The year 2022’s red carpet circuit was full of experimentation, self-expression, and play.
Celebrities wore vintage clothing more frequently this year than in previous years, with some occasions—like Kim Kardashian’s Marilyn Monroe gown at the Met Gala—proving to be more contentious than others. The majority of red carpet attendees, from Brad Pitt’s divisive linen skirt suit to Julia Roberts’ playful jab at co-star George Clooney, seemed to have adopted a “anything goes” attitude.
But there were many chic, standout fashion moments amidst the sartorial mayhem (Heidi Klum’s worm costume deserves an honorable mention).
Zoe Kravitz at the New York premiere of “The Batman” wearing Oscar de la Renta
In March, at the New York premiere of ‘The Batman,’ Zoe Kravitz wore a gown with a playful cat motif as a nod to her on-screen character, Catwoman. Evan Agostini/Invision/Associated Press
Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz’s “The Batman” global press tour featured numerous fashion references to the movie’s characters. But Kravitz’s Oscar de la Renta gown, worn to the movie’s New York City premiere, had to be the highlight of the red carpet circuit, which stretched across three nations. In honor of Kravitz’s portrayal of Catwoman, the column dress featured a gothic corset detail and two bust panels with cat silhouettes.
Blake Lively dressed in Versace for the 2022 Met Gala.
Blake Lively’s custom Versace gown was an homage to famous Gilded Age New York buildings. Image courtesy of Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Pictures
Celebrities interpreted the “Gilded Glamour” Met Gala theme in May in a variety of ways, with some choosing to be more historically accurate than others (Kim Kardashian’s contentious Marilyn Monroe dress was taken from a completely different era). Blake Lively’s dress, on the other hand, was an undeniable triumph and a symbolic homage to New York City’s Gilded Age architecture. When the oversized satin bow covering the custom Versace design was undone, a long skirt that draped across the stairs was revealed. In addition to the dress’ color, which was a tribute to the Statue of Liberty’s patina, the outfit featured details of some of the city’s most recognizable structures, including the Empire State Building and Grand Central Station. With 25 stones to represent the 25 windows of the renowned statue’s crown, even her tiara made reference to Lady Liberty.
Emma Corrin at the BFI Film Festival wearing JW Anderson
Corrin arrived at the BFI Film Festival in London wearing a JW Anderson goldfish dress. Image courtesy of David Fisher/Shutterstock
After becoming well-known in 2021 for her portrayal of Princess Diana in season four of the Netflix drama “The Crown,” Emma Corrin solidified their reputation as a risk-taker on the red carpet this year. Whether it was the outrageous Loewe deflated balloon bra worn to the 2022 Olivier Awards or a custom Miu Miu outfit with a top hat for the Met Gala, Corrin has consistently demonstrated how to put fun and fantasy before anything else. Corrin showed up at the BFI Film Festival in London wearing a tacky JW Anderson outfit straight off the Spring-Summer 2023 runway. A picture of an orange goldfish is printed on the goldfish dress, a one-shoulder minidress with a bubble shape and glossy finish.
At the 2022 Oscars, Jada Pinkett Smith wore Jean Paul Gaultier
Jada Pinkett Smith’s red carpet outfit was somewhat overshadowed by her husband’s infamous slap, but it was still one of the most eye-catching looks of the evening. The Glenn Martens for Jean Paul Gaultier gown, which had a fitted bodice, a flared high neck, and a rippling, sculptural skirt, had its runway debut in January during Paris Haute Couture Week.
Backless Haider Ackermann suit worn by Timothée Chalamet in Venice
In his backless Haider Ackermann suit, Chalamet made a splash at the “Bones And All” screening during the Venice Film Festival. Maria Moratti/Getty Pictures
Timotheé Chalamet, star of “Call Me by Your Name,” graced the Venice Film Festival red carpet this year wearing a backless, blood-red halter-neck suit designed by his good friend and fellow countryman Haider Ackermann. The risky outfit gained notoriety, adding to Chalamet’s growing collection of daring menswear ensembles.
London’s Taylor Russell Schiaparelli corset
Russell later wore a captivating Schiaparelli look while promoting the same movie during the press tour in London. Credit: AP, Sipa USA, and Abaca Press
Taylor Russell, the co-star of “Bones and All” with Timothee Chalamet, attended the film’s world premiere at the BFI Film Festival in London during the same press tour. Daniel Roseberry, the creative director at Schiaparelli, created Russell’s dramatic full-boned, long-lined corset-adorned ensemble. Russell’s jacket was hand-sewn in the Paris atelier and took more than 150 hours to complete.
The Princess Diaries’s Anne Hathaway’s Armani Privé moment in Cannes
Fans were reminded of Hathaway’s time as Princess Mia Thermopolis by her Armani Privé column dress at the Cannes film premiere of “Armageddon Time.” Gisela Schober/Getty Pictures
In the “Princess Diaries” series from the 2000s, Anne Hathaway brought back memories of her Genovian royal heritage at the Cannes Film Festival in May. For the premiere of the new movie “Armageddon Time,” the actress stunned on the red carpet in an all-white Armani Privé gown and stunning sapphire jewelry.
Harris Reed’s feathered look on Lil Nas X at the MTV Video Music Awards
Lil Nas X attended the MTV Video Awards sporting a sculpture by Harris Reed. Image courtesy of Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Harris Reed and rapper Lil Nas X once again revolutionized menswear. At the MTV Video Awards, Lil Nas X caught everyone’s attention in a flashy black outfit that included a feathered headdress, a hoop skirt, and leather pants underneath.
Zendaya at the Emmy’s in a vintage Valentino gown
For the Emmys, Zendaya chose a traditional black strapless Valentino gown. Credit: Getty Images/Frazer Harrison
Zendaya, who regularly delights onlookers on the red carpet, once again stole the show at the 74th Emmy Awards in September with the aid of veteran stylist Law Roach. The actress, who was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama for her work in “Euphoria,” looked absolutely stunning in a voluminous, strapless black Valentino gown.4
The Billboard Music Awards in Doja Cat’s otherworldly Schiaparelli style
Doja Cat’s attire for this year’s Billboard Music Awards was inspired by her highly nominated album “Planet Her.” The otherworldly look was from Daniel Roseberry’s sci-fi-inspired “Planet Schiaparelli” collection, which made its debut at Paris Haute Couture Week in January. It included a golden Saturn-shaped purse and a sculpted corset with two vertically protruding horns.
