Red carpet highlights

The red carpet at the 2025 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards was a spectacle of glamour and creativity, with A-listers and fashion insiders alike stepping out in ensembles that turned heads and set social media abuzz. The event, held in Los Angeles, saw a mix of classic elegance and avant-garde flair, as stars embraced both timeless silhouettes and daring new designs.

Among the most talked-about appearances was Zendaya, who arrived in a sculptural metallic gown that shimmered under the lights, perfectly balancing futuristic edge with old-Hollywood sophistication. Timothée Chalamet also made waves in a sharply tailored, pearl-embellished suit that challenged traditional menswear norms while maintaining a sleek, refined look.

Margot Robbie, representing Aussie style on the global stage, stunned in a custom silk ensemble by an emerging Australian designer, drawing praise for championing local talent. Her look featured intricate hand-beading and a flowing train that added drama to her entrance.

Other standout moments included Rihanna in a voluminous tulle creation that blended streetwear influences with couture craftsmanship, and Jacob Elordi, who opted for a minimalist monochrome outfit that highlighted his effortless charm and fashion-forward sensibility.

The red carpet also saw a strong presence of sustainable fashion, with several celebrities choosing eco-conscious designers and upcycled materials. This shift toward mindful fashion choices added depth to the evening’s glamour, reflecting a growing awareness within the industry.

From bold colours and unexpected textures to sleek tailoring and dramatic silhouettes, the red carpet was a celebration of individuality and innovation, setting the tone for the fashion year ahead.

Celebrity style standouts

Florence Pugh delivered one of the evening’s most memorable looks, stepping onto the red carpet in a sheer, delicately layered gown that played with transparency and structure. Designed by a rising American couturier, the ensemble featured hand-embroidered floral motifs and a dramatic cape, earning her instant praise from fashion critics and fans alike. Her bold choice highlighted her reputation as a fearless fashion risk-taker.

Chris Hemsworth, bringing Aussie charm to the forefront, turned heads in a deep emerald velvet tuxedo with satin lapels, paired with a crisp white shirt and no tie — a modern twist on classic red carpet menswear. The look was both polished and relaxed, showcasing his effortless style and nodding to his laid-back Queensland roots.

Gigi Hadid embraced high drama in a sculpted black gown with exaggerated shoulders and a plunging neckline, offset by minimalist accessories and slicked-back hair. The architectural silhouette was a standout among the evening’s more fluid designs, proving that structured elegance still holds strong on the red carpet.

Nicole Kidman brought timeless glamour with a contemporary edge, wearing a sleek column dress in icy blue satin, accented with crystal embellishments along the neckline and cuffs. The Australian icon’s look was a masterclass in understated sophistication, and her choice of a local designer further cemented her commitment to supporting homegrown talent.

Janelle Monáe once again pushed the boundaries of red carpet fashion with a deconstructed tuxedo dress that merged masculine tailoring with feminine flair. The asymmetrical hemline and bold colour blocking made her one of the night’s most talked-about style icons, reinforcing her status as a trailblazer in fashion.

These standout looks not only showcased the personal style of each celebrity but also reflected the evolving landscape of red carpet fashion — one that embraces diversity, innovation, and a strong sense of identity.

Trendsetting fashion moments

This year’s Fashion Trust U.S. Awards red carpet was more than just a showcase of glamour — it was a masterclass in trendsetting fashion that’s sure to influence wardrobes well beyond Hollywood. One of the most prominent trends of the night was the resurgence of metallics, with stars embracing shimmering fabrics in gold, silver, and iridescent hues. Zendaya’s futuristic gown set the tone, but others followed suit, including Hunter Schafer in a liquid silver slip dress that clung like a second skin, exuding both elegance and edge.

Another standout trend was the embrace of gender-fluid fashion. Timothée Chalamet and Janelle Monáe led the charge with ensembles that blurred traditional lines — Chalamet’s pearl-embellished suit and Monáe’s deconstructed tuxedo dress both challenged conventional red carpet norms while celebrating individuality. This shift toward more inclusive styling signals a broader movement within the fashion industry, one that resonates with younger, more progressive audiences.

Sheer fabrics and strategic layering also made a strong showing, with stars like Florence Pugh and Doja Cat opting for translucent gowns that played with light and texture. These looks balanced sensuality with sophistication, offering a fresh take on red carpet glamour that felt both daring and refined.

On the accessories front, oversized jewellery and sculptural clutches took centre stage. Gigi Hadid paired her structured gown with bold, geometric earrings, while Nicole Kidman opted for a minimalist approach, letting her crystal-accented dress do the talking. Footwear also saw a shift, with many stars choosing sleek, pointed-toe boots and architectural heels over traditional stilettos — a nod to comfort without sacrificing style.

Australian designers made a notable impact, with several celebrities donning pieces from emerging and established Aussie labels. Margot Robbie’s custom silk gown and Nicole Kidman’s icy blue column dress both highlighted the global appeal of Australian fashion, reinforcing the country’s growing influence on the international style scene.

From bold metallics and sheer elegance to gender-fluid tailoring and standout accessories, the 2025 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards red carpet was a breeding ground for trends that are sure to shape the fashion landscape in the months to come.

Top celebrity red carpet moments

Zendaya turned heads in a sculptural custom Schiaparelli gown, featuring a dramatic off-the-shoulder silhouette and intricate gold embroidery that shimmered under the lights. The look was elevated with vintage Bulgari jewels and a sleek, centre-parted chignon, cementing her status as a modern fashion icon.

Margot Robbie brought effortless glamour to the carpet in a minimalist yet striking white column dress by The Row. The Australian actress paired the look with barely-there makeup and a soft wave in her hair, letting the clean lines and impeccable tailoring speak volumes.

Rihanna made a bold entrance in a custom Loewe ensemble that fused streetwear edge with couture craftsmanship. The oversized blazer, worn over a sheer embellished bodysuit, was paired with thigh-high boots and layers of diamond chokers, creating a look that was both rebellious and refined.

Gigi Hadid embraced old Hollywood elegance in a satin emerald green gown by Versace, complete with a plunging neckline and dramatic train. Her look was finished with finger waves and emerald drop earrings, offering a nod to vintage glamour with a contemporary twist.

Tracee Ellis Ross delivered a standout moment in a voluminous taffeta gown by Christopher John Rogers in a vibrant tangerine hue. The exaggerated silhouette and bold colour choice made it one of the most talked-about looks of the night, showcasing her fearless approach to fashion.

Australian model Adut Akech stunned in a custom Balmain creation, featuring a structured bodice and cascading metallic pleats. Her look was both futuristic and regal, perfectly highlighting her statuesque frame and commanding presence on the carpet.

Florence Pugh opted for a romantic yet edgy look in a sheer Valentino gown adorned with delicate floral appliqués. The soft femininity of the dress was contrasted with her platinum pixie cut and smoky eye, creating a beautifully balanced aesthetic.

Standout fashion trends of the night

This year’s red carpet was a masterclass in contrasts, with celebrities embracing both maximalist drama and minimalist refinement. One of the most prominent trends was the return of sculptural silhouettes—seen in Zendaya’s Schiaparelli and Adut Akech’s metallic Balmain. Designers leaned into architectural shapes, structured bodices, and exaggerated proportions, offering a futuristic edge that felt both daring and directional.

Colour played a pivotal role, with bold, saturated hues dominating the carpet. Tangerine, emerald, and crimson were among the standout shades, as seen on Tracee Ellis Ross and Gigi Hadid. These vibrant tones brought a sense of optimism and energy, a welcome shift from the muted palettes of seasons past. Australian designers and stylists will no doubt take note of this colour resurgence for upcoming resort and spring collections.

Sheer fabrics and transparency also made a strong showing, with Florence Pugh and Rihanna both embracing the trend in dramatically different ways. From delicate floral appliqués to edgy, embellished bodysuits, the sheer look was reimagined with a sense of empowerment and individuality. It’s a trend that continues to evolve, offering endless styling possibilities for both red carpet and editorial moments.

Accessories were equally impactful, with vintage jewellery and statement chokers adding a layer of storytelling to each ensemble. Zendaya’s Bulgari pieces and Rihanna’s stacked diamonds highlighted a shift toward heirloom-inspired glamour—pieces that feel personal, storied, and timeless. For the Australian market, this signals a growing appetite for investment accessories that elevate even the most pared-back looks.

Lastly, the beauty looks were as considered as the fashion. Hair was either sleek and sculpted or soft and romantic, while makeup leaned into natural skin with bold accents—think smoky eyes, defined brows, or a pop of colour on the lips. This balance between polish and personality reflects a broader movement in fashion: one that celebrates individuality while honouring craftsmanship.