Best Dressed at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards: Gold, Denim, and Archival Glamour on the Red Carpet

Published: November 3, 2026 Last Updated 3 hours ago by Esther Ejoh

On Monday, November 2, the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards transformed New York City’s American Museum of Natural History into a premier fashion stage.

Often called the Oscars of fashion, the 45th annual ceremony, presented by Amazon Fashion, celebrated American design excellence and featured one of the year’s most impressive red carpets.

Hosted by Keke Palmer, the evening brought together Hollywood talent, industry leaders, and notable style statements, from liquid gold metallics to innovative denim and archival pieces.

From the outset, bold, luminous gold dominated the cream-colored carpet.

In support of Anthony Vaccarello, recipient of the International Designer of the Year Award for his decade at Saint Laurent, numerous style icons arrived in shimmering metallic looks.

Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Rosé celebrated both current trends and enduring influence. Polka dots, dramatic silhouettes, and innovative materials added depth, creating a red carpet that felt both festive and forward-looking.

Keke Palmer Sets the Tone with Vintage Bob Mackie Magic

As host, Keke Palmer made a memorable entrance that connected fashion history with contemporary glamour.

She wore a rare vintage Bob Mackie gown originally designed for Raquel Welch and worn by the actress in 1975 on The Cher Show.

The strappy, shimmering gold gown featured intricate beading and dramatic cutouts, offering a look that was both modern and nostalgic.

Palmer complemented the archival gown with Le Vian earrings and a Zydo ring, describing the ensemble as a “little vintage moment.” Her choice honored Mackie’s legacy of theatrical, body-celebrating design and established her as the evening’s style centerpiece.

Her hosting elevated the evening, guiding tributes to honorees such as architect Peter Marino (Fashion Icon Award), Tory Burch (Positive Change Award), photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin (Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award), and Vaccarello.

The Golden Girls: Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Rosé in Saint Laurent

The coordinated gold ensembles supporting Vaccarello were among the night’s most defining looks.

Hailey Bieber arrived in a gilded Saint Laurent ensemble featuring a drop-waist silhouette and distinctive furry cuffs that added texture and drama to the liquid-metal fabric.

The ensemble was both opulent and unexpected, reflecting her status as a modern fashion muse.

Zoë Kravitz wore a sculptural gold top and skirt that reflected the light. Her striking shoes and confident posture completed a look that resembled wearable armor: sharp, radiant, and contemporary.

Rosé wore a cropped gold top and matching skirt with a thigh-high slit, paired with gold sandals that enhanced the overall shine.

Model Anja Rubik joined the group in complementary metallic pieces, contributing to one of the evening’s most photogenic moments as the Saint Laurent team posed together.

These coordinated gold looks went beyond red-carpet fashion, serving as a visual tribute to Vaccarello’s influence on contemporary style during his tenure at the house.

Standout Individual Moments: Denim, Drama, and Sparkle

Demi Moore made a bold statement by wearing denim for the evening.

She chose a custom GapStudio halter-neck dress by Zac Posen, inspired by Gap jeans construction.

The structured, corset-inspired bodice featured layered indigo denim waistbands and button details, extending into a low-rise maxi skirt with a dramatic slit and subtle train.

Moore’s choice reimagined everyday fabric as high-fashion eveningwear and highlighted innovative collaborations between designers and accessible brands.

Brandy reinforced her icon status in a modern black-and-white ensemble with a plunging top, beaded skirt, and semi-sheer gloves. The graphic contrast appeared polished and powerful.

Lili Reinhart wore a shimmering dress complemented by a Logan Hollowell Trillion Diamond Tennis Necklace with approximately 26.20 carats of trillion-cut white diamonds set in 18K gold, an accessory valued at around $107,000 that made a significant red-carpet statement.

Lupita Nyong’o exemplified sophistication in a cropped top with a gathered front, matching skirt, and denim jacket, finished with Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti teardrop earrings and bone cuffs.

Allison Janney stood out in a high-neck, floor-length fuchsia gown with exaggerated satin sleeves.

 

Becky G embraced the polka-dot trend in a baby blue, black, and white print dress paired with silver platform sandals by Rene Caovilla, demonstrating that playful prints remain impactful.

Other notable appearances included Elle Fanning in a pale pink dress under a floor-length coat with an embellished Coach bag; Brittany Snow in a mint custom Cult Gaia gown with a dramatic open back; Gracie Abrams in a black strapless gown with a statement necklace; and Pamela Anderson in a halter-neck dress with a frilled neckline, coordinating shoes, and her signature lipstick.

Alix Earle opted for old Hollywood glamour in a red bustier Isaac Mizrahi gown with black flower appliqués and Leviev jewelry.

The next generation of talent also made a strong impression.

Lila Moss (Kate Moss’s daughter) appeared in a strapless black dress, two-tone fringed shawl, and bejeweled headpiece, creating an ethereal effect.

Meadow Walker (Paul Walker’s daughter) wore a textured yellow suit with a zip-up blazer and tea-length skirt. Isabella Damon (Matt Damon’s daughter) attended in a fringe-flecked dress.

Nara Smith wore a color-block look with an embellished bustier, while Ashtin Earle appeared in a metallic strapless gown with a bow-embellished bandeau top and pleated skirt.

Key Trends of the Night

Several distinct trends emerged.

Metallic gold dominated as both a tribute and a statement. Polka dots appeared in modern interpretations, notably on Becky G and others.

Denim demonstrated versatility for evening wear, highlighted by Moore’s custom GapStudio creation. Archival and vintage pieces, such as Palmer’s Bob Mackie gown, added historical depth.

Dramatic sleeves, open backs, high slits, and statement jewelry completed the most notable looks.

Black fashion designers and emerging talents were also recognized, with custom pieces from designers such as Kim Shui (worn by Megan Thee Stallion in a wine-red beaded gown) and others, highlighting the industry’s evolving landscape.

While the red carpet offered visual spectacle, the awards highlighted key figures shaping American fashion.

Rachel Scott of Diotima received American Womenswear Designer of the Year, Ralph Lauren was named Menswear Designer of the Year, Ana Khouri won for Accessories, and Colleen Allen received the Google American Emerging Designer of the Year Award.

These honors underscored the evening’s focus on both established excellence and emerging talent.

The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards red carpet succeeded by balancing celebration with substance.

Stars honored influential designers through coordinated looks, experimented with materials such as denim, and celebrated fashion history with archival selections.

The result was an evening that felt current without following fleeting trends: glamorous, thoughtful, and full of personality.

From Keke Palmer’s vintage gold statement to Demi Moore’s denim innovation and the Saint Laurent group, the best-dressed stars of 2026 demonstrated that fashion’s biggest night is as much about storytelling as it is about style.

As the industry evolves, evenings like this highlight why the CFDA Awards remain essential: they bring together those who shape fashion culture and allow them to shine.

Photo: Getty Images