STYLE AND CULTURE

10 HISTORY-MAKING RED-CARPET MOMENTS

By Symone Keisha, September 11, 2021

With the MTV VMAs happening tomorrow and the MET Gala on Monday (how about that for an award-show double whammy?!), we've got major red-carpet moments on the brain 😍 It's been a longggggg time coming, but before we get excited about this weekend's iconiqué outfits, let's take a trip down memory lane to appreciate 10 of the best *ever* red-carpet looks. From J.Lo's Versace to Zendaya's armor, scroll through the fashion hall of fame below.

J.Lo, The Grammy Awards, 2000

It wouldn’t be an awards-fashion top ten without the dress that didn't break the internet, it basically created it (for real, Google Images was launched after 'Jennifer Lopez green dress' became the most popular search Google had ever seen). That pluuunge neck, that botanical print, that subtle sexy sheer situ 🤤 This dress is a slice of modern history. Heaven, is that you?

Britney Spears, American Music Awards, 2001

Oh baby, baby. It’s another legendary look from the archives, and this time it’s Britney serving the goods. Head-to-toe denim is a hard one to pull off, but the pop queen took it a huge step further with a denim GOWN. Mmhmm. *Jaw drop.* If we had to pick one look that encapsulates Y2K style, it would be this one 🙌

Cher, Oscars, 1986

One word: Cher! 😍 Queen of theatrics, drama and all things eye-catching, there were sooo many looks we could have chosen from her statement archive. We opted for this Bob Mackie number though, 'cause the exposed midriff, sparkle and *that* head dress? TENS ACROSS THE BOARD 👏

Naomi Campbell, MET Gala, 1995

Nothing has more you-better-look-at-me power than Miss Campbell in top-to-toe sparkle 👏 She may be sandwiched between two of her supermodel BFFs, but this dress gives all the main-character energy. It's sparkly, statement and oh-so-sexy; it's a *chefs kiss* from us. P.S. A special mention goes to that 90s face beat, which deserves an award in itself.

Rihanna, The Grammys, 2015

We couldn't do this without Rihanna, right? Tbh our fave bad gal could have featured in all ten picks, 'cause she has lewks on lewks on lewks, but this pink moment caught our attention for all the right reasons ❤️ This tulle masterpiece serves major princess vibes and enough frou-frou to make even the Bridgerton girls gasp. Is there anything RiRi can’t do?

Julia Roberts, Golden Globes, 1990

At a time when women were only wearing gowns to award shows, Ms Roberts stepped out in an oversized men's Giorgio Armani suit, complete with a white shirt and tie... Friggin' GOALS! 🙌 With her curls loose and her makeup natural, this look goes down as one of the most iconic in red-carpet history.

Celine Dion, Oscars, 1999

Celine Dion saw Julia Roberts' suit moment and raised her a backwards one. Gowns were still dominating the red carpet, so this John Galliano suit was a welcome palette cleanser 🤩 Celine completed the look with a slanted hat and shades – 'cause, Celine. Does it get any cooler than this? Nope, it doesn't!

Cardi B, The Grammys, 2019

Ooh, this one's special! In an original Thierry Mugler gown from his 1995 couture collection, Cardi B completely stole the show. The dress is inspired by Botticelli's Birth of Venus painting, which makes total sense, 'cause Cardi looks like a work of art 🤩

Björk, The Oscars, 2001

Giving Lady Gaga a run for her money in the shock-factor stakes, Björk's famous swan dress had people shook at the time, BUT it's since been honored by the Museum of Modern Art *and* The Metropolitan Museum of Art, because it's really that good. The look was completed with an egg-shaped purse filled with ostrich eggs... Icons only, pls 👌

Pictures: Getty Images

Zendaya, MET Gala, 2018

Has Zendaya ever taken an L on the red carpet? That's not even a question, ASOSers – she hasn't. It's hard to choose just one of her wins, but we settled on her Joan of Arc look. Why? Well, just look at her. Not many people could grace a red carpet in full-on battle armor, but Zendaya pulls it off like it's nothing 💁‍♀‍ We can't wait to see what she pulls out the bag for Monday's event. Get excited!

Feeling the red-carpet fanciness? Shop some grid-worthy looks below.