The red carpet has always been the ultimate stage for fashion’s unforgettable statements and most iconic moments. In 2024, the tradition of audacious fashion continued, with stars redefining what it means to make a statement and spark conversation. John Galliano’s Maison Margiela Artisanal 2024 collection made several notable appearances on the red carpet this year, with Zendaya, Kendall Jenner, and Bad Bunny all turning heads in his designs at the Met Gala. Chappell Roan brought a touch of Renaissance drama to her VMAs debut (literally), channeling her inner warrior in a sheer Y/Project maxi dress paired with a sweeping cloak. At the Venice Film Festival, Taylor Russell delivered look after look as soon as she landed in Italy, but we were most obsessed with the vintage Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1993 number she wore for the opening night.
Here, we spotlight the year’s most striking red carpet looks, according to the Editors of V.
Zendaya at the Met Gala
Starting with one of the most memorable moments of the year: Zendaya’s return to the Met Gala after a five-year hiatus. As one of the evening’s five co-chairs, the queen of the red carpet made a grand entrance with not one but two ensembles by John Galliano. For her first look, Zendaya wore a custom gown from Maison Margiela, inspired by Galliano’s Spring 1999 couture collection for Dior. For her second act, she stunned in a vintage ball gown from Givenchy’s Spring 1996 couture collection, paired with a dramatic headpiece that mimicked the shape of a bouquet of roses—an iconic vintage piece from Philip Treacy’s 2007 collection for Alexander McQueen.
Chappell Roan at the VMAS
Chappell Roan made her VMAs debut unforgettable by channeling her inner warrior in a sheer Y/Project maxi dress. The look was accessorized with a tiny chainmail purse and a not so tiny sword. But the real show-stealer was her fearless confrontation with a photographer on the carpet. “Not me, b-tch!”
Taylor Russell at The Venice Film Festival
Taylor Russell always delivers at the Venice Film Festival, and the 81st edition was no exception. As soon as she arrived in Italy, it was clear she wasn’t just there as an actor, but as a bona fide fashion icon. For the film festival’s grand finale, Taylor delivered one of her most unforgettable looks yet—a Schiaparelli haute couture gown designed by Daniel Roseberry. But the look that came out on top was the stunning Haute Couture 1993 archival Chanel she wore for the grand opening ceremony.
Tyla at the Met Gala
Rising South African music sensation Tyla delivered a jaw-dropping ensemble at this year’s Met Gala—wearing a sculpted gown designed by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain. Inspired by the night’s theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” Rousteing leaned into the concept of “sands of time” with a gown that looked like sand clinging to Tyla.
Miley Cyrus at the Grammys
Miley Cyrus turned heads in a bold, see-through mini dress by Maison Margiela—crafted from 14,000 strategically placed gold safety pins—for her big night at this year’s Grammys. The striking piece is a true work of art, with geometric circles adorning the bust and a design resembling a bird-like shape across the pelvic area. The eight-time nominee took home a golden gramophone for Best Pop Solo Performance for “Flowers.”
Cynthia Erivo at the Wicked: Part One Premiere in Mexico
We are, as the saying goes, holding space for Cynthia Erivo. With what seems like the whole world obsessed with the film’s press tour, Erivo’s looks have yet to disappoint. Her most jaw-dropping moment came on the yellow carpet at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, where she turned heads in a glittery black Thom Browne gown. The striking dress featured a structured waist and shoulders adorned with claw-like hands.
Carrey Mulligan at the Oscars
Moving on to the most prestigious night in film, Carey Mulligan stunned in an immaculate custom couture Cristóbal Balenciaga gown from 1951—a masterfully tailored mermaid gown with a scalloped hem that flares out with gathered ivory tulle underneath.
Sabrina Carpenter at the VMAS
The “Espresso” singer looked gorgeous in a silver beaded Bob Mackie dress from 1991, originally worn by Madonna.
Lady Gaga at the ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Premiere
For her first major appearance promoting Joker: Folie à Deux, Lady Gaga stunned in a dramatic Christian Dior couture dress, paired with dazzling Tiffany & Co. jewelry and a theatrical lace face accessory, designed by Philip Treacy, that brought true drama to the red carpet.
Lana del Rey at the Met Gala
For her third Met Gala, Lana Del Rey arrived arm in arm with Alexander McQueen’s new creative director Seán McGirr in an archival design from the house’s fall 2006 collection—embellished with hand-embroidered climbing branches.
Zendaya at the Dune: Part 2 London Premiere
A new Zendaya look has entered the villa. Known for her approach to method dressing, the actor wore an archival Mugler “Maschinenmensch” robot suit from 1995 to The Dune: Part 2 London premiere. This red carpet moment is not just one the biggest of the year, but one that will last a lifetime.
Angelina Jolie at The Venice Film Festival
Angelina Jolie made her long-awaited return to the Venice Film Festival after two decades, stealing the spotlight in a custom nude Tamara Ralph dress paired with a chic faux-fur stole at the premiere of “Maria,” Pablo Larraín’s new biopic in which Jolie portrays the legendary soprano Maria Callas.
Ariana Grande at the Oscars
Ariana Grande made a statement at the 96th Annual Academy Awards in a Glinda-inspired bubblegum pink custom Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, accessorized with Jimmy Choo’s Romy pumps and jewels from Tiffany & Co.
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