Thrills, frills and crystals galore: The Emmys red carpet winners

With the 78th Emmys coinciding with the passing of nine-time award winner and costume designer Bob Mackie, there’s extra pressure on celebrities to really show out on the navy carpet.

Some might scoff at another red carpet best dressed list topped by Zendaya, but how could you when she looks this phenomenal? Sporting her new pixie cut in custom Prada, she is a masterclass in style supremacy.

On the evening that could end with her breaking various records, the Euphoria actor looked appropriately standout in the plunging platinum dress that was dripping with crystal embellishments and accessorised with Mikimoto diamond and pearl jewellery.

Zendaya.Getty Images“There’s an elegance to pearls that will always be classic, but the way Zendaya wears them tonight feels completely of the moment,” stylist Law Roach said of the jewellery choices.

Speaking of those related to Spiderman, that famous line – “with great power comes great responsibility” – came to mind at this Emmys because Aunt Mae could have been speaking about frills.

There were a lot of them on the carpet and some celebrities didn’t quite nail the balance like 24-year-old Lukita Maxwell did. The Shrinking actor was the picture of youthful elegance in a custom gold Louis Vuitton gown, which had just enough frill to make it feel fun rather than frumpy.

Lukita Maxwell.Getty ImagesAyo Edebiri.Getty ImagesIn a similar vein, Maxwell might have been taking cues from Ayo Edebiri, who’s demonstrated time and time again that she is in a style league of her own. Edebiri never looks like she’s trying to pander to the taste of anyone but herself.

In a cornflower blue and red sleeveless gown by Mattieu Blazy for Chanel, Edebiri infused the event with a contemporary femininity. Stylist Danielle Goldberg accessorised the dress, which features dual front-and-back bows, with simple silver heels and tousled, pared-back beauty. It’s pretty without being frivolous.

Elle Fanning.Getty ImagesElle Fanning is a true fashion maven, with a discerning eye for pieces that look fabulous on her and never seem to wear her – not an easy feat for a still-young actress.

In a beaded mint green Ralph Lauren gown, with a trailing over-the-shoulder scarf, Fanning was timeless glamour. Even sister Dakota, also usually a fashion standout, looked slightly lacklustre in comparison.

Emma D’Arcy.Getty ImagesAdvertisementThere is an insouciance that radiates from House of Dragons actor Emma D’arcy. It’s this incalculable energy that saw them go viral for the way they described a negroni sbagliato and makes most of their red carpet appearances memorable.

At the Emmys, D’arcy embodied cool ease in a relaxed three-piece suit by Japanese designer and 2025 LVMH prize winner, Soshiotsuki. With accessories by Tiffany and Co, and hair that would put a nineties Leonardo DiCaprio to shame, I fear I would melt if they even glanced in my direction.

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