Inadvertently or otherwise, the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet married the past and present in a strange union that sets a mischievous tone for the year of fashion to come. Among the looks spotted was a promising nod to Y2K and accents of metallic that stood out against a sea of classic black and red.
Here are four standout trends that not only defined the night but also hinted at the shifting lexicon of red carpet fashion.
Throwback to early 2000s
Nominated for Best Original Song for Beautiful That Way from The Last Show Girl, Miley Cyrus made a daring entrance in a black spaghetti-strap gown adorned with radiant cut-outs. The crystal embellishments formed a starburst pattern across her bodice, transforming the chaotic, rebellious cutout styles of the early 2000s into something far more intentional and polished. It was a beautiful example of how Y2K's maximalism can evolve into something chic.
Pairing the gown with rectangular Chanel sunglasses, Miley effortlessly paid homage to the era's love for bold statement eyewear while grounding the look in today's editorial sensibilities. Her punk-inspired updospiky face-framing strands evoking a modern-day version of early 2000s spiky bunsperfectly balanced nostalgia with sophistication, capturing the carefree yet elevated spirit of the time. A moment that said: I'm here for the fun, but with a little refinement.
Something French
Meanwhile, Emma Stone showcased a dramatic departure from the norm, channeling the effortlessly chic aura of 1960s French cinema with her pixie cut and strapless Louis Vuitton gown. The vibrant red dress, complete with a dramatic bow at the waist, was a stark contrast to Miley's maximalism, offering instead an elegant simplicity that felt just as bold.
Emma's new pixie cut, described by stylist Tracey Cunningham as "super short" with a darker "nutmeg" hue, brought an added level of sophistication to her already captivating look. The nutmeg shade, a departure from her usual copper, subtly complemented the gown's red hue, while the soft layers framed her face, contrasting beautifully with the architectural drama of her dress. It was a masterstroke in how a small detaillike a haircutcan elevate an entire ensemble, making it a quiet but undeniable statement.
All hail metallics
The metallic trend was an undeniable force of the night, with reflective fabrics taking centre stage in hues that shimmered like liquid gold. Demi Moore turned heads in a champagne-coloured Armani Privé gown, sculpting her figure with a mermaid silhouette and dramatic diagonal crystal-embellished panels. Every movement made the gown come alive, with its satin finish catching the light in a way that evoked the glamour of old Hollywood, but with a modern edge.
Anora actor Mikey Madison, in a gold sequined Bottega Veneta column dress, caught the red carpet's spotlight like a mermaid emerging from the sea, the gown's scale-like texture glimmering from every angle. And Angelina Jolie brought her signature elegance to the trend in a silver Alexander McQueen creation, with mesmerising diagonal striping that highlighted the gown's interplay of light and motion.
Cate Blanchett repeated her Louis Vuitton gown from Cannes 2024, a dramatic gold lamé number with an impeccable cape detail. The ensemble proved that sustainable fashion could be both striking and meaningful, further expanding the limits of what it means to embrace luxury in an environmentally-conscious world.
Statement black and white
Monochromatic ensembles proved that timelessness can be just as striking as experimentation. Zoë Kravitz wowed in a Saint Laurent black velvet gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline, paired with a dramatic white silk sash that trailed into a floor-length train. The gown brought an unmistakable black-and-white elegance, proof that this combination never goes out of style when executed with precision and care.
Kate Winslet offered a fresh take on power dressing in an ivory Erdem suit, its intricate black floral embroidery adding depth to the otherwise minimalist design. The sculpted blazer and wide-leg trousers looked effortless and elegant, demonstrating how a monochrome look doesn't need to be basic; it can be layered with complexity, turning simplicity into its own statement.
Rising star Margaret Qualley embraced romanticism in a black-and-white Chanel gown, with a pristine white bodice leading into a tiered tulle skirt that gave the look an ethereal quality. The addition of a black sequined bow at the waist broke up the softness, creating a striking contrast that added just the right touch of drama. The contrast between the structured silk and the flowing tulle created a dreamy yet sophisticated aesthetic that made her gown one of the night's most captivating looks.
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