The 2026 Golden Globes red carpet was transformed into a time machine, as Hollywood's elite traded contemporary trends for the timeless elegance of Old Hollywood. From sculpted waists to sparkling diamonds, the event in Beverly Hills became a powerful homage to the cinematic sirens of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.
A Fashion Expert's Verdict on the Vintage Revival
Celebrity stylist Rochelle White identified a deliberate and widespread embrace of classic glamour. 'There was a real nod to cinematic glamour,' she revealed, noting key elements like sculpted waists, draped satin, old school Hollywood necklines, and gloves. She described the overall effect as a celebration of the feminine form, suggesting the visual storytelling was 'on par with classic Hollywood'.
Rochelle proposed that this opulent turnout could signal a significant shift in fashion cycles, moving towards an era 'where clothes are allowed to be beautiful, dramatic and eye-catching again'. She highlighted the enduring appeal of icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, whose styles continue to resonate across generations and 'bring back a sense of glamour that maybe was once lost'.
Star-Studded Tributes to Silver Screen Legends
The red carpet was a gallery of living tributes. Amanda Seyfried, nominated for her work in The Testament of Ann Lee and Long Bright River, captivated in a shoulderless Versace gown adorned with Tiffany diamonds. Her ensemble, paired with a blonde bob styled in Old Hollywood waves, drew direct parallels to a 1954 ruched white dress worn by the legendary Grace Kelly.
Jennifer Lopez accentuated her famous figure in a sheer vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer gown. The silhouette was a clear echo of a 1956 dress worn by Welsh singer Shirley Bassey, which similarly celebrated curves and featured a glamorous fur hemline.
Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner dazzled in a metallic corset gown by Ashi Studio, accessorised with over 100 carats of Lorraine Schwartz jewellery. The crossing strap designs across the neckline recalled a satin white dress worn by 1960s sex symbol Jayne Mansfield in 1967.
From Sophia Loren to Audrey Hepburn: More Iconic Inspirations
The vintage inspiration extended across the carpet. Parker Posey shone in a golden Rodarte gown with a silhouette mirroring a 1958 outfit worn by Italian actress Sophia Loren, complete with matching black evening gloves.
Mila Kunis opted for elegant Carolina Herrera, her dress's flirty retro cut serving as a dead ringer for the iconic Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe in the film Sabrina, originally designed by Hubert de Givenchy.
In a simple yet striking black gown, Julia Roberts oozed classic opulence. Her look harked back to a dramatic, plunging-neckline outfit worn by Lauren Bacall in the 1944 film To Have and Have Not.
Proving her style versatility, Pamela Anderson stepped out in a modest white Ferragamo dress that powerfully channelled leading lady Katharine Hepburn and her 1940s style.
Ana de Armas sparked comparisons with Ava Gardner in a sleek, sparkling black Louis Vuitton dress, reminiscent of a figure-hugging monochrome frock the Golden Age star wore in 1952.
Finally, Jennifer Lawrence made a daring statement in a sheer, floral-embroidered 'naked dress' by Givenchy's Sarah Burton. While bold for its time, the look channelled the essence of a floral lace dress worn by Rita Hayworth in 1942, designed by famed costume head Irene Lentz.
The collective return to these iconic styles at the Golden Globes not only offered a night of breathtaking fashion but also suggested a broader cultural nostalgia for the unabashed glamour and artistry of Hollywood's golden age.
