Red carpet events are the ultimate stage for fashion statements, where celebrities leave an indelible mark on the world with their choices. From daring plunging necklines to whimsical gowns, these moments have gone down in history as trend-defining.
Some looks have pushed the boundaries of fashion, while others have been so iconic they’ve sparked entire trends. Let’s take a journey through 18 unforgettable red carpet moments that completely changed the way we see celebrity style.
Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy at the 1954 Academy Awards
Audrey Hepburn’s look at the 1954 Oscars was a game-changer. Wearing a simple, elegant Givenchy gown, she introduced a new level of understated sophistication to red carpet fashion.
The clean lines and minimalist approach to glam signaled the end of the over-the-top gowns and ushered in a new era of chic simplicity. Hepburn’s influence in fashion still resonates today, with modern designers continuing to embrace timeless elegance in their collections.
Cher in Bob Mackie at the 1973 Oscars
When Cher stepped onto the Oscars red carpet in 1973, she made history with her daring, feathered Bob Mackie gown. The dress, which left little to the imagination, completely shifted the concept of what could be worn to such an event.
It wasn’t just about beauty; it was about attitude. Cher’s boldness and willingness to push fashion boundaries made her an icon of daring glamour and set the tone for avant-garde fashion on the red carpet for decades to come.
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Princess Diana’s Black Revenge Dress at the 1994 Serpentine Gallery Gala
In 1994, Diana, Princess of Wales, stunned the world when she arrived at the Serpentine Gallery Gala in a little black dress designed by Christina Stambolian. This bold choice came shortly after her highly publicized separation from Prince Charles.
The dress, which clung to her body in all the right places, became known as her “revenge dress.” It was an empowering moment for Diana, showing the world that she was not just a princess, but a fashion force.
Halle Berry in Elie Saab at the 2002 Academy Awards
Halle Berry’s 2002 Oscar dress, a sheer, beaded Elie Saab gown, was one of the most memorable moments in red carpet history. Not only did she look stunning, but her win that night for Best Actress was historic as well—Berry became the first African American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress.
Her gown, which was equal parts glamorous and edgy, helped solidify her status as a fashion icon, representing the power of diversity and elegance on the red carpet.
Björk’s Swan Dress at the 2001 Academy Awards
When Björk wore a swan-shaped dress by Marjan Pejoski to the 2001 Oscars, she instantly became one of the most talked-about celebrities of the year. The quirky, avant-garde dress was controversial, but it was also one of the boldest fashion moments in red carpet history.
This outfit pushed the limits of what could be worn, and sparked a conversation about the red carpet being not just a place for glamour, but a stage for creativity and individual expression.
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Angelina Jolie in Versace at the 2012 Oscars
Angelina Jolie’s 2012 Oscar look is one for the ages. Her Versace gown, with a thigh-high slit, made waves for its combination of elegance and daring sex appeal.
Jolie embodied cool, effortless glamour, and this moment marked the beginning of her rise as a fashion icon. The slit became iconic, inspiring countless imitations on the red carpet and cementing her status as a style maven.
Kim Kardashian in Thierry Mugler at the 2019 Met Gala
Kim Kardashian’s Thierry Mugler latex dress at the 2019 Met Gala took the internet by storm. The dress was incredibly tight, giving her an hourglass figure that was jaw-dropping.
This moment was iconic not just for the daring fashion but also for how it sparked a conversation about body shaping, personal style, and innovation in red carpet fashion. Kardashian’s look continues to inspire conversations about the intersection of celebrity, social media, and fashion.
Lupita Nyong’o in Prada at the 2014 Academy Awards
Lupita Nyong’o’s 2014 Oscar dress, a powder blue Prada gown, made a splash. The color complemented her skin tone perfectly, while the fabric cascaded down her body like a dream.
Her style wasn’t just about looking beautiful; it was about celebrating her heritage and individuality. Lupita’s gown represented how red carpet fashion could be a celebration of culture and identity, while still embracing universal beauty.
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Rihanna in Giambattista Valli at the 2015 Met Gala
Rihanna’s stunning yellow gown at the 2015 Met Gala stole the show. The oversized, dramatic gown was an homage to the event’s theme, “China: Through the Looking Glass,” and it made her one of the most talked-about celebrities that year.
Rihanna’s fashion risk paid off, as she became the face of fashion fearlessness, showing that red carpet moments can be extravagant without looking overdone.
Marilyn Monroe’s White Dress in The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Though not at a red carpet event, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress in The Seven Year Itch became synonymous with Hollywood glamour. The scene where her dress billows in the wind is etched in cinematic history, and it sparked an obsession with Monroe’s carefree, seductive charm.
The dress itself remains one of the most iconic fashion moments ever captured on film and has influenced red carpet fashion for years.
Zendaya in Valentino at the 2021 Oscars
Zendaya’s Valentino dress at the 2021 Oscars was the perfect example of modern glamour. The silky, off-shoulder gown with a bold, statement necklace was youthful yet sophisticated, demonstrating how red carpet fashion has evolved to be more playful while maintaining elegance.
Zendaya has consistently challenged the norms of red carpet style, and this dress solidified her as one of the most forward-thinking style icons of her generation.
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Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards
Lady Gaga’s meat dress at the 2010 VMAs will never be forgotten. Designed by Franc Fernandez, this controversial outfit made a statement about personal freedom and expression.
The red carpet became a platform for shocking fashion, and Gaga proved that she was not afraid to stir up conversations with her style choices. While shocking, the meat dress became one of the most memorable and polarizing fashion moments in history.
Blake Lively in Chanel at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival
Blake Lively’s Chanel gown at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival was a perfect blend of elegance and glamour. The cascading ruffles and delicate beadwork created a fairy-tale moment that made Blake one of the evening’s standout stars.
Lively’s impeccable style on the red carpet has set a standard for modern-day luxury and sophistication.
Naomi Campbell’s Fur Coat at the 1995 Met Gala
Naomi Campbell’s stunning appearance at the 1995 Met Gala in a fur coat and gown solidified her status as one of the world’s top supermodels. The look was luxurious, and her confidence in wearing it was unparalleled.
Naomi proved that fashion could be as much about the attitude and poise you bring to it as it is about the outfit itself.
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Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen at the 2011 Royal Wedding
While not a typical red carpet moment, Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress at her 2011 royal wedding set an example for modern bridal fashion. Its regal yet understated design had a lasting influence on both bridal and red carpet fashion, with many brides opting for sleek, minimalist gowns after seeing Kate’s elegant choice.
Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana at the 2019 Venice Film Festival
Scarlett Johansson’s Dolce & Gabbana dress at the 2019 Venice Film Festival was a standout look that turned heads. The silky, strapless dress with a dramatic red lip exuded timeless glamour.
Johansson showed how classic beauty could be paired with contemporary allure, making it one of the festival’s most memorable moments.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Vivienne Westwood at the 2000 Golden Globe Awards
Sarah Jessica Parker’s daring Vivienne Westwood gown at the 2000 Golden Globe Awards was a moment of pure fashion audacity. The bold colors, unconventional silhouette, and dramatic flair reflected SJP’s unapologetic approach to style.
It was the moment that cemented her as a fashion trailblazer on and off the screen.
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Kylie Jenner in Versace at the 2018 Met Gala
Kylie Jenner’s strikingly beautiful Versace gown at the 2018 Met Gala made waves for its bold use of color and dramatic styling. The gown highlighted her ever-evolving style and reinforced her status as a fashion icon.
Jenner’s Met Gala appearance solidified how contemporary stars can create waves of influence in the fashion industry.
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