Emmys 2026 red carpet: 9 fashion moments that stole the night, from Zendaya’s crystal Prada gown to Nicole Kidman’s feathered Chanel dress

Nicole Kidman took a quieter but no less considered approach in a white Chanel column gown, tailored to midi-length with an off-the-shoulder neckline built from feather-like micro-florals. Black pointed-toe pumps kept the silhouette grounded and modern. Her beauty look softened the gown’s crisp tailoring—loose curtain bangs framed her face, while an undone low bun added just enough movement to balance the structure. The look proved that a monochrome palette and a precise cut can hold their own against the night’s more maximalist entries.

Florence Pugh brought romantic drama in a soft lilac gown custom-designed by Vivienne Westwood, courtesy of Andreas Kronthaler. The corseted bodice and sparkling drop-waist train gave the gown its structure, while a sweeping sheer tulle wrap added volume as she walked. Her beauty look played a supporting role—a glamorous, deliberately messy high updo that kept attention on the neckline and layered tulle rather than competing with it. The pairing of corsetry and ethereal fabric made this one of the evening’s more painterly entries.

Selena Gomez went full metallic in a strapless, floor-length gold dress custom-designed by Louis Vuitton, its structured, shimmering geometric tile-plating reading almost like wearable armour. She layered on gold and diamond Tiffany & Co jewellery, including pieces from the Bird on a Rock collection and a stack of statement rings, doubling down on the metallic theme rather than dialling it back. The result was a fully committed, head-to-toe gold moment that stood out among the carpet’s other structural silhouettes.

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Emmys 2026 host Mariska Hargitay proved that red-carpet glamour doesn’t fade in a custom ruby-red Monse gown built for maximum impact. Off-the-shoulder straps and a sweetheart bodice led into all-over sequin mesh, a thigh-high side slit and a fringed, feather-textured train that moved beautifully with every step. Voluminous, soft beach waves and subtle red beauty accents tied the look together without overshadowing the gown itself. It was confident, unapologetically glamorous dressing—exactly what a night celebrating decades of television deserves.

Elle Fanning offered one of the night’s softest looks in a light pistachio-green silk chiffon gown by Ralph Lauren. Delicate shoulder straps, an open back and a liquid-shine finish gave the dress movement, while a cascading fringe hemline added texture as she walked. Classic platinum-blonde waves complemented the gown’s hue without pulling focus. The pairing drew from Old Hollywood glamour, a reminder that a well-chosen colour and clean styling can be just as memorable as heavier embellishment.

Keri Russell went for edge over embellishment in a high-neck, black leather column gown custom-designed by Khaite, its unexpectedly open back doing all the talking. The minimalist cut left little room for distraction, which was precisely the point. A sleek, tight low bun and simple drop earrings kept the styling sharp and considered, reinforcing the gown’s clean lines rather than softening them. It was one of the more directional looks of the night.

Chase Infiniti made a striking case for texture over colour in a strapless, body-hugging, floor-length gown covered in dark metallic red texture, custom-built by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton. The structured, almost liquid-metal finish gave the gown a sculptural quality rarely seen on a red carpet. Soft make-up and voluminous curly hair grounded the otherwise futuristic silhouette, keeping the overall look wearable rather than overworked—a confident, texture-forward statement from one of the night’s newer faces.

Odessa A’zion rounded out the standout looks with one of the Emmys 2026 red carpet’s most unconventional choices—a vintage 1996 Jean Paul Gaultier black velvet two-piece pantsuit, complete with flared trousers and dramatic long dangling string accents along the silhouette. Trading gowns for tailoring instantly set her apart. Effortlessly undone, wavy dark hair and minimal accessories let the archival piece take centre stage. It was a gothic, archive-driven statement that proved the Emmys red carpet has room for suiting as much as sequins.

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