The Golden Globes 2026 red carpet has officially heralded a new era in celebrity fashion, signaling a definitive end to the "quiet luxury" trend that dominated previous seasons. On January 11, 2026, the Beverly Hilton became a runway for maximalist expression, where A-listers traded understated minimalism for high-octane glamour, intricate artisanal details, and bold architectural silhouettes. Leading this shift were Selena Gomez and Elle Fanning, whose jaw-dropping custom creations set the bar for awards season style 2026.
Maximalism Returns: The End of Quiet Luxury
If the 2026 Golden Globes proved one thing, it is that Hollywood is ready to make noise again. Gone are the muted beige palettes and simple slip dresses. In their place, we saw a resurgence of 2026 celebrity fashion trends centered on texture, volume, and hundreds of hours of hand-embroidery. This year's red carpet wasn't just about looking expensive; it was about wearing art.
Stylists and stars collaborated to bring back "Old Hollywood" drama but with a modern, surrealist twist. From crystal-encrusted structures to gravity-defying cutouts, the evening was a masterclass in visual storytelling. The shift suggests that for the rest of the 2026 awards circuit, we can expect celebrities to take bigger risks, embracing fashion that demands attention rather than whispering for it.
Selena Gomez Wears Custom Chanel: A 323-Hour Masterpiece
One of the night's most talked-about moments belonged to Selena Gomez, who arrived looking every bit the screen siren in a breathtaking Selena Gomez Chanel dress. The custom black velvet bustier gown was a triumph of haute couture craftsmanship, reportedly taking the French atelier over 323 hours to construct.
The Intricate Details
Far from a basic black dress, Gomez's look featured approximately 200 hand-embroidered elements. The design incorporated white flowers crafted meticulously from feathers, silk chiffon, and silk organza, creating a stunning monochrome contrast against the deep velvet. The bodice dipped into a dramatic V-shape at the back, elegantly framing her rose tattoo.
Accompanied by her husband, Benny Blanco—who added his own flair with a statement brooch—Gomez embodied the perfect balance of classic elegance and modern extravagance. Her look solidified her status as a fashion heavyweight and set a high standard for the best dressed Golden Globes 2026 list.
Elle Fanning's Shimmering Gucci Garden
While Gomez opted for dark romanticism, Elle Fanning brought an ethereal, fairy-tale quality to the carpet. The Elle Fanning Gucci gown was a vision of shimmering light, proving that metallics are going nowhere in 2026. The dress, a custom creation, featured a deep V-neckline and was entirely encrusted with silver crystals and beads.
What elevated this look to maximalist territory was the detailed embroidery. The gown featured a degradation of floral petals and fringed detailing that moved fluidly as she walked, giving the effect of a shimmering garden in motion. Fanning, known for her risk-taking fashion choices, perfectly captured the night's theme: intricate, labor-intensive luxury that feels personal and magical. It was a stark departure from the simple sheaths of yesteryear, embracing a "more is more" philosophy with grace.
Risk-Takers and Trendsetters: Teyana Taylor & More
No conversation about the 2026 Globes would be complete without mentioning the night's most daring ensembles. Teyana Taylor Schiaparelli couture was the definition of architectural bravery. Known for pushing boundaries, Taylor wore a sculptural black gown that featured daring cutouts and a "bijou thong" detail at the back—a diamond-encrusted element that broke the internet and cemented the "visible lingerie" trend as a high-fashion staple for 2026.
Men's Fashion Steals the Spotlight
The men also embraced the maximalist memo. Rustin star Colman Domingo continued his reign as a red carpet king, donning a suit dripping in brooches, proving that male jewelry is one of the essential 2026 celebrity fashion trends. Meanwhile, stars like Chris Perfetti opted for vibrant jewel tones, moving away from the standard black tuxedo to embrace electric blues and deep emeralds.
The Verdict: 2026 is the Year of Bold Fashion
As the first major event of the year, the Golden Globes often predict the trajectory of red carpet style. If Sunday's looks are any indication, we are in for a thrilling season. The Golden Globes 2026 red carpet was a celebration of craftsmanship and personality.
Whether it was the 300+ hours poured into Selena Gomez's Chanel or the daring architecture of Teyana Taylor's Schiaparelli, the message was clear: fashion is supposed to be fun, loud, and unapologetically glamorous. As we look toward the Oscars, we can only hope this energy continues to build, giving fashion lovers everywhere plenty to talk about.
