Nene Leakes stepped out for Oscar celebrations in a metallic cutout gown by Michael Costello, styled by King Troi. The form-fitting design featured a one-shoulder neckline with draped detailing across the bodice and a high-shine finish that reflected light from every angle. A keyhole cutout at the chest added dimension, while the sleek silhouette extended into a floor-length hem with trailing fabric panels for added movement.
The back of the gown revealed an open design, emphasizing the sculpted fit and ruched detailing along the waist and hips. Leakes paired the look with nude heels and a structured mini clutch, keeping accessories minimal to complement the statement dress.
Her glam included a platinum blonde bob styled by Kalief W with soft volume, paired with a neutral makeup look by Envy Mulatto that highlighted her features.
Following the 2026 Academy Awards, Hollywood’s biggest stars changed into equally striking looks for the annual Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. From sculptural couture to shimmering metallic gowns, celebrities delivered a range of memorable ensembles throughout the evening. Scroll through to see some of the standout looks.
Queen Latifah posed with partner Eboni Nichols at the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party wearing a red strapless Jean Louis Sabaji gown paired with a dramatic feathered robe. Styled by Wayman and Micah, the look featured a sleek column silhouette layered with texture from the robe.
Kim Kardashian attended the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party in a gold long-sleeve Gucci gown featuring a high neckline and body-skimming silhouette. The shimmering design extended to the floor in a fitted column shape.
Olandria arrived in a white Pajtim Raci gown with a halter neckline, plunging front, and cut-out sides. The draped silhouette flowed into a soft train.
Kylie Jenner posed with Timothée Chalamet wearing a black Alexander McQueen gown defined by sharp architectural shoulders and a plunging neckline. She accessorized with a statement green pendant necklace.
The 2026 Academy Awards brought a night of cinematic achievement and standout fashion, with Hollywood’s biggest names delivering memorable red carpet moments. From sharply tailored menswear to shimmering gowns, several stars stood out for their refined style choices throughout the evening. Michael B. Jordan celebrated a major career milestone, while Tonya Lewis Lee, Kylie Jenner, Teyana Taylor, and Danielle Brooks delivered some of the night’s most striking looks.
Below, see the stars who topped our Best Dressed list.
Michael B. Jordan took home Best Actor while wearing a sleek black Louis Vuitton suit featuring a structured band-collar jacket and streamlined tailoring. The minimalist design was elevated with subtle detailing and polished black shoes, creating a sharp and modern take on awards-season menswear.
Spike Lee posed with wife Tonya Lewis Lee at the Oscars, carrying a statement Runyaro bag and wearing Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail” sneakers with a plaid blazer, bow tie, and purple hat. Tonya Lewis Lee stood out in a custom gold sequined LaQuan Smith gown featuring a high neckline, sculpted cutout bodice, and a fitted column silhouette that shimmered under the lights, finished with metallic accessories that complemented the look.
3. Kylie Jenner in Schiaparelli
Kylie Jenner attended the ceremony in a black Schiaparelli couture gown featuring a glossy satin base with sheer embellished panels and intricate beading. The fitted silhouette and delicate straps created a dramatic evening look that referenced the brand’s couture runway presentation.
Teyana Taylor opted for a black Chanel gown combining a sheer embellished bodice with a dramatic feathered skirt and extended train. The design mixed texture and sparkle, creating a bold statement that balanced classic couture elements with theatrical flair.
Danielle Brooks wore a champagne-toned Georges Hobeika gown featuring a deep neckline, sculpted bodice, and draped skirt with a high slit. The satin fabric and elongated train created a statuesque silhouette, complemented by diamond jewelry and soft glam styling.
The 2026 Oscars red carpet delivered an impressive range of looks—from modern tailoring to shimmering couture. These stars stood out for their memorable style moments on one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.
Angela Simmons recently teased her new single with Jadakiss and Ruff Ryders wearing a Yankees hat corset top by Haus of Debonair Designz that was previously seen on DreamDoll in the music video for “You Know My Body.”
Inspired by Duality Junkie, the inventive design transforms two upside-down fitted New York Yankees caps into sculptural bra cups, blending sportswear references with corsetry.
DreamDoll first wore the top in her music video, styled by Demi Dorsey with distressed jeans and Manolo Blahnik boots. The styling leaned into a streetwear aesthetic, pairing the novelty piece with relaxed denim and tall boots.
Angela Simmons later stepped out in the same design while teasing her collaboration with Jadakiss and Ruff Ryders, styling the corset with a denim mini skirt and Prada lace-up boots for a different take on the look.
Both interpretations highlight the unconventional design and its mix of sports culture and fashion experimentation.
Inventive! Hot! Or Hmm..? And who wore it better?
Photo Credit: Kevin Allen Digital / IG Reproduction
Lauren Sánchez Bezos made recent television appearances to promote her New York Times bestselling children’s book The Fly Who Flew Under the Sea, stepping out in two looks from Sergio Hudson’s Fall 2026 runway collection.
For one appearance, she wore a white structured peplum jacket paired with a coordinating fluted skirt, a tailored set that emphasized clean lines and sculptural volume.
In another look, she opted for a black and ivory colorblock long-sleeve dress featuring a high neckline and floral detailing, offering a contrasting take on the designer’s signature precision tailoring.
Both ensembles debuted on the runway during New York Fashion Week and reflect Sergio Hudson’s continued focus on refined silhouettes and bold color composition. According to the designer, Sánchez Bezos acquired a significant portion of the collection directly from the runway.
Which look stands out to you—the white peplum set or the black and ivory colorblock dress?
**AUSTIN** — In a city where the brisket is smoked low and slow, but the style arrives fully cooked, one thing is immediately clear: the real main stage at SXSW has always been the red carpet. And this year, no one commanded that stage quite like Keke Palmer.
Palmer, attending the premiere of Boots Riley’s *I Love Boosters*, delivered a masterclass in modern vintage dressing. The actress surfaced a butter-yellow silk jersey gown from Roberto Cavalli’s iconic Spring 2005 collection, sourced from The Kit Vintage. Styled with a razor-sharp pixie cut and heavy gold door-knocker earrings, Palmer didn’t merely wear the dress; she commanded it, paying homage to its Sheryl Crow-era provenance while making it entirely her own.
Where Palmer pursued sun-drenched maximalism, Naomi Ackie offered a study in sculptural poetry. The actress was spotted during the festival in a breathtaking sleeveless red dress from Issey Miyake’s SS26 line.
The garment featured a three-dimensional appliqué along the hem that evoked the organic movement of beach grass, swaying with her every step—a poignant dialogue between precise construction and the whimsy of the natural world.
Demi Moore imported Old Guard drama to the Texas prairie in a $7,300 cobalt blue satin gown from Saint Laurent’s Resort 2026 collection. Conceived by Anthony Vaccarello, the look derived its power from precision: a plunging neckline and a vertiginous slit, anchored at the waist by a singular burnt-orange bow.
Eiza González, meanwhile, offered a study in liquid restraint. She floated down the carpet in a pearl-white silk gown with delicate spaghetti straps, her only adornments a pair of sculptural David Yurman drop earrings.
All of this unfolded against the backdrop of SXSW’s most intimate iteration in years. With the iconic Austin Convention Center currently undergoing reconstruction, the festival has traded its sprawling campus for a cozier footprint centered around the Paramount Theatre. Think less tech conglomerate and more stylish house party, where you might spot a Hollywood legend waiting in line for breakfast tacos. It’s a setting that demands stars show up ready—and this year, they delivered.
The 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards brought together some of the most influential women in entertainment, and the red carpet delivered a range of memorable fashion moments. From sculptural florals and shimmering metallic gowns to modern tailoring, the annual luncheon once again proved to be a showcase for standout style.
To determine the Top 5 Best Dressed, we looked at the response from readers and followers—ranking the looks based on the number of likes each received on our social platforms.
Zendaya wore a white vintage-inspired Cache mini dress featuring ruched draping, a thigh-high slit, and a dramatic floral appliqué cascading down the bodice in white and gold. The dress carries a notable fashion history—famously worn by Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) in Sex and the City: The Movie in 2008, and itself a replicated version of the original Eugene Alexander dress worn by Whitney Houston on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1987.
Styled by Law Roach, the look was paired with pointed white Christian Louboutin pumps and a short curled hairstyle that kept the focus on the sculptural floral detail.
Olandria wore a gold Sergio Hudson Resort 2026 sequined gown featuring long sleeves and a plunging neckline. The fitted column silhouette emphasized the shimmering metallic texture of the fabric, creating a sleek and streamlined red carpet look. The look was styled by The Reismans.
Chelley wore a cream Fanci Club halter dress featuring a deep plunge neckline and a structured corset bodice that transitioned into a voluminous skirt silhouette. The tailored construction balanced soft volume with sculptural structure, creating a modern red carpet look. She paired the dress with white pointed-toe pumps and delicate jewelry.
Zinzi Coogler attended the luncheon alongside her husband, filmmaker Ryan Coogler, wearing a champagne Donna Karan sequin column gown. The sleeveless silhouette featured subtle shimmer and soft draping across the bodice, creating an understated yet elegant look for the daytime event.
Ryan Destiny stepped out in a white Givenchy shirt-style dress featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, voluminous sleeves, and a belted waist. The high slit and structured tailoring balanced classic shirting with a modern red carpet silhouette.
Scroll on for even more notable looks from the event.
Chloe Bailey in Harris ReedHalle Bailey in Cult GaiaCoco Jones in Tony WardMarsai Martin in Phan Huy
The television personality and entrepreneur kept her ensemble polished and refined, allowing the bold color and clean silhouette of the outfit to take center stage while the bag added a modern finishing touch.
The Flore K NY handbag complemented the look with its sleek structure and minimal design, demonstrating how a statement accessory can elevate an already strong outfit. The emerging brand has been gaining attention for its contemporary aesthetic and versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from day to evening.
Paired with Kandi’s monochromatic red ensemble, the bag offered a subtle contrast while still maintaining a cohesive look. The structured shape and refined details made it an ideal accessory for a television appearance, balancing style with practicality.
Flore K NY continues to position itself as a brand to watch in the accessories space, with designs that emphasize clean lines, quality craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
For those inspired by Kandi Burruss’ look, the featured bag is currently available to shop at FlorekNY.com.
Albert Kriemler approached Akris Fall 2026 from a deeply tactile perspective. Collaborating with Colombian textile artist Olga de Amaral, the designer explored the relationship between weaving and storytelling, building a collection rooted in texture, craftsmanship, and sensory experience. “I don’t think in words; I think in touch and texture,” Kriemler said when describing his process. “Fabrics are my language.”
The show unfolded at the Palais de Tokyo, where models emerged from a gold shimmering beaded curtain reminiscent of Amaral’s woven installations. The set immediately established the collection’s central theme: textile as narrative. For Kriemler, the connection between the words text and textile—both derived from the Latin texere, meaning “to weave”—served as a conceptual starting point.
Texture became the defining element of the collection. Fringe appeared throughout the lineup, cascading from skirts and dresses in long, fluid strands that echoed Amaral’s sculptural textile work. Burgundy paillette dresses shimmered with movement, while airy fringed garments swayed dramatically with each step.
Kriemler balanced this artistic experimentation with the refined pragmatism that defines Akris. Tailoring remained central: high-collared car coats, sharply cut jackets, and sculptural skirts grounded the collection in wearable elegance. Workwear silhouettes were elevated through luxurious fabrication, reinforcing Akris’s reputation for dressing powerful women with quiet authority.
Material exploration played a key role. Faux fur, wool, leather, velvet, and chunky knits created layers of visual and tactile contrast. Oversized ribbed sweaters added softness to structured pieces, while leather skirts and coats demonstrated the brand’s technical precision. A black and gold dress featuring appliqués arranged across the surface added a sculptural dimension, reinforcing the collection’s dialogue between fashion and art.
The palette combined earthy richness with vibrant accents. Gold, brown, mustard, black, and hunter green anchored the collection, while vivid pink and bold red introduced moments of drama. A striking red-and-pink color-blocked look offered one of the show’s most graphic statements, underscoring Kriemler’s confident use of color.
Accessories reinforced the collection’s tactile focus. Gold clutches and compact handbags provided sculptural punctuation, while platform boots, mules with metallic detailing, and fringed bags complemented the textural narrative. Chunky knit beanies added a casual counterpoint to the otherwise polished silhouettes.
Ultimately, Akris Fall 2026 succeeded in translating Amaral’s textile artistry into wearable form. The collection felt both conceptual and practical—an intersection of craft, architecture, and modern femininity. By centering fabric as the core language of design, Kriemler delivered a runway that celebrated the power of texture to communicate emotion, memory, and presence.
At Paris Fashion Week, Georges Hobeika presented a Fall 2026 collection that balanced tailored structure with ornate eveningwear, offering looks designed for women drawn to shine, texture, and embellishment. The runway showcased a mix of menswear-inspired silhouettes alongside delicate, embellished dresses that emphasized craftsmanship through lace, beadwork, and intricate surface detail.
Structured jackets and corseted bodices introduced a tailored element to the collection, often paired with midi-length skirts or pleated silhouettes that created movement along the runway. Some looks incorporated pleats that extended from the hip, while others relied on fitted shapes and sheer paneling to highlight the body’s lines.
Embellishment played a central role throughout the collection. Sequins, paillettes, pearls, and beaded fringe appeared across dresses, skirts, and bodices, adding texture and dimension. Several pieces featured layered beadwork and embroidery, while others incorporated feather detailing that created sculptural volume across shoulders and bodices.
The color palette remained soft and refined, moving through tones of champagne, ivory, beige, blush pink, and dusted purple, alongside deeper hues including navy, black, and gray. Mint green introduced a subtle contrast within the lineup, reinforcing the collection’s balance between neutral tones and gentle color.
Sheer fabrics and lace construction appeared frequently, particularly in fitted dresses and corseted designs that layered embroidery and embellishment across translucent bases. Strapless silhouettes and structured bodices added to the eveningwear focus, reinforcing the collection’s emphasis on glamour and detail.
Accessories complemented the ornate garments with understated refinement. Models walked in satin pumps and jeweled heels that echoed the embellishments seen throughout the collection, tying the looks together with subtle sparkle.
Overall, the Fall 2026 lineup emphasized contrast between structure and ornamentation, blending tailored silhouettes with highly embellished eveningwear that highlighted lace, beadwork, feathers, and shimmering fabrics across a cohesive runway presentation.
