe in.
Social media turns each appearance into instant commentary. Red carpet looks matter because they blend art with identity. They prove that clothing can be more than decoration.
From sustainable choices to gender-bending statements, today’s celebrities use fashion as their voice. The world watches, discusses, and gets inspired to create its own memorable moments.
Most Iconic Red Carpet Looks of All Time
These unforgettable fashion moments didn’t just make headlines; they defined them. They changed the way we see red carpet style.
1. Zendaya in Balmain
Where it was worn: Venice Film Festival 2021
Who designed it: designed by Olivier Rousteing
When Zendaya stepped onto the Venice carpet, cameras stopped. The wet-look bronze leather clung to her like a second skin.
This wasn’t just a pretty dress; it was armor that proved you could be fierce and sophisticated in the same breath.
2. Rihanna in Guo Pei
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2015.
The cape stretched 16 feet behind her and took two years to make. Within minutes, the internet exploded with memes. Rihanna turned criticism into conversation and owned every second of it.
3. Timothée Chalamet in Louis Vuitton
Where it was worn: Academy Awards (Oscars) 2022
A cropped tuxedo jacket with no shirt underneath. Just skin and confidence. Chalamet challenged what men could wear to Hollywood’s biggest event and proved that rules are just suggestions.
4. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada
Where it was worn: Academy Awards (Oscars) 2014
Prada created a new color just for her “Nairobi blue.” The silk flowed like water with no embellishments or drama. Sometimes the simplest choice becomes the most unforgettable.
5. Lady Gaga: Met Gala 2019
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2019
Who designed it: designed by Brandon Maxwell
Four costume changes on one red carpet. Gaga started wrapped in a massive pink cape and stripped down to black underwear by the end. Fashion as theater, theater as fashion.
6. Billy Porter in Christian Siriano
Where it was worn: Academy Awards (Oscars) 2019
A tuxedo jacket on top and a full velvet ball gown on the bottom. Porter walked on that carpet and changed the conversation about men and fashion forever. He proved that fashion has no gender, only expression.
7. Blake Lively in Versace
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2022
Who designed it: designed by Donatella Versace
The dress arrived copper, then transformed to bright green right on the carpet. It was a tribute to the Statue of Liberty and New York City itself.
She didn’t just wear a costume, she told her city’s story in fabric and color.
8. Rihanna’s Maternity Look
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2023
Who designed it: designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli
Heavily pregnant in a white Valentino gown that celebrated every curve. The dress didn’t hide anything; it highlighted everything.
She sent a message that pregnancy is powerful, beautiful, and belongs on the red carpet.
9. Anya Taylor-Joy in Dior
Where it was worn: Emmy Awards 2021
Who designed it: designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri
Soft yellow silk with a simple, almost plain cut. In a sea of sparkles and sequins, Taylor-Joy chose grace. The dress reminded people of old Hollywood. Sometimes, you don’t need to shout to be heard.
10. Doja Cat in Schiaparelli
Where it was worn: Paris Couture Week 2023
Who designed it: designed by Daniel Roseberry
Thirty thousand red Swarovski crystals covered her entire body, face included. The application took five hours.
This wasn’t fashion for comfort; this was fashion as endurance art and complete commitment.
11. Taylor Swift
Where it was worn: Grammy Awards 2024
Who designed it: The Designer was Schiaparelli Haute Couture
Black-and-white sequins that caught every flash. Swift combined old Hollywood elegance with modern star power.
Classic styling never goes out of fashion when the wheel already works perfectly.
12. Florence Pugh in Valentino
Where it was worn: Venice Film Festival 2022
Who designed it: Pierpaolo Piccioli
The sheer tulle gown in fiery red captured confidence and control. Pugh proved transparency could be power, not vulnerability.
13. Margot Robbie in Chanel
Where it was worn: Oscars 2021
Silver chain details and effortless hair made this look sleek yet timeless, showing Robbie’s ease with classic glamour.
14. Harry Styles in Egonlab
Where it was worn: Grammys 2023
Who designed it: Egonlab in collaboration with Swarovski
Harry Styles turned heads in a multicolored, crystal-covered jumpsuit that blurred the line between stagewear and art. The daring harlequin pattern captured his fearless approach to fashion and individuality.
15. Anitta in Marc Jacobs
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2023
Structured black gown with dramatic train elegance along the edge. She balanced glamour with modern restraint.
16. Sydney Sweeney in Oscar de la Renta
Where it was worn: Emmy Awards 2022
Sweeney’s pearly white gown with shimmering floral embroidery and a structured waist channeled old-Hollywood poise.
The look proved that subtle detailing can carry just as much impact as showy embellishment.
17. Lily James in Versace
Where it was worn: Oscars 2022
Layers of pink lace and a flowing train gave Lily James a romantic glow. The dress balanced sweetness with star-power confidence.
18. Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2023.
Monáe’s look unfolded like performance art, shifting from structured suit to voluminous skirt. It embodied playfulness and command in equal measure.
19. Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé
Where it was worn: Cannes Film Festival 2022.
Hathaway’s white sequined column gown offered understated glamour, while a striking blue sapphire necklace provided the defining detail. The look merged poised simplicity with bold accessory power.
20. Ariana DeBose in Valentino
Where it was worn: Oscars 2022.
DeBose’s bright red pants-and-cape ensemble fused power and motion. It celebrated individuality and set a new precedent for comfort on the carpet.
21. Hunter Schafer in Ann Demeulemeester
Where it was worn: Vanity Fair Oscars Party 2023.
A white feather top and sleek skirt created one of the year’s most talked-about looks. Schafer’s bold minimalism turned subtlety into art.
22. Dua Lipa in Chanel
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2023.
Who designed it: Chanel.
Wearing a vintage Chanel ballgown, Dua Lipa bridged eras in style. The corseted silhouette honored fashion history with youthful confidence.
23. Cate Blanchett in Maison Margiela
Where it was worn: BAFTA Awards 2023.
Who designed it: John Galliano
Blanchett re-wore a black velvet gown first seen in 2015, styled with a statement Louis Vuitton necklace.
The look showcased her commitment to sustainability and proved that elegance endures far longer than any trend.
24. Zendaya in Versace
Where it was worn: NAACP Image Awards 2023
Her green-and-black archival strapless gown delivered a bold revival of early-2000s couture. By pairing vintage flair with modern poise, she reinforced that red-carpet power lies in both heritage and reinvention.
25. Rosalía in Miu Miu
Where it was worn: Latin Grammy Awards 2022
Who designed it: Miu Miu
Rosalía’s long black gown featured a sheer neckline, crystal-trimmed bra cups, and a daring slit. The mix of glamour and confidence captured her effortless balance between artistry and attitude.
26. Ayo Edebiri in Louis Vuitton.
Where it was worn: Emmy Awards 2024.
Edebiri wore a custom black strapless gown with sculpted structure and smooth contours. The look balanced innovation and grace, reflecting her growing influence as one of Hollywood’s new fashion voices.
27. Doja Cat in Vetements
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2024.
Doja Cat turned heads in a custom “wet T-shirt” dress that looked soaked yet sculpted to perfection.
The illusory design mixed humor, boldness, and technical mastery, proving her red-carpet moments are never predictable.
28. Kendall Jenner in Marc Jacobs.
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2023.
Jenner arrived in a sequined Marc Jacobs bodysuit with floor-length sleeves and a dramatic collar, a clear nod to Karl Lagerfeld’s archive.
The look balanced bold skininess with couture detailing, turning a simple silhouette into a headline moment.
29. Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture
Where it was worn: Cannes Film Festival 2023
Lawrence stunned in a vibrant red Dior gown with a structured bodice and flowing off-shoulder sleeves. Paired with a simple diamond necklace and minimal makeup, the look captured effortless sophistication. It was a reminder that true glamour doesn’t need theatrics, just confidence and perfect tailoring.
30. Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent
Where it was worn: Vanity Fair Oscars Party 2023.
Bieber’s sleek black gown with sculpted neckline defined minimalist chic. The silhouette let posture and poise carry the moment.
31. Pedro Pascal in Valentino
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2023.
Pascal’s red coat and shorts ensemble reimagined red-carpet tailoring. It fused humor, flair, and confidence into a single statement.
32. Jennifer Lopez in Schiaparelli
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2024
Who designed it: Daniel Roseberry
Lopez shimmered in a sheer Haute Couture gown loaded with crystals and pearls, turning the steps into her personal runway.
The design fused bold craft and old-Hollywood glamour, cementing her status as a red-carpet icon.
33. Michaela Coel in Schiaparelli
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2023.
Who designed it: Daniel Roseberry
Coel wore a dark bronze, crystal-encrusted gown featuring more than 130,000 embellishments. The semi-sheer creation captured surrealist craftsmanship and embodied power through precision and presence.
34. Lil Nas X in Dior Men
Where it was worn: MTV VMAs 2023.
Lil Nas X’s silver pearl-covered suit blurred boundaries with humor and grace. It turned red-carpet dressing into fearless performance.
35. Tessa Thompson in Gucci
Where it was worn: LACMA Art + Film Gala 2025.
Thompson dazzled in a silver, sequined floor-length gown adorned with a floral pattern and an open back.
Styled by Alex Babsky and Adir Abergel, she embodied refined glamour with a modern twist at one of Los Angeles’s most elegant events.
36. Greta Lee in Loewe
Where it was worn: Critics’ Choice Awards 2024.
Who designed it: Loewe
Lee arrived in a dark set, an elegant top, and wide-leg trousers that borrowed from menswear tailoring.
The bold texture and sculpted silhouette reaffirmed her status as a fashion risk-taker while staying rooted in refined structure.
37. Emma Chamberlain in Louis Vuitton
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2022.
Who designed it: Louis Vuitton
Chamberlain’s ivory two-piece set, a cropped top and sleek skirt, delivered vintage glamour with a youthful edge. Paired with a Cartier choker, the ensemble captured modern luxury while nodding to old-Hollywood sparkle.
38. Taylor Russell in Balenciaga
Where it was worn: Venice Film Festival 2022.
Russell graced the red carpet in a strapless white Balenciaga gown with soft pleats and a flowing cape.
The ethereal draping and clean lines highlighted her elegance, making this one of the festival’s most memorable appearances.
39. Gigi Hadid in Versace
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2022.
Hadid stunned in a deep crimson ensemble featuring a patent corset, matching latex pants, and a dramatic oversized satin cape.
The futuristic take on “Gilded Glamour” blended structure, shine, and rebellion, cementing her as one of the night’s standout risk-takers.
40. Lana Del Rey in Alexander McQueen
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2024.
Del Rey’s branch headpiece and muted gown formed a haunting visual. The ensemble blended natural motifs with serene strength.
41. Zendaya in Maison Margiela
Where it was worn: Met Gala 2024.
Who designed it: John Galliano
Zendaya’s dual looks a midnight-blue gown and a floral corset showcased range and mastery. Each transformation confirmed her as the ultimate red-carpet storyteller.
Red Carpet Fashion Trends
Red carpet fashion in 2025 reflects what matters to us now. Sustainability. Individuality. Quality over quantity.
1. Sustainable Couture: Eco-luxury is no longer optional. It’s expected. Stars are choosing designers who care about the planet, like Stella McCartney and Gabriela Hearst.
2. Gender-Fluid Glamour: The lines between menswear and womenswear keep blurring. Harry Styles wears dresses, Cara Delevingne rocks suits, and fashion is becoming about expression, not gender rules.
3. Quiet Luxury & Minimalism: Not every moment needs to scream. Sleek silhouettes, rich fabrics, and perfect construction define this trend championed by stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Margot Robbie.
4. Jewel Tones & Metallics: 2025’s color palette is bold and bright with deep emerald greens, royal sapphire blues, and rich ruby reds. Paired with metallic silvers and golds, these colors photograph beautifully and make statements without words.
These trends show that red carpet fashion is about more than just looking good. It’s about making choices that reflect values and personal style.
Upcoming Red Carpet Events 2025-2026
Mark your calendar. These upcoming red carpet events will shape fashion conversations from late 2025 into 2026.
1. Golden Globes – January 2026
The year kicks off with Hollywood glamour. Expect champagne colors. Classic silhouettes. Stars are playing it safe but stylish. This event sets the tone for awards season.
2. Grammys – February 2026
Music’s biggest night brings the boldest fashion. If you want to see risks, this is the place. Artists push boundaries here more than anywhere else.
Past Grammys gave us Lady Gaga’s meat dress and Lil Nas X’s pink cowboy moment.
3. Oscars – March 2026
The pinnacle of red carpet elegance. Old Hollywood meets modern sophistication. This is where designers bring their absolute best work.
The Oscars red carpet remains the most prestigious in the world.
4. Met Gala – May 2026
Fashion’s biggest event. Each year has a theme. Celebrities interpret it differently. Some nail it. Some miss completely. Everyone talks about it.
The Met Gala defines what’s possible in fashion.
5. Cannes Film Festival – May 2026
European elegance on the French Riviera. Flowing gowns. Dramatic entrances. International stars bringing global perspectives to style.
Cannes proves that fashion is a universal language.
6. Emmy Awards – September 2026
Television’s biggest stars dress for prime time. Modern sophistication. Contemporary cuts. Less traditional than the Oscars but still refined.
The Emmys bridge the gap between classic and current perfectly.
These events drive global red carpet fashion trends. What happens at these shows influences runways and retail stores for months.
Conclusion
Red carpet fashion proves that style transcends events and invitations.
Those iconic moments teach us something vital. Confidence matters more than perfection. Zendaya wore armor. Rihanna embraced spectacle. Billy Porter rewrote rules. Each star showed us that fashion is personal expression at its boldest.
The trends will keep changing. Sustainability grows stronger. Gender lines blur further. Colors shift with each season. But the core message stays constant. Getting dressed is your chance to show the world who you are.
Take what resonates from these red carpet looks. Maybe it’s trying a bold color. Maybe it’s choosing quality over quantity. Maybe it’s just wearing what makes you feel powerful.
Your moment to shine starts the second you decide to own it.
