Red Carpet Recap 2025: The Looks That Stole the Show
It’s a new year, but we can’t move on without one last look back at 2025’s most iconic red carpet moments. From classic archival elegance to bold, unforgettable outfits, let’s reminisce one last time on the looks that will stay pinned on our moodboards for months (or maybe even years) to come.
Golden Globes: Ariana Grande
Source: Amy Sussman: Getty Images
Only six days into 2025, Ariana Grande hit the ground running at the Golden Globes. While our resident good witch was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, she absolutely owned the red carpet, stepping out in an unworn archival 1966 Hubert de Givenchy dress. She paired this Audrey Hepburn–chic number with a Swarovski choker and white opera gloves. Styled by Mimi Cuttrell, this look was a classic, with a subtle nod to the yellow brick road — staying true to the wicked press tour's iconic themed look book.
The Academy Awards: Omar Apollo
Source: Robyn Beck: AFP, Getty Images
The Academy Awards delivered a host of incredible outfits, but there is nothing we at Trendii appreciate more than a well-done suit - and Omar Apollo came to play, so sit down and take notes. The actor-musician wore a Valentino suit with a tie-scarf, polka dot shirt, and a Chopard lizard brooch. a. Styled by Brandon Tan, what we adored most about this outfit was the birdcage veil, a subtle yet elegant addition that tied the whole look together. This is peak suit perfection — gone are the days of “fun socks and a basic tie.”
Grammys: Chappel Roan
Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin: Getty Images
For Chappel Roan’s debut appearance at the Grammys, the Midwest princess pulled out all the stops, rocking the runway in Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2003 couture. What we love about this fit is stylist Genesis Webb's attention to detail: from Edgar Degas “Dancer with a Bouquet” printed on her dress, to her yellow boots designed by John Fluevog, Roan came for — and took — her rightful place at the throne. Much like her album The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess, this look is playful, camp and true to her creative voice - all we can say is good luck topping this look, babe!
Grammys: Charlie XCX
Source: Getty Images
Brat was the soundtrack to our collective summer, so of course, Charlie XCX’s appearance at the Grammys in a grey dress shook many of us to our cores… where was the signature green? Our 365 party girl and her stylist, Chris Horan, highlighted that Brat is not just a colour; it's a state of mind. XCX, wearing an ashy coloured Jean Paul Gaultier Dress designed by Ludovic de Saint Sernin and knee-high heels, owned the red carpet, embodying Brat with every step.
Met Gala: Janelle Monae
Source: Theo Wargo: Getty images
Source: Theo Wargo: Getty images
You wouldn’t be the first to wonder if the 2025 Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, was made for Janelle Monáe. The theme aimed to highlight Black dandyism and menswear. Monáe wore a custom collaboration between Thom Browne and Oscar-winning designer Paul Tazewell — the mastermind behind the costumes in Hamilton, In the Heights, and The Colour Purple. This surreal, cartoonish number was styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn with the aim of serving as an optical illusion. L'apièce de résistance? The monocle-watch designed by Vacheron Constantin — proof that even the tiniest accessory can steal the spotlight.
Cannes Film Festival: Cate Blanchett
Source: Ernesto Ruscio: Getty Images
The people’s princess of Australia, Cate Blanchett, showed us once again how to do a red carpet right. A veteran of the scene, Blanchett consistently proves that minimalism can be done with flair. This custom halterneck gown by Louis Vuitton, styled by Elizabeth Stewart, is the epitome of a black dress done right: the train and frills elevate it into a true gown. Some critics argued that the colour of her dress made her fade into the sea of tuxedos, but we beg to differ — on the steps of the iconic festival, Blanchett stood out, the red carpet perfectly complementing her look.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art Gala (LACMA) Art Film Gala: Demi Moore
Source: Gilbert Flores: Variety
The 2025 red carpets saw many trends come and go, but none more outrageous than the “naked dress,” and Demi Moore got the final word on this one. The Substance actress, styled by Brad Goreski, closed out the year at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Gala in a Gucci sheer halter-neck dress designed by Thierry Mugler. Divinely feminine in every sense, the gown was adorned with delicate floral embellishments, giving her an ethereal, fairy-tale aura — no need for statement jewellery, because this dress speaks for itself.
The Fashion Awards: Colman Domingo
Source: Getty Images
The 2025 Fashion Awards in London were hosted by the one and only Colman Domingo, and he proved he owns the blue carpet. Styled by the iconic duo Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, Domingo rocked a custom Burberry navy-and-pink suit that entirely complements his personal style, playfully channelling classic 1970s masculinity. Truly, this is how you do a statement suit without breaking a sweat.
If 2025 set the bar this high, then 2026 better be ready to bring its A-game. From jaw-dropping gowns to statement suits and everything in between, the red carpet served looks we’ll be talking about for years. One thing’s for sure — we’ll be front row, popcorn in hand, ready to swoon, judge, and take notes on every unforgettable moment.
By Kimia Nojoumian
Fashion Writer & Trend Analyst



