The modern red carpet exists to showcase fashion. It’s how our favorite celebrities express themselves or earn an extra check (some celebs can earn up to six figures for donning a designer fit). It’s always lined with reporters and cameras, ensuring no outfit slips through the cracks. From the first celeb’s arrival on the carpet to days afterward, social media is overrun with photos from all angles and endless best, or worst, dressed lists.
The bright red walkway has ancient origins and a long history of marking a path for special individuals. Its signature color, rich and bold, is one of the most difficult dyes to make, emphasizing the importance of whoever wears—or walks across—it. However, I’d argue that today the red carpet is more synonymous with fashion than exclusivity.
On that note, here are my 10 favorite red carpet looks:
- Marlee Matlin – 1987 Academy Awards
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The year Marlee Matlin won Best Actress for her role in “Children of a Lesser God,” she donned this beautiful dress made of lavender lace. I especially love the addition of flowers to her hair.
- Natalie Portman – 2020 Academy Awards
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Natalie’s Dior gown is paired with a cape embroidered with the names of eight female directors who were snubbed nominations at the 2020 Academy Awards. I love that she paid tribute to such talented women the Academy overlooked.
The directors included Greta Gerwig (“Little Women“), Lulu Wang (“The Farewell“), Lorene Scafaria (“Hustlers“), Céline Sciamma (“Portrait of a Lady on Fire“), Mati Diop (“Atlantics“), Marielle Heller (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood“), Melina Matsoukas (“Queen & Slim“), and Alma Har’el (“Honey Boy“).
- Lupita Nyong’o – 2015 Cannes Film Festival
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Lupita Nyong’o is probably the queen of the red carpet, she never fails to amaze. In fact, the actress is the subject of multiple articles entirely dedicated to cataloging all her iconic looks. This green Gucci number is simply stunning.
- Emma Watson – 2016 Met Gala
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This dress Emma Watson wore to the 2016 Met Gala, themed fashion in the age of technology, contained unconventional elements yet served timeless beauty. Plus, it was made out of recycled plastic!
- Amanda Seyfrried – 2018 Met Gala
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Anyone even slightly interested in fashion remembers the 2018 Met Gala. I had to fight the urge to make this list entirely out of looks from that one night. However, one of my absolute favorites from the heavenly bodies themed event is this golden gown worn by Amanda Seyfried.
- THIS Elizabeth Hurley Versace Look
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Some looks remain iconic, enduring the changes of the ever-evolving fashion industry. This Versace dress, worn by Elizabeth Hurley, is one of them. It balances classy, unconventional, and sexy—a rather difficult feat— flawlessly.
- Lady Gaga – 2019 Golden Globes
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Lady Gaga is certainly no stranger to show stopping red carpet looks, there are almost too many to choose from! This blue Cinderella-inspired gown, however, is possibly one of the best dresses to touch the crimson walkway. The matching hair is also a fun addition!
- Rihanna – 2015 Met Gala
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It’s Rihanna, do I need to say anything else?
- Billie Eilish – 2021 Met Gala
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I think the entire world was left speechless when Billie took to the stairs of the Met wearing this jaw dropping dress. The giant skirt in combination with the Marilyn Monroe-inspired hair and makeup will leave me drooling over this look for years to come.
- Alicia Vikander – 2016 Academy Awards
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This custom Louis Vuitton gown worn by Alicia Vikander is not the most obvious choice for a top spot on a list like this, but I just really love it. The color is gorgeous and stands out, contrasting the iconic red she walks on. Plus the simple, yet gorgeous adorations on the dress in addition to the silver heels make the look for me.
All of these looks, and many more, have a place in my heart. Red carpet fits like these celebrate designers, fashion icons of the past, hair and makeup teams, and much more. They also allow us to fantasize about wearing gowns equally as opulent, acting as a channel for our creativity. Although it’s entangled in exclusivity, the red carpet has a major influence on fashion and us.