Written by Hannah FamLeah Dolan, CNN
The 2022 red carpet cycle – full of experimentation, self-expression and playfulness – was one to remember.
The year saw celebrities turn to archival fashion, with a few moments — namely Kim Kardashian’s Marilyn Monroe gown at the Met Gala — more controversial than others. Meanwhile, many red carpet attendees seemed to follow the “anything goes” approach, from Brad Pitt’s opinion-divisive linen dress to Julia Roberts’ playful look with co-star George Clooney.
But amid the chaos of the reign (Heidi Klum’s worm dress deserves an honorable mention) there were many beautiful, standout fashion moments.
Scroll down to see our top 10 red carpet looks of 2022.
Zoë Kravitz at Oscar de la Renta’s New York Premiere of ‘The Batman’
At the New York premiere of “The Batman” in March, Zoë Kravitz’s dress incorporated a playful cat motif while giving a nod to her on-screen character Catwoman. Credit: Ivan Agostini / Envision / AP
The international press tour for “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz, has been filled with sartorial nods to the film’s characters. But the highlight of the red carpet circuit, which spanned three countries, had to be Kravitz’s Oscar de la Renta gown, which she wore to the film’s New York City premiere. The column dress featured gothic corset detailing with two bust panels shaped like a cat figure in homage to Kravitz’s role as Catwoman.
Blake Lively in Versace for the 2022 Met Gala
Blake Lively’s custom Versace gown was an homage to the New York architecture of the Gilded Age. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
In May, celebrities interpreted the Met Gala’s theme of “Gilded Glamour” in a number of ways, some opting for more historical accuracy than others (Kim Kardashian’s controversial Marilyn Monroe dress was completely ripped from another era). Meanwhile, Blake Lively’s dress was an undisputed triumph and a symbolic homage to New York City’s Gilded Age architecture. The custom Versace design was originally wrapped in an oversized satin bow, which was transformed to reveal a long dress that draped over the stairs. As well as the color of the dress, an homage to the patina of the Statue of Liberty, the collection included a list of some of the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building to Grand Central Station. Her tiara was even a reference to Lady Liberty, with 25 stones representing 25 windows between the crown of the statue.
Emma Corrine wearing JW Anderson at the BFI Film Festival
For the BFI Film Festival in London, Corinne arrives in a JW Anderson goldfish dress. Credit: David Fisher / Shutterstock
This year, Emma Corrine has proven herself as a red carpet risk-taker in the fourth season of Netflix’s drama series, “The Crown,” after rising to fame playing Princess Diana in 2021. Whether it’s the zany Loewe deflated balloon bra worn to the 2022 Olivier Awards or the custom Miu Miu 19th century Dandy inspired Met Gala collection (complete with top hat), Corrin has consistently shown how to prioritize fun and imagination above all else. other. At London’s BFI Film Festival, Corinne arrives at kitschy JW Anderson off the Spring-Summer 2023 runway. Goldfish dress, a one-shoulder mini dress with a bubble wrap and shimmer finish, printed with an orange goldfish photo.
Jada Pinkett Smith in Jean Paul Gaultier at the 2022 Oscars
Jada Pinkett Smith wears Glenn Martens for Jean Paul Gaultier at the 2022 Oscars. Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
While Jada Pinkett Smith’s red carpet appearance was overshadowed by her husband’s famous slapstick, the iridescent emerald green gown was one of the most eye-catching dresses of the night. Featuring a fitted bodice, flared high neck, and a flowing, sculptural skirt, the gown — designed by Glenn Martens for Jean Paul Gaultier — first appeared on the runway at Paris Haute Couture Week in January.
Timothée Chalamet’s backless Haider Ackerman dress in Venice
Chalamet caused a stir in a backless Haider Ackerman dress in “Bones and All” at the Venice Film Festival. Credit: Maria Moratti/Getty Images
“Call Me By Your Name” actor Timothee Chalamet graced the Venice Film Festival red carpet this year by French designer and close friend Haider Ackerman to promote his new cannibal romance, “Bones and All.” .” The bold outfit went viral, adding to Chalamet’s growing list of boundary-pushing menswear.
Taylor Russell Schiaparelli Corset in London
At a later press tour in London, Russell wore a gorgeous Schiaparelli look while promoting the same film. Credit: Abaca Press/Sipa USA/AP
During the same press run, Chalamet’s “Bones and All” co-star Taylor Russell stepped out at the film’s premiere at the London BFI Film Festival in a similarly eye-catching outfit. Russell’s head-to-toe Schiaparelli look, featuring a long-line, full-boned corset, was designed by the luxury house’s creative director, Daniel Roseberry. Hand-stitched in a Paris atelier, Russell’s jacket took more than 150 hours to create.
Anne Hathaway’s Armani Prive ‘Princess Diaries’ moment at Cannes
During the premiere of “Armageddon Time” at Cannes, Hathaway’s Armani Privé column gown reminded fans of her time as Princess Mia of Thermopolis. Credit: Gisela Schober/Getty Images
At the Cannes Film Festival in May, Anne Hathaway reminded us all of her roots as Genovese royalty in the 2000s “Princess Diaries” franchise. The actress looked stunning on the red carpet in an all-white Armani Privée gown, complete with stunning sapphire jewelry, for the screening of her new movie “Armageddon Time.”
Lil Nas X’s feathered Harris Reid attends the MTV Video Music Awards.
Lil Nas X wears a Sculptural Harris Reid creation to the MTV Video Awards. Credit: Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images
Rapper Lil Nas X reissues menswear with the help of Harris Reid. Lil Nas X turned heads in a wide black ensemble at the MTV Video Awards, featuring a round, feathered headdress, feather-embellished hoop skirt and leather pants.
Zendaya’s classic Valentino dress at the Emmys
Zendaya chose a classic black strappy Valentino gown for the Emmys. Credit: Fraser Harrison/Getty Images
Longtime stylist Lou Roach, a regular red carpet crowd pleaser, Zendaya stole the show at the 74th Annual Emmy Awards in September. Up for Best Actress in a Drama for her role in “Euphoria,” the stylist looked glamorous in a strapless black Valentino gown.
The Other World of Dojo’s Cat Schiaparelli Sees Billboard Music Awards
Nominated for her “Planet Her” album, Doja Cat got into the celestial theme by wearing a look from “Planet Schiparelli” – Daniel Roseberry’s couture collection from January 2022. Credit: Scott Kirkland/Kick America/AP
At this year’s Billboard Music Awards, Doja Cat themed her outfit around her highly-nominated album, “Planet Her.” An otherworldly look with a golden Saturn-shaped bag and a sculpted corset with two upright horns from Daniel Rosebery’s sci-fi “Planet Schiaparelli” collection — debuted at Paris Haute Couture Week in January.
