Dojo Cat attends Schiaparelli Paris Couture Show

From Doja Cat’s head-to-toe Swarovski look to Kylie Jenner’s lion-head gown, the past year has witnessed some of the most bizarre and iconic fashion moments in history. What better way to ring in the new year than by looking back on the best red carpet looks of 2023, then? Sure, the SAG-AFTRA strike may have halted red carpet events at some point, but there’s still plenty of noteworthy looks to appreciate from this year.

Each look is emblematic of a different trend that has recently popularized. Reflecting on these trends can help you discern between those you’ll be leaving in 2023 and others you’ll be carrying into the new year. To guide your process, here’s our list of the ten most iconic red carpet looks from 2023.

Zendaya in Valentino

This look comes first because it marks one of the year’s biggest trends: the rosette. Reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe from “Sex and The City,” 3D florals have made their official reboot in 2023 — and they likely aren't going anywhere. Zendaya was certainly on to something when she helped design this custom Valentino gown for the 2023 SAG Awards.

Rachel Zegler in Vivienne Westwood

Rachel Zegler dazzled the 2023 Academy Museum Gala with this gold, mermaid-style custom Vivienne Westwood gown. This look is important because it signals a shift in the industry toward gold and silver metallics, as evidenced by Chanel and Miu Miu’s 2023/2024 runway collections as well as Fendi’s and Bottega Veneta’s recent window displays.

Anne Hathaway in Versace

Paying homage to the late creative director Karl Lagerfeld, Anne Hathaway stole the show at this year’s Met Gala with a custom, tweed-and-safety-pin gown. This look was designed with the question “What if Karl had designed for Versace?” in mind, yielding a perfect combination of risqué cutouts, pearls, and gold-feathered tweed. The juxtaposition of romance and sex appeal is certainly another complex trend we’ll see in the upcoming year.

Cardi B in Dilara Fındıkoğlu

Adding proof to the metallics trend, Cardi B shimmered down the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards carpet in a custom gown by Turkish-British designer Dilara Fındıkoğlu. Only this wasn’t just any metallic look. It was an eye-catching dress made almost entirely of silver hair clips. This ensemble also leans into the surrealist movement of 2023, or the idea of bringing the uncanny to life.

Shay Mitchell in Herve Leger

It’s no secret that the color of the year is red. Shay Mitchel played to this fact with a seductive, cherry-red gown by Herve Leger at the 2023 CFDA awards. Notably, this dress has one sleeve that leads into a glove. Both asymmetrical elements and gloves are a part of the 2023 zeitgeist.

Jodie Turner-Smith in Viktor & Rolf

Leaning into the pantsless and ballerina-core movements, this look by Viktor & Rolf is one of my all-time favorites. The British actress and model sported this architectural number to Vogue World in London, the perfect occasion to ditch pants for a massive, silk bow.

Bad Bunny in Jacquemus

Making waves in men’s fashion, the “MONACO” singer struck again at the 2023 Met Gala with this bridal-inspired look by Jacquemus. A shawl made completely of white rosettes fell carelessly around his all-white ensemble, masterfully blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity.

Hunter Schafer in Ann Demeulemeester

Of all the racy looks in 2023, this one takes the cake. Hunter Schafer took a risk with this revealing look at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, putting Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s name in just about every fashion critic’s mouth following his short tenure at Ann Demeulemeester.

Margot Robbie in Alaïa

It isn’t Barbie-pink, but this Alaïa cutout dress worn by Margot Robbie showcases a rising interest in hooded-evening wear. A similar moment took place at the Cannes Film Festival, when Alessandra Ambrosio stunned crowds with a vintage, Elie Saab hooded gown.

Elsa Hosk in Helsa at Cannes

Made you look. That’s right — Elsa Hosk wasn’t afraid to free-the-nip at the amfAR Gala at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cannes. The Swedish model put her figure on display in perhaps the most delicate, off-the-shoulder gown featuring ruching details and a large cutout revealing her midriff. She’s one of many celebrities to recently hop on the campaign which celebrates women’s bodies.

Article by Meyme Nakash, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine

A Recap of 2023’s Best Red Carpet Looks