These are the best dresses that made an impact on the Emmy Awards’ red carpet.
This Sunday marks the 73rd annual Emmy Awards, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer. (For all of the evening’s nominations, read on here.) Ahead of TV’s big night, and in honor of the red carpet that will happen beforehand, Vogue is looking back on some of the most memorable fashion looks to hit the step and repeat over the past 15 years. We’ve seen style on the red carpet run the gamut, from daring trends to classic Hollywood glamour. Here, we look back at the dresses that made an impact at the awards.
Although she wasn’t nominated, Blake Lively stole the spotlight in 2009 in a plunging neckline and high-slit dress from Versace. Also leading the way with a more-is-more look around that time was Heidi Klum in a John Galliano for Christian Dior Couture dress that recalled the smoldering elegance of Rita Hayworth. With beachy blonde waves and whimsical Chanel dresses, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston also brought an air of romance to the big night.
On the other end of the spectrum, Mischa Barton, Keri Russell, and Kerry Washington have all dazzled in sequins from head to toe. Julianne Moore in Christian Dior Couture and Claire Danes in Lanvin showed that bold color can be a beguiling choice-ditto for Allison Williams in Oscar de la Renta and Katie Holmes in Calvin Klein Collection. A favorite from the 2013 Emmys was Kiernan Shipka, who wore an intricate Delpozo dress that was sophisticated without being stuffy.
The following year, Gwen Stefani all but stole the show in a shimmering Atelier Versace number boasting edgy metal detailing. More recently, Lady Gaga opted for an all-black gown by stylist turned designer and close personal friend, Brandon Maxwell. The asymmetric neckline flattered Lady Gaga’s 5-foot-1 frame and furthermore showcased her signature sense of dramatic flair.
At the 2018 Emmys, pink was the color of the night: Tracee Ellis Ross wowed in a voluminous Valentino Haute Couture gown, while Westworld’s Thandie Newton did sleek minimalism in a Brandon Maxwell column gown. But whether they brought home a statuette or not, these women’s fashion choices made them part of the winner’s circle. Last year, notable moments included Kendall Jenner's floral Richard Quinn gown, which was offset with a latex undergarment by Vex Clothing worn underneath. Gwyneth Paltrow also proved that vintage could feel just as fresh as straight-off-the-runway, sporting an archival Valentino creation that was extremely chic.
For last year’s virtual Emmys, stars didn’t skimp on the fashion. A highlight was Zendaya in Christopher John Rogers’s polka-dotted ball gown, which she wore while accepting her award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, for her role in Euphoria. A winning gown for a big winner of the night.
Below, see these and more of the 45 best moments in Emmys red carpet history.
