Last night, the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards was held in Los Angeles at LA Live, honoring the best of the best in American primetime television. When it came to major wins for the evening, The Crown and The Queen’s Gambit reigned supreme sweeping many of the biggest wins of the night. The HBO limited series I May Destroy You received the Emmy for best writing for a limited series, earning co-director and star Michaela Coel her very first Emmy award which made her the first Black woman in history to win the category.
Of course, everyone looks forward to the evening’s red carpet fashion which assists in the building the hype of the actual award ceremony. On the scene, Fashion Bomb Daily captured all the best style moments on the red carpet from Michaela Coel’s neon yellow moment to Kerry Washington’s sleek silver gown. Based on engagements during our red carpet coverage, we gathered the top ten best dresses from the 2021 Emmys.
Nominated for Outstanding Competition Program for her Netflix series Nailed It!, Nicole Byer truly hit the nail with her epic purple look at the 2021 Emmys. The comedic actress stepped out the red carpet in a custom Christian Siriano gown, styled by Marko Monroe. The dress speaks for itself with an off-the-shoulder detail, fluffy ruffles, and sheer tulle. She finishes the look with a 1960s-inspired curly updo along with Neil Lane jewelry and shoes by Francesco Russo.
2. Issa Rae in Aliétte: 17,787 likes
Issa Rae glistened for head to toe (literally) in this epic Aliétte look, styled by the brand’s founder Jason Rembert. Dripping entirely in crystals, the custom gown shimmers and shines with many sexy details including its sheer nature, plunging v-neckline, dipped back, and slightly frayed hem. Showing us that she is truly icy in every sense of the word, Issa Rae wore a completely diamond-flooded grill, created by Grillz By Scotty, to go with her look.
3. Kerry Washington in Etro: 9,420 likes
Kerry Washington served a major style moment wearing a custom Etro gown, styled by Law Roach. Giving us simple yet significant glam, the silver dress drapes elegantly on Washington in slinky smooth silk complete with a classic cowl neck and lace-up corset that hugs the waist. She completed the look with Stuart Weitzman heels and De Beers “Talisman” cocktail earrings. Going with the night’s personal favorite makeup touch, she went with a red lip for a bold pop of color.
4. Anya Taylor-Joy in Dior: 8,925 likes
Anya Taylor-Joy stunned in a custom Dior Couture look, inspired by an Edith Head-designed gown for Shirley MacLaine in What a Way to Go! (1964). Styled by Law Roach, her custom Dior ensemble included a backless dress draped with a crystal chain detail along with a long, dramatic yellow train which puddled gracefully on the floor. She opted for a pin-curled updo along with a confident red lip to finish her look.
5. Yara Shahidi in Dior: 7,471 likes
Yara Shahidi was classic in custom Dior, styled by Jason Bolden. The young actress and activist graced the red carpet in a timeless green gown which clearly takes cues from a 1950s party dress. The gown featured a flared skirt and off-the-shoulder component which found itself draped with a sheer material. She accessorized the dazzling green dress with Cartier jewelry and brown Louboutin pumps.
6. Sarah Paulson in Carolina Herrera: 7,062 likes
Sarah Paulson came through as the lady in red at 2021 Emmys! The actress wore a ruched puff sleeve v-neck gown from Carolina Herrera’s Spring 2022 collection. For accessories, she wore Mateo’s Botswana diamond earrings and Stuart Weitzman heels which were hidden by her maxi-style gown. Rounding off the look, she went with a short hairstyle and red lip! Her look was styled by Karla Welch.
7. Taraji P. Henson in Elie Saab: 6,474 likes
Taraji P. Henson shows us that she will always be “it” in a Elie Saab gown, styled by Jason Bolden. From the brand’s Resort 2022 collection, her show-stopping dress appears in black sheer material entirely embellished in black and white sequins with a sexy plunging neckline. She allowed the dress to steal the show opting solely for a pair of Roberto Coin earring. She then concludes the look with a bun hairstyle along with a natural makeup look.
8. Niecy Nash in Chiara Boni La Petite Robe: 5,941 likes
Niecy Nash takes the term “classic” to another level with her 2021 Emmy look. Styled by Ashley Sean Thomas, Nash gave us Hollywood glamour in a Chiara Boni La Petite Robe curve-hugging off-the-shoulder maxi dress and a mixture of Chanel and Irie Mi Collection pearl jewelry. Her hairstyle seals the deal with dramatic big curls worn with a side part, executed by Davontae’ Washington.
9. Jurnee Smollett in Dior: 5,155 likes
Jurnee Smollett provided an incredibly dreamy look at the 2021 Emmys wearing Dior Couture, styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn. The Lovecraft Country star’s strapless couture gown was truly straight of a fairy tale with its delicate tiered slightly-poofy skirt with modernly frayed hems. She accessorized the look with Bulgari pieces and Louboutin platform heels. Smollett also went with a classic pulled-back bumped hairstyle and a Fall-ready burgundy lip.
10. Michaela Coel in Christopher John Rogers: 3,999 likes
Michaela Coel beamed in neon ensemble by Christopher John Rogers, styled by Zerina Akers. Standing out ever so perfectly for her big win, the look consists of a bow-embellished bralette and column skirt in a popping Sulphur color made of cotton twill and silk organza. She continues the neon aesthetic of the look by wearing a pair of spot-on matching pumps by Le Silla. For accessories, she goes with jewelry pieces such a drop earrings, a choker necklace, and rings.
Who do you think had the best 2021 Emmy look? For our full coverage, visit us on Instagram (@FashionBombDaily)!
Photos: Getty Images / Angelo Kritikos / John Jay