On a night where Hollywood’s best gathered to celebrate storytelling, it’s to be expected that guests arrived in their finest. Fashion, after all, can be an extension of the stories we tell ourselves. And this year, the trends at the 31st Critics Choice Awards leaned into the substantial, where texture and craftsmanship demanded a second look.
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Flight of Fancy
Texture is eternally interesting even without its usual flamboyance. Teyana Taylor commanded attention in a tailored Saint Laurent suit punctuated by a dramatic black feather shoulder, while Britt Lower wore a striking Bottega Veneta look with a wool-like finish.
Tactile Torsos
Rebelling against flatness, Chase Infiniti’s draped butter-yellow high-neck outfit and Katherine LaNasa’s red asymmetrical piece—both custom Louis Vuitton—were perfect examples of sculptural attire that prioritized three-dimensional texture over simple silhouettes.
Mind the Symmetry
There was a distinct lean toward architectural fashion this year; Jessie Buckley’s monochrome Dior look felt impeccably balanced, while Jackie Tohn’s marigold Khoon Hooi bustier gown used angular proportions to bring a sharp edge to the carpet.
Beadwork Brilliance
Who doesn’t love good beadwork? Ariana Grande embraced her Glinda persona in a pink Alberta Ferretti gown featuring a sheer cape overlay dripping in silver floral studs. Leighton Meester, on the other hand, chose a lilac Carolina Herrera number defined by a meticulous grid-like beaded pattern.
A Touch of Sheer
And finally, sheer details remain a red carpet staple because of their versatility. Chloé Zhao interpreted the trend through a romantic lens in a Rodarte bridal dress, whereas Rose Byrne offered a more sultry, tiered alternative in Valentino.
Photos: RED CARPET SPACE (via Instagram), THE WALL GROUP (via Instagram), WHAT THE FROCK (via Reddit) and MEDIA FOR UPDATES (via X)
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