The Red Carpet Reigns: Spring 2026 Collections Take Center Stage
Runway to Red Carpet: Immediate Fashion Influence
At the 2025 Academy Museum Gala, a notable trend emerged: stars and their stylists were quick to embrace designs recently showcased during the Spring 2026 fashion weeks. This immediate adoption of runway looks underscored the swift pace at which high fashion moves from the catwalk to the celebrity spotlight, setting new benchmarks for red carpet glamour.
Chanel and The Row: A-Listers' Selections
Ayo Edebiri, newly appointed as a Chanel ambassador, made a striking appearance in a custom Chanel ensemble. Her stylist, Danielle Goldberg, ensured a bespoke creation inspired by the recent Paris Fashion Week collection, featuring a sheer white top. Goldberg also dressed Kendall Jenner in her beloved brand, The Row, a label Jenner had personally admired from the front row during Paris Fashion Week.
European Luxury Houses Shine
The night saw a continued influx of Parisian runway influences. Monica Barbaro exuded sophistication in a Dior dress by Jonathan Anderson, characterized by a bubble hem and bow embellishments. Rebecca Hall captivated audiences with a dramatic, watercolor-patterned bustier from Thom Browne's whimsical Spring 2026 collection. Zoë Kravitz opted for a look from Anthony Vaccarello's Saint Laurent show, transitioning from edgy leather to flowing, jewel-toned ruffles.
Balenciaga's Dominance and Gaultier's Debut
Emily Ratajkowski sported a refined piece from Duran Lantink's inaugural collection for Jean Paul Gaultier. Elle Fanning, styled by Samantha McMillen, showcased a playful pink t-shirt paired with a red feather skirt directly from Balenciaga. Tessa Thompson appeared in a butter-yellow Balenciaga tea dress, while Naomi Watts chose an icy blue, feathered gown, confirming the powerful impact of Pierpaolo Piccioli's impressive Balenciaga debut on celebrity fashion choices.
Herrera and Ling: Diverse Design Choices
Beyond the European capitals, stylists also explored designs from other vibrant fashion hubs. Jared Eng selected a sleek, black Carolina Herrera gown with cut-outs for Joey King, drawing inspiration from Madrid's runway. Karla Welch also dressed Michelle Monaghan in a more opulent, floral-adorned Herrera design. Jenna Ortega, maintaining her signature goth-glam aesthetic, wore a distinct silver breastplate and chocolate brown skirt from New York designer Grace Ling's sensual Spring 2026 collection, proving that diverse styles are embraced on the red carpet.
Spotlight on Gala Fashion
The gala offered a comprehensive view of how celebrities and their stylists interpret and bring runway fashion to life. Each choice highlighted the unique blend of individual style and current high fashion trends, making the event a significant moment in the fashion calendar for its immediate reflection of cutting-edge designs.