Television’s biggest night is finally upon us. And contrary to what some may think, the annual Primetime Emmy Awards are not only for the television purists, but for the fashion fans, too. Each year, the Emmy Awards red carpet is host to some of the best fashion, lending itself as the perfect opportunity to take in the highlights from the spring/summer 2020 season and if we’re lucky, bear witness to some in-real-life haute couture.
Straight off the back of the fashion week circuit, stylists and talent teams work furiously to scour the globe and find the show-stealing dresses of the season for their Hollywood heavyweight clients to wear. And, being that it is the Emmys, all is a go – ruffles, experimental prints, trousers (think Naomi Watts in Christian Dior; Kerry Washington in Alexandre Vauthier) – with celebrities taking a no-holds-barred approach when it comes to their outfits.
Originally established in 1949 by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Emmy Awards were first conceived to celebrate the best of television in Los Angeles, later expanding beyond Tinseltown. The awards ceremony, which celebrates its 71st affair in 2019, unfolds this year at the Microsoft Theatre, where the most popular television series (think or , for example) will go head to head.
Though the verdict is still out on the winners, the appearances from Zendaya (above) to Michelle Williams, and the arrival of special guests Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian West are proof enough that there was no shortage of style at this year’s red carpet. Ahead of the official ceremony, counts down the best dressed attendees of the 2019 Emmy Awards below.
Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton
“Michelle Williams can do no wrong. She looks elegant and effortless in her sequined Louis Vuitton gown.” – Dijana Maddison, senior designer
“I always love Michelle Williams on the red carpet and this look is no exception. Her choices are always simple yet stunning. The clean beauty look and minimal accessories makes this dress the star of the show (as it should be).” – Jessica Montague, deputy editor
“I imagine this might have been one of those looks that came together a few moments before walking out the door: the right amount of sparkle, the sharp bob and minimal accessories all work so perfectly together.” – Remy Rippon, senior beauty and health editor
“Her sharp crop of white blonde paired with the scrolling detail on her dress is the embodiment of Nicholas Ghesquière’s past-future signature mashup.” – Alice Birrell, fashion features director
Mandy Moore in Brandon Maxwell
“Love the contrast between the red and pink and the off-the-shoulder neckline is dazzling.” – Lucie Clark, associate digital editor
“The fuschia and raspberry red colour palette, the off-the-shoulder drape, the thigh-high leg split — Moore could do no wrong on this year’s red carpet.” – Ana Eksouzian-Cavadas, digital writer
Brittany Snow in J Mendel
“My choice is Britney Snow because her dress makes her look like a princess and I like the flare of the dress as it goes to the ground. [It’s a] nice colour also.” – Michael Sykes, prestige media specialist
Kendall Jenner in Richard Quinn
“Stuns in Richard Quinn! Don’t know who else can pull off latex like that!?” – Rebecca Bonavia, fashion assistant
“Usually baring more flesh than dress, it’s cool to see Jenner up the fashion ante and in Richard Quinn, her choice pays off. The enlarged rose print feels (at least, to me) somewhat referential of another Kardashian’s look – Kim’s 2013 Givenchy Met Gala dress. Only here, the latex bodysuit and minimal hair and make-up counterbalance the print perfectly, so Jenner is not overwhelmed. Props to her stylist.” – Jen Nurick, fashion features assistant
Zendaya in Vera Wang
“I’ve never seen a Zendaya look I didn’t love, and this emerald green moment is no exception.” – Arquette Cooke, designer
“All I can say is wow, Zendaya and this dress were made for each other!” – Rebecca Bonavia, fashion assistant
“Emerald was an obvious choice: the perfect match to Zendaya’s amazing auburn mane. She’s perfection!” – Remy Rippon, senior beauty and health editor
Naomi Watts in Christian Dior
“Naomi Watts proves simple is beautiful in this Dior gown by Maria Grazia Chiuri. By keeping her accessories minimal, we can really see the details of the dress – the belt, the sheer panels and the intricate netting – shine through.” – Jen Nurick, fashion features assistant
Janet Mock in Valentino
“Janet wearing an oversized bow and THE colour of the season” – Kaila Matthews, market editor
Emilia Clarke in Maison Valentino
“I love this silhouette on Emilia Clarke and the deep navy is also divine for her. What I love about this Valentino dress is that it seems so simple until you look closer at the various textures – the ruched silk, the matt skirt and then that gorgeous rope bow to tie it all together. Heaven.” – Danielle Gay, digital editor
“The teal colour is unexpected but completely fabulous. The plunging neckline combined with the floor-length column silhouette is a delightful mix of modern and classic.” – Lucie Clark, associate digital editor
Gwendoline Christie in Gucci
“Yes, a slightly left of field choice, but if Christie was bold enough to nominate herself for an Emmy, then of course we shouldn’t be shocked her outfit for the evening drew religious icon parallels. Credit where credit is due.” – Ana Eksouzian-Cavadas, digital writer
Billy Porter in Michael Kors
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“The hat and the platforms are FAB.” – Kaila Matthews, market editor