Meanwhile, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet turned to shine and sequins to marry traditional glamour with film visuals. The former three wore a hooded Valentino gown with a cowl neckline, while the latter turned to a Haider Ackerman oversized shirt and shiny trouser combination.

This season, many a designer is letting striking design in an ensemble speak for itself, sans any accessory or embellishment.

Korean American actress Greta Lee wore a translucent eggshell blue gown with charcoal gloves—both from American label The Row— to the SAG Awards, paired with subtle make-up and pulled back hair. The gown and the gloves together made such a strong statement that they just didn’t need any accessories—indeed adding accessories might have detracted from the craftsmanship of the pieces.

Irish actress Saoirse Ronan attended the premiere of The Outrun at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in a chevron Louis Vuitton dress worn over a skirt and silver heels. The multiple layers, sheer elements and eye-catching sparkles made the outfit bold enough for the red carpet without needing any jewellery to complement it. 

When we think of Old Hollywood glamour, it instantly evokes a sense of elegance and opulence, with just a touch of mystery. Think of the strapless gowns of Grace Kelly or the chic silhouettes of Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy ensembles.

Many of those classic elements are popular in occasion-wear today, but a modern twist makes them feel fresh. For example, Da’Vine Joy Randolph wore a stunning and romantic custom-made Robert Wun gown to the Baftas in February. Every element of the gown, from its draping to its high-shine satin spelt quintessential Hollywood vibes.

American actress Ayo Edebiri also attended, and wore a light peach custom Bottega Veneta dress that evoked the essence of Marilyn Monroe with its structured bust, cream fur and feathered stole and opera gloves.

The 74th Berlin International Film Festival last month saw more vintage yet new styles: Lupita Nyong’o wore a custom Gucci white gown with an open back and crystal embellishments to the event’s opening ceremony—the straight lines of the bodice looked modern in contrast to the more traditional A-line skirt and train.

British actress Carey Mulligan, who attended the premiere of The Spaceman at Berlin Film Festival, wore a bi-tone Schiaparelli Haute Couture number from its spring-summer 2024 collection with a rounded neckline and a unique cascading skirt detail.

There’s something inherently cool about looking slightly casual on the red carpet, as when executed correctly, the result can be charming. At the premiere of Love Lies Bleeding at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, Kristen Stewart wore a Chanel patchwork skirt suit, with the sleeves rolled at the wrist, light make-up and a loose hairdo.

Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy attended the 96th Oscars Nominees luncheon in a brown Paul Smith suit without a tie and with a slightly untucked shirt that harked back to his professor and scientist role.

In recent times, men’s formal wear have been elegantly incorporating he-vage (men’s cleavage) in its design by pairing it with crisply tailored suits and stark neutral tones.

Saltburn star Barry Keoghan wore a white two-piece Dolce and Gabbana suit—with the cropped vest complementing the wide-leg trousers—at the Masters of the Air premiere in January.

Last month’s Baftas also saw some he-vage too, as Barbie star Ryan Gosling wore a white custom Gucci suit with dark piping details and a deep v-neck that gave retro vibes.

Pedro Pascal attended the SAG Awards ceremony this February—and took home an award—wearing a head-to-toe Prada ensemble, including a white oversized shirt.

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