The 2026 Academy Awards red carpet showcased a mix of classic Hollywood glamour and contemporary runway influences, with several clear fashion trends emerging from the night.
One of the most noticeable directions was 90s-inspired minimalism, sometimes referred to as «CBK minimalism,» influenced by the understated style associated with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Stars such as Emma Stone, Renate Reinsve and Gwyneth Paltrow opted for sleek, elegant gowns with minimal embellishment, proving that simplicity can still stand out on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Another standout trend was the «Jessica Rabbit» silhouette — dramatic, curve-hugging gowns reminiscent of the iconic cartoon character. Kylie Jenner drew particular attention in a scarlet Schiaparelli gown, while similar bombshell styles appeared in looks worn by Mikey Madison in Dior and Li Jun Li in Gaurav Gupta.
Fashion house Chanel also had a strong presence on the red carpet, reflecting the growing influence of creative director Matthieu Blazy. Celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Teyana Taylor and Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley wore Chanel designs during both the ceremony and the after-parties.
Gold tones were another defining look of the evening. Several attendees embraced «statuette dressing,» drawing inspiration from the gold Oscars trophy itself. Performers Ejae and Audrey Nuna wore shimmering gold gowns, while stars including Kim Kardashian and Nicole Kidman continued the theme at after-parties.
At the same time, many celebrities chose to wear black gowns, reflecting a return to elegant minimalism. Zoe Saldana and Vicky Krieps opted for sleek black designs, while Demi Moore and Odessa A’zion added dramatic details such as feathers and embroidery.
Finally, the red carpet showed a decline in «naked dresses,» the revealing trend that has dominated recent awards seasons. While a few sheer designs remained, many celebrities favored more structured gowns with emphasis on tailoring, fabrics and craftsmanship.
Together, the trends suggested a shift away from shock value and toward polished, timeless style on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
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