What’s old is new again – just look at the red carpets this awards season. Hunter Schafer, Zendaya, Cate Blanchett and more used the red carpet as an opportunity to showcase vintage fashion at the BAFTAs, NAACP Image Awards, Oscars and more. Many of the gowns and ensembles were from the recent past by designers like Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier and Dior. One particularly popular era: 1995 to 2005 (which, incidentally, encompasses some of the years Gen-Zers were born.)
And the looks feel remarkably of the moment. Take, for example, Olivia Rodrigo. The pop star, with the help of stylist Danielle Goldberg, wore horse-printed Chloé trousers from Stella McCartney’s tenure at the brand on the red carpet. With a flared leg and low-slung waist, the trousers, incredibly, hit multiple quadrants on the trendiness chart. While vintage Versace – namely the ’90s – has been worn to events by Zendaya, Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid. It’s fashion so good, it demands to be worn twice.
Vintage taps into the ever-growing desire for sustainability within fashion. Why make an entirely new dress when there are plenty of great ones waiting to be reworn? And the looks do not have to feel overly rooted in the past either. Popular archival shops such as Tab Vintage, Pechuga Vintage, and Shrimpton Couture have emerged as reliable go-tos for remarkably curated and of-the-moment vintage fashion for celebrities and fashion enthusiasts.
And then there is Blanchett, who has not only reworn looks from previous red carpets but also reworked garments into entirely new creations. An Alexander McQueen gown becomes a fitted top; repurposed lace from Armani is used for a new gown. Blanchett showcases that vintage fashion can be utilised in multiple and myriad ways.
Below, check out some of the best vintage fashion moments from this past awards season.
Cate Blanchett rewears her 2015 Oscars Margiela dress to the 2023 BAFTAs
Olivia Rodrigo in Chloé spring/summer 2001 at Billboard Women In Music 2023
Winnie Harlow in Armani haute couture spring/summer 2005 at the Academy Awards
Kendall Jenner in Jean Paul Gaultier spring/summer 2008 couture at the Vanity Fair Oscars party
Jurnee Smollett in 1996 Nina Ricci haute couture at the Vanity Fair Oscars party
Gabrielle Union in 1989 Versace at the 54th NAACP Image Awards
Vanessa Hudgens in vintage Chanel at the Academy Awards
Laura Dern in Armani Privé spring/summer 2006 at the Vanity Fair Oscars party
Laverne Cox in vintage John Galliano at the Golden Globes
Rooney Mara in vintage Alexander McQueen at the Academy Awards
Jenna Ortega in Versace autumn/winter 1994 at the Screen Actors Guild Awards
Zendaya in Versace spring/summer 2002 at the 54th NAACP Image Awards
Megan Stalter in Vivienne Westwood spring/summer 2004 at the Screen Actors Guild Awards
Rooney Mara in Givenchy spring/summer 1997 at the Film Independent Spirit Awards
