Move over, New York. Hollywood has a red carpet worth talking about.
Dubbed the West Coast’s answer to the Met Gala, the Academy Museum Gala brings together cinema’s biggest stars, fashion’s favourite faces and some seriously impressive designer wardrobes.
And judging by this year’s looks, the City of Angels knows exactly how to make an entrance.
Held on 17 October at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the sixth annual gala was about more than fabulous outfits and celebrity sightings.
The star-studded fundraiser raised over $14 million to support the museum’s exhibitions, film preservation, screenings and educational programmes.
This year’s celebrations honoured three major names in cinema: Charlize Theron, who received the Icon Award; Colman Domingo, recipient of the Vantage Award; and legendary filmmaker John Carpenter, who was presented with the Luminary Award.
Looking like a powder-blue dream in Dior, Taylor Swift arrived and then switched into a dark gown to step on stage and grace the evening with a special performance, bringing an extra touch of magic to an already star-studded celebration.
With appearances from Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Rosé, Jacob Elordi and many more, it’s easy to see why the comparisons are flying around social media.
But while the Met Gala is famous for its extravagant themes and theatrical interpretations, the Academy Museum Gala takes a slightly different approach.
Think less costume exhibition, more Hollywood glamour with a fashion-forward twist.
Without a strict annual fashion theme, guests have the freedom to embrace their personal style, whether that means vintage couture, dramatic silhouettes, unexpected tailoring or a little red-carpet rebellion.
And honestly? We love an excuse to dress up without a rulebook.
Now, onto the part we’ve all been waiting for: the fashion.
From sculptural couture to romantic gowns and sharply dressed gentlemen, this year’s red carpet gave us plenty to admire, discuss and, naturally, obsess over.
We’ve handpicked 14 looks that caught our attention, each bringing something a little different to Hollywood’s most fashionable evening.
With one of Hollywood’s most impressive physiques, who better than Teyana Taylor to bring Schiaparelli to life? Every element of her look felt incredibly intentional, from the striking blue-toned makeup to the sculpted gown, which transitioned in a seamless ombré into her nude heels. A masterclass in styling, where every detail worked together to create one extraordinary fashion moment.
Iris Law brought an ethereal, distinctly Gen-Z edge to the red carpet in Ann Demeulemeester. Her sheer, ruffled and lacy gown was echoed beautifully by statement earrings that looked like deconstructed fragments of the same intricate fabric. Her blonde pixie cut, gelled into sculptural waves, added a modern edge, while her angelic beauty softened the entire ensemble. Romantic, unconventional and beautifully cohesive, every detail felt like an extension of the next.
A$AP Rocky knows exactly how to bring class and personality to a red carpet, and his custom Chanel look was no exception. From his beautifully styled braids to the dazzling statement jewellery, every detail added another layer of character to an already impeccable ensemble. Effortlessly polished but never predictable, Rocky continues to prove that great menswear is about so much more than a good suit.
Greta Lee looked as though she were wrapped in an Impressionist painting in her beautifully beaded Dior creation. With its delicate detailing and dreamy, painterly quality, the gown felt like a wearable work of art. Soft, romantic and effortlessly cinematic, this was a masterpiece in its own right.
Some might call it polka-dot overkill, but we call it beautiful. Kendall Jenner’s custom Valentino look wasn’t afraid to make a statement, playing with contrasting polka-dot patterns, interesting textures and a striking silhouette. It gave us shape, dimension and visual interest, proving that sometimes more really is more. And frankly, we’re not complaining.
There was something so interesting about Monica Barbaro’s Armani Privé look. A sheer top adorned with sequinned animal print met a sumptuous coffee-brown velvet skirt, its rich colour beautifully complementing her brunette hair. Even the statement earrings peeking through her hair seemed to echo the contrast between the two halves of the gown, tying everything together. Every element felt considered, yet nothing looked forced. Rather than simply wearing the dress, Monica made it feel as though it belonged to her.
Chase Infiniti delivered a lesson in graphic glamour in custom Louis Vuitton. Her structured, black-and-white striped gown was all about clean lines and striking contrast, complemented by a bold black lip that tied the entire look together. Sleek, polished and unapologetically striking, this was a masterclass in making a statement without a single unnecessary detail.
Odessa A’zion looked like a bohemian maximalist dream in archival Giorgio Armani Privé. A glorious clash of textures, intricate patterns and contrasting colours, her ensemble embraced everything we love about fashion that refuses to follow the rules. And naturally, her iconic locks were on full display, bringing that effortlessly undone energy to an otherwise elaborate creation. Eclectic, expressive and unapologetically Odessa.
Taylor Zakhar-Perez brought some welcome warmth to the menswear lineup in chocolate-brown Amiri, tailored to perfection — no pun intended. With satin lapels and a relaxed silhouette, the look offered a refreshing alternative to the classic black tuxedo. Consider us convinced that brown deserves more red-carpet attention.
A rare red-carpet appearance from Alexa Demie is always something worth paying attention to. The actress made her return to the spotlight in custom Chanel, embracing a distinctly retro mood with a dreamy aquamarine hue and sleek, centre-parted hair. A little Cher, a little modern muse, and entirely Alexa.
Naomi Ackie was a vision in purple, wearing a voluminous Balenciaga gown with a dramatic, tiered silhouette. Her gorgeous braided low bun kept the styling beautifully polished, while a minimal monochromatic glam in plum hues echoed the colour of her dress. Every detail complemented the next without competing for attention. Simple, striking and effortlessly elegant.
Sabrina Carpenter gave us a slightly different side of her signature glamour in a striking sapphire-blue Giorgio Armani Privé gown. Between the plunging open back, delicate tassel detailing and fluid silhouette, the dress was a statement from every angle. But perhaps the biggest surprise was her refreshingly minimal beauty look, a departure from the full, doll-like glam we’ve come to expect from our favourite pop princess. Sometimes, less really does make more of an impact.
Kate Hudson was positively luminous in custom Giorgio Armani Privé. Her bombshell blowout, swept into a glamorous side parting, beautifully mirrored the flowing lines of her gown. From the soft radiance of her makeup to the sheen of her hair and the dress itself, everything felt perfectly in sync, sharing that gorgeous, lit-from-within quality. A glowing example of Hollywood glamour at its finest.
Hello, Jessica Biel! The drama, the glamour, the slit! Her black velvet Tamara Ralph Couture gown, complete with extravagant feathered detailing, was pure red-carpet theatre. And the little details? Those iconic red soles peeking out beneath the dress, perfectly matched to her manicure. A delicious touch of coordination. Her minimal makeup allowed the gown to have its moment without competing with her naturally beautiful features. Bold, breathtaking and every bit the Hollywood leading lady.
The Academy Museum Gala may not have the Met Gala’s elaborate dress code, but it’s certainly developing a fashion identity of its own.
Between the cinematic celebrations, unforgettable guest list and an increasingly exciting red carpet, Los Angeles is proving it can hold its own in the fashion spotlight.
And while New York will always have its first Monday in May, Hollywood has found another reason to bring out the couture.
East Coast, West Coast — why choose when we can have both?
(All images provided by Getty Images for Academy Museum 6th Annual Gala in Partnership with Rolex)
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