The man who changed the red carpet forever
The man who changed the red carpet forever
October 10, 2025
For over 50 years at the helm of his namesake label, Giorgio Armani did not just participate in red carpet culture, he helped architect it as we know today. While he had dressed stars like Diane Keaton as early as 1978, the 1990 Oscars served as his definitive big-bang moment. That single evening, he masterfully dressed Jodie Foster, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, and Jessica Tandy, proving his incredible range from sharp suiting to intricate, elegant beading.
This established a legacy of timeless glamour that has made Armani a perpetual favorite. His designs consistently provide a blueprint for modern elegance, from liquid satin gowns worn by Carey Mulligan and Demi Moore to the sparkling sequins chosen by Margot Robbie and Lupita Nyong'o for their premier Oscar moments.
Yet, true to his innovative spirit, Armani has never been afraid of a calculated risk. He has repeated red carpet daring, whether by dressing a winning Julia Roberts in an oversized menswear-inspired suit at the 1990 Golden Globes, crafting a sculptural masterpiece for Lady Gaga at the 2010 Grammys, or championing sheer elegance for Gwyneth Paltrow in 1998.
It is this unique balance of timeless sophistication and bold invention that defines the Armani red carpet canon. Here, we revisit the most memorable moments that cemented his status as a master of ceremonial dressing.
In 1978, Diane Keaton wore a Giorgio Armani double-breasted jacket to the 50th Academy Awards, where she won Best Actress for Annie Hall, a film known for her androgynous, menswear-inspired style. Armani later collaborated with Keaton again, designing her costumes for the 1991 film Father of the Bride. Keaton's appearance marked the first time the designer's work was showcased on the Oscars red carpet.
Following a 1989 Oscars appearance that landed her on "Worst Dressed" lists, Jodie Foster turned to Giorgio Armani. His solution was revolutionary: a sleek tuxedo for the 1991 ceremony, which secured her a place on the "Best Dressed" list instead.
Armani later noted the pleasure of subverting expectations at an event dominated by lavish gowns. This sartorial rescue mission forged a lifelong partnership. "Even today, after more than 30 years, I still have the pleasure of dressing her for all important occasions," the late designer said.
At the 1990 Golden Globes, a young Julia Roberts defied red carpet convention. Accepting her Best Supporting Actress award for "Steel Magnolias", she wore an oversized Giorgio Armani trouser suit and tie. The choice was instinctual; Roberts later told InStyle she simply “loved the shape of it,” adding, “For me, this was the epitome of being dressed up.”
The 1990 Academy Awards was the landmark moment that cemented Giorgio Armani's reign over the red carpet. When Women's Wear Daily famously dubbed the ceremony "the Armani Awards," it was a testament to his unparalleled influence. That night, he dressed in a constellation of stars, each embodying his distinct elegance. Julia Roberts chose a sleek, grey dress, Michelle Pfeiffer radiated sophistication in a figure-hugging black gown, and Jodie Foster championed modern femininity in a sharp silk suit. This collective sartorial statement didn't just define the evening; it transformed the Oscars into a premier fashion showcase and established Armani as the undisputed architect of red carpet style for decades to come.
Beyoncé made a spectacular Oscars debut at the 77th Academy Awards in 2005, cementing her place on Hollywood's most prestigious stage in a show-stopping Giorgio Armani Privé gown from the Autumn/Winter 2005 collection. As she performed the nominated songs, the dress, which was a dramatic confection of gilded crystal mesh and black tulle, epitomized the haute couture glamour Armani brought to the red carpet. This pivotal appearance solidified his status as the go-to designer for stars seeking a perfect blend of high fashion, powerful presence, and timeless elegance.
The 2008 Met Gala, themed "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy," stood as a definitive tribute to Giorgio Armani's legacy, with the designer serving as its honorary chair. This influence was embodied by co-chair Julia Roberts, who radiated regal elegance in a silver Giorgio Armani Privé gown, perfectly complemented by George Clooney in a classic Armani tuxedo. Further solidifying the night as an Armani celebration, Katie Holmes showcased the timelessness of his designs in a vibrant vintage red sequined bustier dress from his Fall 1993 collection. Together, these looks demonstrated his unparalleled range and enduring command over high fashion.
Anne Hathaway’s long-standing patronage of Giorgio Armani culminated in a truly memorable moment at the 2009 Oscars, where she wore a fairytale-inspired, mermaid-style gown from his Privé couture collection. The designer himself noted the synergy, telling InStyle, “Anne is so lovely and ethereal — she reminds me of the great actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age. For this reason I dressed her as a type of fairy-mermaid, pure and sparkling.”
The 2010 Grammys showcased a landmark collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Lady Gaga, with the designer crafting both her red carpet and live performance outfits. Armani, who praised her as a "modern fashion phenomenon," created the sculptural, avant-garde looks that defined her appearance. This sartorial triumph resonated so powerfully that Gaga subsequently enlisted Armani to design all the costumes for her 2011 Monster Ball global tour, cementing a creative partnership that perfectly merged high fashion with pop spectacle.
The 2010 Academy Awards reaffirmed Giorgio Armani's mastery of the red carpet, where his designs exemplified a stunning range of modern elegance. Amanda Seyfried embodied ethereal grace in a pale mint green Armani Privé gown, a delicate vision that complemented her porcelain complexion. In striking contrast, Jennifer Lopez commanded attention to an architectural masterpiece: an iridescent pink silk organza gown with a sculptural bustier and a dramatic train, accented with Swarovski crystals.
Rihanna delivered an unforgettable fashion moment at the 2012 Grammys in a custom Giorgio Armani gown that masterfully balanced risk and refinement. With its daring plunging neckline, completely open back, and a severe thigh-high slit, the black dress was a study of architectural daring. This look instantly cemented its status as one of her most iconic and sensually powerful red-carpet appearances, showcasing Armani's ability to create looks that are both profoundly elegant and breathtakingly bold.
Cate Blanchett epitomized cool elegance on the 2014 Oscars red carpet, a remarkable feat given her dress was selected just ten minutes before her arrival. Revealing the exclusive deliberation to PEOPLE, she stated, "It was Mr. Armani. It was between Mr. Armani, Mr. Armani and Mr. Armani." This last-minute decision from a curation of his designs resulted in an iconic, pale lilac gown, perfectly illustrating both her impeccable trust in the designer and the timeless, assured style they collectively defined.
At the 72nd Golden Globes, Allison Williams made a deliberate sartorial statement in a red, sparkling Armani Privé gown. The choice was a conscious departure from the boyish costumes of her role in Peter Pan. Speaking to E!'s Giuliana Rancic, she explained the dress's handmade delicacy was key to her desired transformation: "After Peter Pan I felt like looking like a real girl…and I think this is girly enough for me." The selection perfectly married exquisite craftsmanship with a personal narrative of post-character reinvention.
At the 2018 Grammys, Lady Gaga wore a stunning custom Armani Privé outfit that was not a traditional dress but a black lace jumpsuit combined with a dramatic black skirt train. The jumpsuit featured intricate lace detailing and thigh-high slits, while the oversized train added an extravagant and theatrical effect to her look. Lady Gaga accessorized with a white rose pin to support the Time's Up movement and wore her hair in intricate fishtail braids held together by black string, adding to the bold statement of her ensemble.
The 2019 British Fashion Awards marked a milestone for Giorgio Armani, who was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award. The legendary designer was accompanied by Cate Blanchett, a long-time muse, solidifying the profound connection between his creations and cinematic elegance. In tribute, Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Justine Picardie perfectly encapsulated his legacy, stating, "Armani not only revolutionized what we think of as power-dressing, but also created a vision of alluringly understated elegance on the red carpet." The evening was a testament to his decades of masterful expertise, where less has always been so much more.
At the 2020 SAG Awards, Scarlett Johansson wore a stunning custom teal blue Armani Privé gown made of luminous silk. The dress featured a plunging neckline and hugged her figure elegantly. She paired the gown with Stuart Weitzman shoes and styled her hair in an intricate twisted updo, completing a glamorous and sophisticated red carpet look that drew widespread admiration.
At the 2021 Oscars, Amanda Seyfried wore a stunning strapless red ball gown designed by Armani Privé. The gown was made of plissé tulle with multiple ruffles around the neckline, featuring a plunging V-shaped neckline and a floor-length pleated skirt that rounded at the hips.
At the 75th Cannes Film Festival, Elle Fanning embodied a vision of modern fairy-tale glamour in a custom Giorgio Armani Privé gown. The delicate pink creation, meticulously embroidered with crystals and featuring a feathered cape, was a masterpiece of artistry. So enchanted was the actress that she took to Instagram, effusing, "@giorgioarmani made my dreams come true with this custom dress." She continued, "I can't thank you enough for your continued kindness and artistry. Your work is nothing short of breathtaking."
At the 2022 Oscars, Nicole Kidman wore an elegant custom-made Armani Privé gown. The strapless silk dress featured a deep V-neckline and a long, bedazzled train, which added a dramatic and glamorous touch appropriate for the prestigious event.
\In 2023, Michelle Yeoh captivated the awards season with her stunning appearance at the Golden Globes, where she took home her first Golden Globe for her role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." She wore a breathtaking midnight blue Armani Privé strapless gown featuring a drop peplum silhouette. The gown was covered in sequins that shimmered brilliantly, adding to her radiant presence on the red carpet. This look was widely praised and symbolized both her achievement and her radiant success in the industry.
At the 2024 Golden Globes, Margot Robbie made a memorable appearance wearing a custom-made hot pink Armani Privé gown inspired by the 1977 Superstar Barbie doll. The dress was covered in sequins and featured a halter neckline, paired with a matching polka dot tulle boa wrapped around her arms. This outfit echoed her role in the film "Barbie" and paid homage to the classic Barbie aesthetic, capturing both modern glamour and nostalgic charm.
Zendaya attended the 2024 Academy Awards wearing a stunning antique rose silk gown by Giorgio Armani Privé. The dress featured a metallic single-roped strap over a glittery black corset embellished with gunmetal paillettes and was decorated with a retro embroidered palm-tree pattern.
Hunter Schafer made a striking impression at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival with a custom Armani Privé gown inspired by the Spring 2011 couture collection. The strapless dress was crafted from liquid, reflective satin that caught the sunlight beautifully, featuring a form-fitting bodice and a sculptural drop-waist maxi skirt.
For the 2024 Oscars, Lupita Nyong’o made a poignant sartorial homecoming in a custom Armani Privé gown of delicate feathers and sequins, a deliberate homage to the blue Prada dress she wore a decade prior when she won her Academy Award. On Instagram, she reflected, “I wore blue... to pay homage to my introduction to Hollywood 10 years ago... I believe in the power of harnessing childlike wonder at every stage of life.”
The 2025 Venice Film Festival became a showcase of Armani Privé's dual mastery of elegance. Cate Blanchett championed timeless sophistication in her re-worn black gown, its sleek silhouette featuring a plunging neckline of onyx-like gems and subtle pockets. Meanwhile, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley embodied modern glamour in a breathtaking white creation, where a hand-beaded crystal bodice and ethereal feather boa demonstrated how old-world craftsmanship continues to define contemporary red carpet magic.
