Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Selena Gomez and Elle Fanning lead the best looks at the 2026 Emmys, a red carpet defined by crystals, classic silhouettes and major fashion houses.
The 2026 Emmy Awards once again proved that American television’s biggest night is also one of the most important events on the international fashion calendar. The 78th Emmy Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, brought together some of the biggest actresses of the moment on a red carpet where classic glamour, minimalism and more daring proposals existed side by side.
Among them, Zendaya once again demonstrated why every one of her appearances generates so much anticipation. The Euphoria star turned to Prada for a custom-made gown entirely covered in crystals. The design featured a V-neckline, a perfectly defined waist and a long skirt finished with a dramatic train.
The fabric, covered in shimmering embellishments, made the gown the undeniable centrepiece of the look, but Zendaya added an unexpected element that completely transformed her appearance: a new pixie haircut. The choice brought a modern edge to a look rooted in glamour and once again demonstrated her ability to use beauty and fashion as different parts of the same narrative.
At the opposite end of the colour spectrum was Nicole Kidman, who turned white into a statement of elegance. The actress chose Chanel, wearing a gown embellished with feathers around the neckline and featuring a dramatic side slit. Its ankle-grazing length also revealed a pair of classic black court shoes, introducing a simple but effective contrast.
Selena Gomez approached sparkle from an entirely different perspective. The singer and actress wore a Louis Vuitton creation with a strapless neckline and fitted silhouette. The surface was decorated with small gold embellishments strategically arranged to create a flattering pattern across the body. Rather than relying on volume or sheer fabrics, Gomez chose a construction that found its strength in the precision of its embroidery and silhouette.
Sarah Pidgeon also used colour to make an impact. The Love Story actress wore a lilac Chanel gown crafted from satin and defined by a delicate jewelled strap. Its long skirt and train provided all the ceremony required for an evening like the Emmys without resorting to excessive embellishment.
Minimalism found one of its strongest representatives in Elle Fanning. The actress opted for a glossy green slip dress featuring thin straps and a V-neckline. The apparent simplicity of the design was disrupted by a fringed scarf falling from one shoulder and visually extending into a small train. It was proof that a clean, understated silhouette can compete perfectly with the most elaborate gowns on a red carpet.
Her sister, Dakota Fanning, took a completely different direction, turning to perhaps the most timeless colour combination of all: black and white. Her Carolina Herrera look reinterpreted the classic pairing through a strapless gown with a voluminous asymmetric skirt. The result connected directly with traditional Hollywood glamour while adapting those codes to a more contemporary construction.
The evening’s most romantic approach came courtesy of Kristen Bell. The Nobody Wants This star chose Alberta Ferretti, wearing a gown where ruffles, lace and a flower positioned around the neck created a considerably more delicate image. In contrast to the clean lines seen elsewhere on the red carpet, Bell embraced movement and handcrafted details.
The 2026 Emmys red carpet therefore made one thing particularly clear: there was no single dominant trend. Zendaya’s crystals appeared alongside Nicole Kidman’s pristine white, Selena Gomez’s gold embellishments, Sarah Pidgeon’s softer tones and Elle Fanning’s understated minimalism.
The influence of the world’s major fashion houses was equally evident. Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera and Alberta Ferretti all used the ceremony as a global showcase, adapting their individual design codes to suit a very different group of personalities.
