Red carpets have always been more than just a showcase of glitz and glamor—they are a stage for fashion history in the making. While designer exclusivity is a long-standing tradition, a new trend is taking over the awards season: vintage fashion. Celebrities are ditching modern designs for rare, archival pieces, turning to historic fashion houses and expert vintage curators to find statement looks that set them apart.
Hollywood stylists are working tirelessly to source one-of-a-kind vintage dresses, with designers like John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Versace emerging as the most sought-after names. The desire for exclusivity has driven demand for timeless silhouettes, Old Hollywood elegance, and pieces that blend nostalgia with modern appeal.
The Designers Defining This Year’s Vintage Revival
Fashion curators agree—John Galliano remains a top pick for stylists and celebrities alike. “There’s a strong demand for Galliano’s signature bias-cut gowns, which defined the ’90s with their sleek and seductive silhouettes,” shares a renowned vintage expert.
Christian Dior by Galliano has been a frequent choice, with actress Mikey Madison donning a vintage Dior creation for the British Independent Film Awards. Similarly, Kylie Jenner opted for an archival Hanae Mori Haute Couture gown at the Golden Globes, reinforcing the growing fascination with past-era masterpieces.
Beyond Galliano, vintage Chanel, Bob Mackie, and Bill Blass designs have also made their way onto red carpets, proving that true style is timeless.
Hollywood’s Favorite Vintage Moments
Mikey Madison
Madison has been turning heads in vintage Dior, wearing a Galliano-era dress at the British Independent Film Awards and later appearing in a 1997 Bill Blass gown for the Academy Awards Nominees event.
Kylie Jenner
At the Golden Globes, Jenner stunned in a 1998 Alaïa halter-neck dress, reinforcing the return of minimalist yet striking designs. She later appeared in a Versace chainmail number, a nod to the brand’s bold fashion archives.
Bronwyn Newport
Newport’s choice for the Screen Actors Guild Awards was a breathtaking 1968 Christian Dior Haute Couture dress, proving that decades-old designs remain red carpet-worthy.
Sabrina Carpenter
The 2024 MTV VMAs saw Carpenter wearing an iconic Bob Mackie piece, sourced from a vintage collection that has long been a favorite among Hollywood’s elite.
Keke Palmer
At the SAG Awards, Palmer opted for a Chanel design from the Fall/Winter 1985 collection, blending vintage sophistication with modern confidence.
The Return of Old Hollywood Silhouettes
Fashion insiders note a significant shift toward classic, feminine silhouettes reminiscent of the golden age of cinema. “Stylists are leaning into hourglass shapes, defined waists, and intricate draping techniques,” a fashion archivist shares.
Corsetry and structured gowns are making a strong comeback, as seen in Anya Taylor-Joy’s preference for cinched-waist silhouettes and Selena Gomez’s embrace of bias-cut silk gowns. The fascination with past-era fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement, signaling a collective appreciation for craftsmanship and storytelling in fashion.
What’s Next for Vintage on the Red Carpet?
As the Oscars approach, vintage enthusiasts predict an even greater presence of archival fashion. The desire to be the only person to wear a rare piece has heightened demand for hard-to-find designs, with fashion houses and collectors carefully selecting which pieces to release from their archives.
Even among experts, some legendary designs remain elusive. “There are still pieces that everyone wants but can’t get their hands on—like McQueen’s ‘Plato’s Atlantis’ Armadillo shoes or the breathtaking peacock dress from Fall/Winter 2008,” shares a curator specializing in rare couture.
More than just a trend, vintage fashion is rewriting the rules of red carpet style. With sustainability, history, and exclusivity at the forefront, it’s clear that some of the most memorable looks this season won’t be new—they’ll be rediscovered from the past.
