The past year has been a whirlwind of unforgettable red carpet moments, from glittering Oscars gowns to bold Met Gala statements. Celebrities and designers alike pushed the boundaries of fashion, blending classic glamour with daring innovation. Here’s a roundup of 15 of the most memorable looks that left critics, fans, and photographers talking.
15. Zoe Saldaña – Saint Laurent, Óscar 2025
Zoe Saldaña turned heads at the 97th Academy Awards in a custom Saint Laurent gown that brought the bubble-hem trend back in style. The strapless dress featured a semi-sheer, sparkling bust, cascading into a three-tiered maroon skirt with bubble hems on the first two tiers. She completed the look with sheer black opera gloves, stud earrings, and an emerald Cartier panther choker. Styled by Petra Flannery, Saldaña’s ensemble merged old Hollywood sophistication with contemporary flair, perfectly complementing her film Emilia Pérez, which earned 13 Oscar nominations.
14. Demi Moore – Silver Armani Privé, Golden Globes 2025
Returning to the Golden Globes after a decade, Demi Moore glowed in a champagne-gold Armani Privé strapless gown with a dramatic fishtail hem and glittering bodice. She paired the look with diamond drop earrings, soft mermaid curls, and a radiant complexion. Moore described the moment as a celebration of life experience over age, embodying confidence and timeless elegance.
13. Ariana Grande – Schiaparelli, Oscars 2025
Ariana Grande’s Oscars gown was pure fantasy: a pale pink, strapless Schiaparelli ballgown covered in 190,000 crystal sequins and rhinestones. The airy pleated skirt evoked a whimsical, Glinda-like vibe, paying homage to old Hollywood while embracing Grande’s signature ethereal style. The look was a showstopper, highlighting her playful yet elegant red carpet persona.
12. Cynthia Erivo – Louis Vuitton, Oscars 2025
Cynthia Erivo embraced a bold, theatrical style with a deep forest green Louis Vuitton gown. The high triangular collar and exaggerated shoulders created a striking silhouette, enhanced by her signature black-and-emerald nails. Evoking the spirit of her Wicked character Elphaba, Erivo proved that dramatic, daring fashion can command the red carpet.
11. Selena Gomez – Ralph Lauren, Oscars 2025
Selena Gomez shimmered in a metallic pink Ralph Lauren gown adorned with full crystals. Inspired by Sophia Loren, the figure-hugging dress accentuated her curves, while glossy retro waves and a bold red lip completed her bombshell Hollywood look. Gomez’s ensemble was both a nod to classic glamour and a fresh, modern statement.
10. Lupita Nyong’o – Vintage Chanel, Oscars 2025
Lupita Nyong’o dazzled in a 1991 vintage Chanel gown encrusted with over 22,000 pearls. With minimal accessories, she let the intricate beadwork speak for itself, proving that timeless pieces can shine as brightly as modern couture.
9. Demi Moore – Thom Browne, Met Gala 2025
At the Met Gala, Moore made a bold artistic statement in a life-size striped tie dress by Thom Browne. The avant-garde ensemble reflected both creativity and confidence, cementing her status as a fashion risk-taker while celebrating her personal evolution.
8. Diana Ross – Custom, Met Gala 2025
Diana Ross wowed in a collaborative gown designed with her son Evan Ross and stylist Ugo Mozie, featuring an 18-foot-long train embroidered with her children’s and grandchildren’s names. The feathered chandelier hat added theatrical flair, combining family homage with high fashion drama.
7. Whoopi Goldberg – Thom Browne Tuxedo Dress, Met Gala 2025
Whoopi Goldberg redefined elegance in a full-length tuxedo gown by Thom Browne. Complete with a white overcoat, top hat, and wingtip shoes, the ensemble celebrated classic tailoring with a playful twist. At 69, Goldberg proved that confidence and style transcend age.
6. Zoe Saldaña – Thom Browne, Met Gala 2025
Saldaña returned to the Met Gala spotlight in a structured Thom Browne dress with exaggerated hips, a mid-thigh slit, and a subtle train. The edgy yet feminine outfit, paired with a chic bob and bangs, made her one of the night’s most photographed attendees.
5. Zoe Saldaña – Sheer Giorgio Armani, TIFF 2024
At TIFF, Saldaña stunned in a sheer black Armani gown with cascading ruffles at the back. Accented with Cartier jewelry, the dress balanced drama and elegance, highlighting her role in Emilia Pérez and setting a benchmark for festival fashion.
4. Florence Pugh – Tamara Ralph, TIFF 2024
Florence Pugh impressed in a strapless silk taffeta gown with a crocodile leather bow and a black silk rose. The voluminous silhouette added a theatrical touch to her TIFF appearance, blending bold design with classic elegance.
3. Jennifer Lopez – Tamara Ralph, TIFF 2024
Jennifer Lopez embraced high glamour at TIFF in a daring Tamara Ralph gown. Styled by Rob Zangardi, the revealing design combined sophistication with confidence, solidifying Lopez’s reputation as a red carpet icon.
2. Nathalie Emmanuel – Dolce & Gabbana, TIFF 2024
Nathalie Emmanuel chose a cream archival Dolce & Gabbana gown with off-the-shoulder ruching and a ruffled train. The look highlighted her elegance and command of red carpet presence, balancing drama with timeless design.
1. Sandrine Holt – Saint Laurent, TIFF 2024
Sandrine Holt embodied minimalist elegance in a black Saint Laurent dress with batwing sleeves and a deep-V neckline. The beautifully draped gown proved that subtlety can be just as powerful as intricate designs, leaving a lasting impression on festival-goers.
From Oscar night glamour to TIFF festival sophistication, these 15 looks showcase the creativity, boldness, and individuality that continue to shape the red carpet. Each ensemble tells a story, whether it’s daring, classic, or avant-garde, and proves that fashion remains one of the most expressive forms of celebrity artistry.