The EMMY Awards rolled around again and this year was such a successful carpet. I often find it hard to compile 3 best looks out of all the guests at an event, but tonight had so many iconic moments that I wanted my top 3 to include half of the attendees.
We have now seen most of the upcoming trends that will influence fashion in 2024 - the worst of which being creases - and I'm not loving the crazes, however, many celebs attending this red carpet turned out some major looks.
Best Dressed
1/16
Suki Waterhouse in Valentino Haute Couture
Following in the footsteps of Rihanna, Suki is doing pregnancy fashion like no-one else. The proportions of this gown are so complementary and even in this blood red colour it feels sophisticated and chic. The placement of that oversized bow perfectly accentuates the pop of the baby bump. Valentino really have demonstrated beautiful design and attention to context.
2/16
Aubrey Plaza in Loewe
Hands down my favourite look of the night. Loewe has recently used the pin as a nod to its use and importance in creating a garment, which is highlighted here with an extremely large pin that pierces through the top of the gown - as if holding it in place. The gown itself is refined and simple, which allows the attention to fall on the pin motif, yet simple as it is, it is also a compelling and intriguing shape that is nothing like what we have seen before.
3/16
Meghann Fahy in Armani Prive
Clearly the best cast from my best show of the year - White Lotus - had access to the best garments (rightly so) as this is the second jaw-dropping moment of the night from a White Lotus cast member. This is everything is expect from Armani Prive - who have been responsible for countless flops recently - as the shape/fit of the gown is sickening, added to by the depth of colour and intricate floral element which are just gag worthy. As a strapless gown, this is sexy, simple and timeless.
4/16
Claire Danes in vintage Balmain
From the front, this is a simple or potentially dull pink gown. I enjoy the shade and it does create a very nice silhouette, yet when Claire turned around, she exposed the wow-factor of this vintage piece. Just behind the shoulders are two patches covered in mis-match crystals which fall down into the back off the dress: two lengths of fabric that cross over below the exposed back to merge into the bottom of the gown. I really enjoy the use of the back of the dress in contrast to create intrigue. This really is a business in the front, party in the back moment.
5/16
Hannah Waddingham in Marchesa
This gown feels dangerously close to an overused Giambattista Valli style from the late 2010's, yet it does set itself apart with subtle details and overall structure. The flow and magnitude of the train of the gown is so grandiose and elegant, balancing out the tight, body-con silhouette of the body. The gown itself is incredibly detailed and intricate.
6/16
Jessica Chastain in Gucci
At first glance, I hated this, as I assumed it was a spandex or rubber type of material in a bogey-green hue. Yet, upon closer inspection you can see that the gown is adorned with countless tiny sequins in a lime colour which change the entire look for me. From below the hips, strands of a darker green fall to hit the floor and create a sort of fringe effect. This subtle detail created a little drama and looks amazing as the dress moves in real life.
7/16
Issa Rae in Pamella Roland
I am a huge fan of a cape moment, even more so a fan of a sheer moment, so to get a sheer cape moment in one look is exciting. The feather details all over this piece are ethereal. Beneath the cape, I believe Issa is wearing a sort of long-sleeved column dress in the same tone as the outer layer, which keeps the look palatable and consistent. Issa does a great job of moving with the gown and having fun on the carpet, which is exactly what a look like this one needs.
8/16
Reece Feldman in Saint Laurent
No-one does class mens black tie quite like Saint Laurent, always creating slick, refined, clean, tailored look. This ensemble is very simple, the shirtless choice leaving less distractions. The part of this look that excites me the most is what seems to be just a length of a chiffon fabric - several metres long - that sits wrapped around the front of the neck, sitting on the shoulders and falling down the back of the body all the way to the floor. This almost creates a train and leans into my favourite angle of menswear, which is balancing the masculine with the feminine to create something either andrognyous or just unusual.
9/16
Jenna Ortega in Dior Haute Couture
This is exactly what I want to see from Dior Haute Couture, beautiful structure, gorgeous intricate details, some kind of fantasy, simplicity done to perfection.
10/16
Colman Domingo in Louis Vuitton
Once again, Colman showing up all the men that 'don't want to do anything crazy'. We have fantastic little details and character in the Louis Vuitton jewellery pieces (brooches, bracelets and pins), we have a boot (creating a longer line and super tall silhouette). That coat is also not something to be ignored, not many men can pull of a longer formal jacket - which you'll notice later in this post...
11/16
Taraji P. Henson in Atelier Versace
We are fully aware of my love for a train, and for sheer components in fashion so this look was immediately off the a good start. The Atelier have done such a tremendous job, fitting this dress so perfectly, creating such clean gatherings and playing with the placement/flow of the fabric to create a sculpted yet graceful look.
12/16
Alfie Fuller in Vicnate
This is exactly what I imaged when I thought of that perfect princess dress when I was younger (no I wasn't playing football, I was styling my mums evening gowns). This pure joy on Alfie's face says it all about this piece, it's vibrant, feminine, youthful, grand, everything you want from a gown. Technically, the huge ruffled skirt contrasts so well with the gathered, pleated fabric that creates a tiny upper body, all of which is completed with two cute pink bows in the hair - both on trend and timeless.
13/16
Rachel Brosnahan in Versace
Versace have once again displayed their amazing ability to do a corset-effect bodice and a contrasting elegant skirt, but as one piece. It features a super low waistline, creating a long, highlighted torso - allowing the detailed work of the bodice to shine - yet doesn't cut off the lower body or create the look of short legs.
14/16
Briga Heelan in Oscar De La Renta
This look was one that I had to do some deep diving for, as it wasn't so dramatic that everyone was talking and asking about it. But I really enjoyed it and saw something that I just had to learn about. It turns out this is an Oscar De La Renta piece, which in hindsight is relatively obvious due to the nature of floral part. This look is essentially just and black fitted gown, only made interesting by the straps/collar which feature unique hand-crafted flowers that continue across gown and frame the open back.
15/16
Jessica Williams in Rodarte
This strapless black velvet gown is beautiful as if, yet when the tiered white skirt emerges below the hips, the black doesn't cut off, it continues as it falls around the sides and back of the white element, framing it gorgeously. I love that we didn't get an over indulgent full white tiered skirt on its own that flows out from the waist, as this little feature is really unique. Plus, those shoes are dreamy.
16/16
Beatrice Granno in Armani Prive Haute Couture
I have been looking at this gown more than all the others on this list since it appeared on the carpet, and I think I am obsessed. My immediate thought was that I would rather see a rose or camellia, but we have seen those overdone. I really love the sparkling poppy creation from Armani and would like to see it continued on other pieces. The black ribbon that frames the top of the gown falls down the middle of the body creates a much needed separation and balance with the straight cut, sequinned column dress.
Wow! So many incredible looks that I couldn't add any more to that list because they would take away from all the perfect moments. So the next list - our 'Middle Ground' - contains several looks that, on other red carpets, would easily place on the best dressed. So, unlike my usual red carpet rundowns, this next list is essentially just another good look list. Enjoy!
Middle Ground
1/12
Selena Gomez in Oscar De La Renta
This gown is almost a huge moment, with the signature illusion look from Oscar De La Renta - in which they use sheer or transparent fabric for the body of the dress, covering up certain parts of the body with crystals, floral embroidery or in this case, leaves - yet, this version of the trademark style just misses. The body of the dress (that isn't the deep purple-brown section) is not a perfect skin tone match, nor is it completely clear, which immediately takes me out of the fantasy.
2/12
Ayo Edebiri in Louis Vuitton
The leather in this look is incredible, it is stitched together to create a powerful, intriguing shape. The dress flows uniquely and takes on a life of its own with the natural movement of the leather, particularly from the waist down.
3/12
Jennifer Coolidge in Etro
Yes, this is a dress that your aunty - the not stylish one - would wear, but it is such a perfect nod to White Lotus, with the exotic plant print. It also feels exactly like something Tanya would wear on the show. I really enjoy the sheer pleated outer layer of the dress, as well as the subtle but intentional pop of lace at the bra. To be honest, Jennifer Coolidge can just do no wrong.
4/12
Camila Morrone in Atelier Versace
This is a bombshell look from Versace, who have really owned the night with various sexy, jaw-dropping gowns. The dress is a perfect fit to Camila's body, with what seems to be boning at the waist and bodice to create structure and depth. A red gown is always a reliable yet bold statement, but this beautifully crafted piece from the Atelier is a showstopper.
5/12
Donald Glover in Bode
As a brand, Bode is known for menswear pieces that reference vintage fashion, with a range of styles that are either 1 of 1 or come in productions of up to 100 pieces at most. You can never quite tell with Bode what time frame the clothing is meant to be from, which almost elevates each style to a place beyond time, which I would say is true with this red carpet look. I am obsessed with the floral embroidery and am always a fan of velvet in mens looks.
6/12
Elizabeth Debicki in Dior Haute Couture
This is yet another successful fashion moment from Dior Haute Couture. It would land easily on the best dressed list if it wasn't for the front of the gown, which covers the entire chest, creating an unusual shape to the shoulders. However, the fabric, style, colour, shape and especially the exposed back of this dress are all extremely elegant and classic.
7/12
Simona Tabasco in Marni
Does this look like a 'flowers and fruits' sticker book? Yes. But there is something about that which I think is particularly unique and fresh. Not only is the dress structured really well, from the straps, to the concentrated bodice and the volume of the skirt, but the colour palette and fun of the 'stickers' bring an eye-catching factor to an otherwise simple piece.
8/12
Garcelle Beauvais styled by Roberto Cardenaz
We have seen feathers done in a thousand different ways in the last few years, but this is a new take on it that feel we haven't seen. The placement and structure of the body of this gown create the effect of a real birds wing, wrapping around the chest of the model. It feels animalistic, perhaps something McQueen would have created, yet so feminine and wearable.
9/12
Tyler James Williams in Dolce and Gabbana
It's always great to see men trying to push the boat out a little, even if it falls flat. This leather suit is quite a fun idea, I especially enjoy the shape of the jacket, which wraps further than usual and has a structured shoulder for a touch of drama.
10/12
Joy Sunday in Safiyaa
Joy is absolutely glowing here, and looks like some kind of angel in this ivory creation. The shape/fit of the pants as well as the layered skirt of the dress is throwing me off and cutting off the potentially streamline look of this ensemble. That being said, I truly love the off the shoulder moment to exaggerate the small waist, which falls into two lengths of silk as a train.
11/12
Emma Brooks in Dolong
At first I though this was a Jean Paul Gaultier x Y Project piece, but alas, it is not. The top half of the look is almost streetwear: a bodycon long sleeved leotard with a literal image of a female body. This contrasts so strongly with the elegant, chic silk skirt, yet somehow they work really well together.
12/12
Cody Heller in Monique Lhuillier
This looks seems very heavily inspired by the Barbie--core trend that we saw last year, as well as the ballet-core trend that is still prevalent today, blending together to create a highly feminine, bright pink vision that isn't too creatively stimulating, but is a fun piece to see. The hot pink platform heels play further into the ballerina aesthetic, with straps that mimic ribbons of a point shoe.
Safe to say it was a genuinely good carpet. Even so, there were a handful of looks that we have to mention, just as a lesson on what not to do if you ever find yourself on a major red carpet. At this point, if you wear something creased/crinkled you are automatically landing on my worst dressed list, so it's important to mention that these are all just personal opinions, and I may just be uneducated - watch me do a full 180 and love creases by the end of the season.
Worst Dressed
1/9
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker
After Kourtney collaborated deeply with fast fashion brand - Boohoo - I shouldn't expect any good fashion choices from her. So it doesn't shock me at all to see her and Travis looking like they bought prom suits off Shein the night before this event.
2/9
Bella Ramsey in Prada
I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that perhaps this is just Bella's style, and that I dislike it personally, but perhaps it isn't undeniably bad. With this look I truly hate the colour palette, the layering looks uncomfortable and unnatural, leaving Bella looking like they stole their grandpa's clothes (once again, not in a good way).
3/9
Quinta Brunson in Dior Haute Couture
Please god, NO MORE CRINKLESSSSS! It seems that the Hollywood steamer and iron shortage is continuing much longer than expected. I would like to know how this dress looks without creases, but I fear that it would present just as cheap and 'fast fashion' as it does here.
4/9
Charlie Puth
We have a lab coat, a matching pant that balloons - which doesn't look intentional - creating awful physical proportions, finished with a black satin shirt with a literal star pattern... Charlie, please stay home in the future.
5/9
Kathryn Hanh in Dior Haute Couture
Perhaps I just don't get it, and if that's the case, please educate me on the context, craft and design of this look. To me, I see a shirt that is only fitting for Ron Weasley at the Yule Ball, it is sheer and exposes a very unflattering undergarment moment. The skirt sits very high but doesn't flatter the waist nor does it create a nice line of the legs, furthermore it looks completely dishevelled and distressed - perhaps leave that to Balenciaga.
6/9
Ali Wong in Louis Vuitton
Such a beautiful woman in such a horrific look. The skirt of this ensemble looks similar to a dress you would see Anna Wintour wearing in spring... The top clashes so intensely that my eyes genuinely get sore if I look directly at this look for more than ten seconds. Everything is wrong, from the lining of the neckline, to the shape of the skirt, to the way the two pieces just blend into each other??
7/9
Sophie Thatcher in Saint Laurent
For me, this look is almost a good one, potentially just ruined by the scoop neckline, which just does not work with the shape and style of the rest of the gown. The colour really washes Sophie out and makes it look like this photo was from 50 years ago.
8/9
Sam Richardson in Grayscale
This is only here as another chance for me to hate on the crinkled/creased fabric trend. It has only just emerged in popular culture and I am already sick of it. Relatively speaking, it doesn't look the worst here, from a distance, I imagine that the gives an interesting effect to the jacket, but I can't get past the fact that it's creased and looks so terribly cheap.
9/9
Francesca Zocchi in Nervi
Have we still not learnt about dressing in purple? This dress is more of a sequinned robe appropriate for a glamorous pyjama party, than red carpet attire.
Now that we've made it through all the notable looks from this carpet, we'll round up as usual with my Top 3 and Worst 3. I wanted so much to make this a top five, but I follow my rules, so let me just give an honourable mention to Suki Waterhouse for that Valentino masterpiece as well as Jessica Williams who was an absolute vision in Rodarte.
Top 3
Worst 3
Let me know on socials if you agree, disagree or if I missed anyone out. Now head on over to another post, here's my previous blog if you feel like some more awards season red carpet content.
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