The red carpet is a fashion lover’s paradise. From head-turning gowns to bold fashion statements, celebrities always bring their A-game when it comes to dressing up for the most glamorous events. Over the years, we’ve seen some truly iconic fashion moments on the red carpet. These moments have not only made history but have also gone on to inspire future fashion trends. Here are some of the most iconic red carpet fashion moments that have left a lasting impression.
1. Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress has become a cultural symbol of sexiness, beauty, and femininity. Monroe wore the dress in 1955 while appearing on The Seven Year Itch. The dress is a classic silhouette, with a cinched waist, halter neckline, and a flowy skirt. Monroe’s iconic posture and pose while wearing the dress have become just as famous as the dress itself.
2. Björk’s swan dress
When Björk showed up to the 2001 Academy Awards dressed in a swan dress, it caused quite a stir. The dress, with its white feathers and long neck, became an instant sensation and is to this day one of the most talked-about red carpet moments. Designer Marjan Pejoski created the dress for Björk, who was nominated for Best Original Song for her work on Dancer in the Dark. The dress was so popular that it even inspired Halloween costumes and parodies.
3. Princess Diana’s revenge dress
Princess Diana’s “revenge dress” is one of the most iconic fashion moments in history. On the night of June 29, 1994, Princess Diana attended a charity event at the Serpentine Gallery in London. At the same time, Prince Charles was on television, confessing to an affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. Diana showed up in a stunning black off-the-shoulder dress by Christina Stambolian, sending a clear message to the world that she was a woman to be reckoned with.
4. Lady Gaga’s meat dress
At the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga showed up wearing a dress made entirely of meat, turning heads and sparking conversation around fashion and animal rights. The dress, designed by Franc Fernandez, was made of real meat (beef), weighing more than 50 pounds, and was kept cool with blocks of ice. Lady Gaga’s meat dress was a statement piece that examined the relationship between fashion, art, and politics.
5. Cher’s Bob Mackie dress
Cher’s Bob Mackie dress, a floor-length, sparkling silver and gold design with a feathered headdress, is a fashion moment that will always be remembered. Cher wore the famous gown to the Academy Awards in 1986. The dress helped define Mackie as a designer, and Cher as one of the most groundbreaking style icons of the 20th century, with the 70-year-old singer-actress still commanding attention for her bold, daring outfits on and off the red carpet.
6. Lupita Nyong’o’s powder blue dress
Lupita Nyong’o’s powder blue dress at the 2014 Oscars was a masterpiece. Designed by Prada, the pleated gown was a unique shade of blue that looked exquisite on the actress’s skin tone. The dress was iconic because it was unlike anything we had seen on the red carpet before, and Lupita’s striking beauty made for an unforgettable combination.
7. Elizabeth Hurley’s safety pin dress
Elizabeth Hurley’s safety pin dress is the ultimate red carpet moment. The dress, designed by Versace, was made of black silk and held together with oversized golden safety pins. Hurley wore the dress to a 1994 premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral, with the dress becoming one of the most talked-about moments in fashion history. The gown helped make Hurley a household name, with the dress now part of fashion history.
8. Rihanna’s yellow gown
Rihanna’s yellow gown at the Met Gala in 2015 was a bold fashion statement. The gown, designed by Chinese couturier Guo Pei, featured billowing sleeves, a long train, and intricate beading. The gown was a head-turner, quite literally, as Rihanna had to be carried up the Met Museum stairs to avoid tripping on her train. The gown was one of the most memorable red carpet moments, and we are still talking about it today.
9. Celine Dion’s backwards suit
Celine Dion has always been a bold fashion maven, and her backward suit at the 1999 Academy Awards was no exception. Dion wore a white, long-tailed suit by designer John Galliano, with the jacket buttoned at the back. The suit was a turning point in Celine’s fashion persona, signaling a shift from her previous conservative looks and signaling a more daring, risk-taking style.
10. Angelina Jolie’s thigh-high slit
Angelina Jolie’s thigh-high slit dress at the 2012 Academy Awards was a show-stopping moment. Designed by Versace, the dress was a beautiful shade of black velvet, with a high slit up the side that revealed Jolie’s long leg. Jolie became an internet sensation after the event, with many people marveling at her stunning gown and the confidence with which she wore it.
In conclusion, red carpet fashion has always been a part of the glamour world, and these iconic moments have captured our hearts and imaginations for years. These moments were daring, bold, and often groundbreaking, and they have defined fashion in so many ways. From Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress to Björk’s swan dress to Lady Gaga’s meat dress, all these moments have showcased a level of creativity and expression that has helped to shape the fashion world we know today.
