The red carpet is where fashion meets spectacle, where celebrities make bold statements and designers showcase their most extraordinary work. Over the past decade, the red carpet has been graced by moments that transcended mere clothing, becoming cultural milestones. These iconic looks are not only unforgettable because of their beauty, but also because they captured the spirit of their time, redefined fashion standards, and sparked conversations around identity, creativity, and innovation. Here are some of the most iconic red carpet looks of the past ten years.
1. Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala (Guo Pei)
Rihanna has consistently delivered red carpet excellence, but her 2015 Met Gala appearance remains a standout. Wearing a regal yellow gown with an immense train by Chinese designer Guo Pei, Rihanna honored the event’s theme, “China: Through the Looking Glass,” with both grandeur and cultural awareness. The dramatic fur-trimmed cape, which reportedly took two years to make, was a showstopper. It also introduced many Western audiences to Guo Pei’s artistry. Rihanna’s look became instantly iconic, spawning countless memes and securing its place in fashion history.
2. Billy Porter at the 2019 Oscars (Christian Siriano)
Billy Porter’s tuxedo gown was not just a fashion statement, it was a cultural declaration. Designed by Christian Siriano, the look featured a classic black tuxedo on top and a voluminous velvet ballgown skirt below. It challenged traditional gender norms in Hollywood fashion and elevated the red carpet conversation about masculinity and identity. Porter’s confidence and presence made the ensemble even more powerful, opening doors for more fluid fashion expressions on major stages.
3. Lady Gaga at the 2019 Met Gala (Brandon Maxwell)
Known for pushing boundaries, Lady Gaga turned the 2019 Met Gala into a performance piece. Adhering to the theme “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” she arrived in a fuchsia Brandon Maxwell gown with an exaggerated train, only to reveal three more outfits underneath in a dramatic striptease. Each layer told a different story, ending with her in black lingerie and platform boots. Gaga blurred the lines between theater, fashion, and performance art, turning a red carpet entrance into a full-blown spectacle.
4. Zendaya at the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards (Vera Wang)
Zendaya has become a modern fashion icon, thanks in large part to her stylist Law Roach and her fearless approach to style. At the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards, she stunned in a red Vera Wang bandeau top and floor-length skirt with a dramatic train. The look was sleek, powerful, and elegant. Zendaya’s presence exuded confidence and solidified her reputation as one of the most influential fashion figures of her generation.
5. Timothée Chalamet at the 2022 Oscars (Louis Vuitton)
Timothée Chalamet broke convention at the 2022 Oscars by wearing a sequined black Louis Vuitton jacket with no shirt underneath, paired with slim trousers and boots. The look was edgy and elegant, redefining what menswear could be on the red carpet. Chalamet often avoids traditional suits and brings a sense of fluidity and freshness to men’s fashion, and this appearance was one of his most memorable.
6. Lupita Nyong’o at the 2014 Oscars (Prada)
Lupita Nyong’o’s custom light blue Prada gown made her a breakout fashion star overnight. The Nairobi blue color paid homage to her heritage, and the flowing silhouette gave her a fairytale-like elegance. Her look was not only visually stunning but also deeply personal. She paired it with a delicate headband, completing a timeless ensemble that is still remembered fondly as one of the most beautiful Oscar looks ever.
7. Beyoncé at the 2015 Met Gala (Givenchy)
Beyoncé arrived at the 2015 Met Gala in a sheer Givenchy gown covered in strategically placed crystals. It was bold, sensual, and meticulously designed. The look sparked endless media coverage and social media buzz. With her high ponytail and confident attitude, Beyoncé turned heads and reinforced her status as a red carpet queen.
8. Blake Lively at the 2022 Met Gala (Versace)
Blake Lively paid tribute to New York City in a transformative Versace gown at the 2022 Met Gala, themed “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” The dress started as a copper-toned satin, then dramatically unfurled to reveal a greenish-blue train, symbolizing the patina of the Statue of Liberty. The gown’s intricate details referenced architectural icons such as Grand Central Station. Lively’s look was both thoughtful and theatrical, showcasing how fashion can tell a story.
9. Harry Styles at the 2019 Met Gala (Gucci)
Harry Styles co-chaired the 2019 Met Gala and made a bold choice with a sheer black blouse, high-waisted trousers, and a single pearl earring, all by Gucci. It was a perfect interpretation of the camp theme and a reflection of Styles’ commitment to gender-fluid fashion. His look was not flashy but incredibly significant, signaling a shift in how male celebrities could express themselves.
10. Cate Blanchett at the 2020 Venice Film Festival (Esteban Cortázar)
Cate Blanchett showed how sustainability and style can coexist. Rewearing a striking Esteban Cortázar gown she had previously worn, she promoted eco-conscious fashion on a major stage. In an industry that often prioritizes newness, Blanchett made a powerful statement that elegance does not require excess.
These red carpet moments from the past decade reflect more than just style. They reveal cultural shifts, celebrate diversity, and spotlight the artistry behind fashion. From breathtaking gowns to androgynous experiments, each look left a lasting impression not only on red carpets but also in the broader conversation around identity, self-expression, and the evolution of fashion.