Wrote Hannah PhamLeah Dolan, CNN
The 2022 red carpet circuit — filled with experimentation, self-expression and play — was one to remember.
The year saw a significant rise in celebrities embracing archival fashion, and some moments — namely Kim Kardashian’s Marilyn Monroe dress at the Met Gala — proved more controversial than others. Meanwhile, many red carpet goers seem to have adopted an ‘anything goes’ approach – from Brad Pitt’s split linen skirt to co-star Julia Roberts’ playful take on co-star George Clooney.
But amid the sartorial chaos (Heidi Klum’s worm costume deserves an honorable mention) there were plenty of chic, standout fashion moments.
Scroll down to see our pick of the 10 best red carpet looks of 2022.
Zoe Kravitz in Oscar de la Renta at the premiere of ‘The Batman’ in New York
At the New York premiere of ‘The Batman’ in March, Zoe Kravitz’s dress included a playful cat motif as a nod to her on-screen character, Catwoman. Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
The global press tour for “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravtiz, was filled with sartorial nods to the film’s characters. But the highlight of the red carpet circuit, which spans three countries, had to be Kravitz’s Oscar de la Renta dress worn at the film’s New York premiere. The column gown featured a gothic corset detail along with two cat silhouette bust pieces in honor of Kravitz’s role as Catwoman.
Blake Lively in Versace for the 2022 Met Gala
Blake Lively’s custom-made Versace dress was a tribute to New York’s iconic Gilded Age architecture. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
In May, celebrities interpreted the Met Gala’s theme, “Gilded Glamour,” in many ways, some opting for more historical accuracy than others (Kim Kardashian’s controversial Marilyn Monroe dress was pulled from a completely different era). Meanwhile, Blake Lively’s dress was an undeniable triumph and a symbolic tribute to New York’s Gilded Age architecture. The custom Versace design was first wrapped in a large satin bow, which was unzipped to reveal a long skirt that trailed over the stairs. As well as the color of the dress, a tribute to the patina of the Statue of Liberty, the ensemble included details of some of the city’s most famous landmarks from the Empire State Building to Grand Central Station. Even her tiara was a reference to Lady Liberty, with 25 stones representing the 25 windows of the iconic statue’s crown.
Emma Corrin wears JW Anderson at the BFI Film Festival
At the BFI Film Festival in London, Corrin arrived in a goldfish dress by JW Anderson. Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock
This year, after making a name for herself in 2021 playing Princess Diana in the fourth season of the Netflix drama “The Crown”, Emma Corrin has established herself as a risk-taker on the red carpet. Whether it’s the wacky Loewe puffy bubble bra worn at the 2022 Olivier Awards or the 19th-century dandy-inspired custom Miu Miu ensemble for the Met Gala (complete with top hat), Corrin has consistently shown how to prioritize fun and imagination above all else. At the BFI Film Festival in London, Corrin arrived in a kitschy JW Anderson look fresh from the Spring/Summer 2023 catwalk. The goldfish dress, a one-shoulder mini dress with a bubble shape and glossy finish, is printed with a photo of an orange goldfish.
Jada Pinkett Smith in Jean Paul Gaultier at the 2022 Oscars
Jada Pinkett Smith wore Glenn Martens for Jean Paul Gaultier to the 2022 Oscars. Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
While Jade Pinkett Smith’s red carpet look was somewhat overshadowed by her husband’s infamous slap, the rainbow-hued emerald green gown was one of the most visually appealing outfits of the night. With a fitted bodice, wide collar and billowing, sculptural skirt, the dress – designed by Glenn Martens for Jean Paul Gaultier – was first presented on the runway at Paris Haute Couture Week in January.
Timothée Chalamet Haider Ackermann backless suit in Venice
Chalamet caused a stir in his backless Haider Ackermann suit for “Bones And All” during the Venice Film Festival. Credit: Maria Moratti/Getty Images
“Call Me By Your Name” actor Timotheé Chalamet graced the red carpet of this year’s Venice Film Festival in a blood red halter backless suit by French designer and close friend Haider Ackermann to promote his new cannibal romance film “Bones and All.” The daring outfit went viral, adding to Chalamet’s growing list of boundary-defying men’s looks.
Schiaparelli bra by Taylor Russell in London
Later during a press tour in London, Russell wore a glamorous Schiaparelli look when promoting the same film. Credit: Abaca Press/Sipa USA/AP
During the same release, Chalamet’s “Bones and All” co-star Taylor Russell stepped out for the film’s premiere at the BFI Film Festival in London in an equally eye-catching outfit. Russell’s dramatic head-to-toe Schiaparelli look, featuring a full boned long corset, was styled by the luxury house’s creative director Daniel Roseberry. Hand-stitched in a Parisian atelier, Russell’s jacket took more than 150 hours to complete.
Anne Hathaway’s Armani Privé ‘The Princess Diaries’ moment in Cannes
During the premiere of “Armageddon Time” in Cannes, Hathaway’s Armani Privé dress reminded fans of her role as Princess Mia Thermopolis. Credit: Gisela Schober/Getty Images
At the Cannes Film Festival in May, Anne Hathaway reminded us all of her roots as Genovian royalty in the 2000s “Princess Diaries” franchise. The actress looked ethereal on the red carpet in an all-white Armani Privé gown, accessorized with spectacular sapphire jewelry for the screening of the new movie “Armageddon Time.”
Harris Reed’s Lil Nas X feathered look at the MTV Video Music Awards
Lil Nas X wore Harris Reed’s sculptural creation to the MTV Video Awards. Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Rapper Lil Nas X has once again redefined menswear with the help of Harris Reed. Lil Nas X turned heads at the MTV Video Awards in a gorgeous black ensemble featuring a round feather headdress, a feather embellished ruffled skirt and a pair of leather pants underneath.
Zendaya’s classic Valentino dress at the Emmys
Zendaya opted for a classic strapless black Valentino dress for the Emmys. Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
With the help of longtime stylist Law Roach, Zendaya, who regularly wows onlookers on the red carpet, once again stole the show at the 74th Emmy Awards in September. Up for Best Actress in a Drama for her role in “Euphoria,” the starlet looked the picture of glamor in a high-neck strapless black Valentino gown.
Schiaparelli Doja Cato’s otherworldly look at the Billboard Music Awards
Nominated for her “Planet Her” album, Doja Cat tapped into the celestial theme wearing pieces from “Planet Schiaparelli” — Daniel Roseberry’s January 2022 couture collection. Credit: Scott Kirkland/Sipa USA/AP
At this year’s Billboard Music Awards, Doja Cat themed her outfit around her highly nominated album “Planet Her.” The otherworldly look, with a gold Saturn-shaped purse and a sculpted corset with two vertical horns, was from Daniel Roseberry’s sci-fi-inspired “Planet Schiaparelli” collection — which debuted at Paris Haute Couture Week in January.
