Red Carpet Royalty: How Hollywood Stars Redefined Luxury Fashion in 2025

The 97th Academy Awards delivered some of the most unforgettable fashion moments in recent memory. The prevailing mood was a modern interpretation of Old Hollywood glamour—sharp tailoring, structured silhouettes, and luminous fabrics took center stage.

Zendaya made a breathtaking entrance in a custom silk Versace gown, deep burgundy in color, with a sweeping train and corseted bodice. Her look was a direct nod to the likes of Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall, but her sleek, contemporary styling rooted the moment firmly in the now.

Cillian Murphy, the Best Actor winner, wore a double-breasted Gucci tuxedo with subtle metallic embroidery that shimmered under the lights. The tailoring was razor-sharp, but the detailing elevated the ensemble into art.

Emma Stone, known for her close partnership with Louis Vuitton, wore a hand-embroidered gown featuring thousands of pearls stitched into oceanic patterns, capturing her quiet elegance with remarkable depth.

Timothée Chalamet, a red carpet risk-taker, opted for a sleeveless satin suit by Haider Ackermann, combining gender fluidity with high-end masculinity. His look set social media ablaze and was widely regarded as one of the night’s most daring.

Cannes Film Festival: Couture with a Cause

Cannes is always a showcase of fashion fantasy, and this year was no exception. However, 2025 also introduced a deeper undercurrent of sustainability and global storytelling to the glamour.

Anya Taylor-Joy, the star of several festival entries, wore a Dior gown made entirely from upcycled archival fabric—silk panels from vintage collections reworked into a sculptural, asymmetric masterpiece.

Tilda Swinton, always avant-garde, partnered with Iris van Herpen for a gravity-defying couture creation using biodegradable polymers and 3D printing. The gown was more than fashion; it was an environmental manifesto on the red carpet.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas stunned in a shimmering Sabyasachi sari reinterpretation, reintroducing global audiences to the Indian silhouette through the lens of Parisian sophistication.

These choices weren’t just beautiful—they were bold statements about the future of fashion.

Fashion Trends That Dominated the Red Carpet

1. The Curtain Dress

One of the year’s defining trends, the “curtain dress,” featured heavy draping, ruching, and fabric pooling at the feet. Designers like Alaïa and Stella McCartney showcased this look through both classical and futuristic lenses. Stars like Jessica Chastain and Florence Pugh embraced this style, proving its red carpet viability.

2. Sculpted Minimalism

Where one might expect extravagance, many celebrities opted for stripped-back, sculpted gowns in solid tones—white, ivory, navy, and taupe. These dresses focused on cut and silhouette over embellishment, as seen on Margot Robbie in a Grecian-style Chanel column gown at the BAFTAs.

3. Jewelry as Accent, Not Centerpiece

This year saw a noticeable shift from maximalist jewelry to quiet luxury. Instead of dramatic gemstone displays, stars opted for minimalist diamond cuffs, slim platinum chokers, and heirloom-inspired brooches. The message: Let the garment speak.

The White Lotus Effect: From TV to Luxury Fashion

The influence of HBO’s The White Lotus reached far beyond television screens in 2025. The resort-core aesthetic—neutral palettes, flowing linens, minimalist resortwear—saw a rise in demand across fashion weeks and red carpets. Brands like Max Mara and The Row leaned into this aesthetic, while even fast fashion giants like H&M introduced collaborations inspired by the series.

Jennifer Coolidge, a breakout fashion icon from the show, wore custom Carolina Herrera at the Golden Globes: a kaftan-inspired gown that balanced coastal ease with red carpet sophistication.

The Designers Behind the Magic

Behind every stunning look is a visionary designer. Here are a few names that stood out this year:

• Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli, whose surrealist couture designs continue to captivate Hollywood.

• Nicolas Ghesquière of Louis Vuitton, whose futuristic tailoring has redefined red carpet dressing for women.

• Donatella Versace, who brings glamour to every silhouette she touches.

• Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino, known for reinterpreting romance through bold color and flowing movement.

The synergy between these designers and their muses has brought red carpet fashion to new artistic heights.

Conclusion: Fashion As Statement, Identity, and Legacy

Hollywood’s 2025 red carpet season was more than an aesthetic showcase—it was a cultural narrative stitched into silk, sequins, and structure. As luxury fashion continues to evolve, embracing sustainability, inclusivity, and artistry, the red carpet remains a space where bold statements are made without a single word spoken.

From the legacy of Old Hollywood to the innovation of modern couture, this year’s fashion moments were a reminder that at its best, fashion doesn’t just follow trends—it sets them.