Award season is officially in full swing, and Hollywood has once again delivered a mix of glamour, surprises, and those unforgettable red carpet moments that get everyone talking. Between bold fashion choices, nostalgic throwbacks, and even edible beauty stunts, the past week proved why award shows are just as much about the carpet as the trophies.
Here’s a look at the top red carpet highlights, fashion statements, and shocking moments that lit up recent ceremonies.
Doja Cat Turns Lipstick Into a Snack
Trust Doja Cat to steal the show before she even hit the stage. At the 2025 VMAs, she shocked photographers when she appeared to casually munch on a tube of lipstick. Fans gasped, critics were baffled, and social media exploded—until she revealed the twist: the lipstick was actually an edible chocolate prop.
The stunt wasn’t just a quirky gag—it doubled as a clever launch for her new partnership with M·A·C Cosmetics. In one move, Doja combined humor, performance art, and marketing genius. Love her or not, she knows how to keep everyone’s eyes (and cameras) on her.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Vintage Fashion Homage
If anyone channeled Old Hollywood energy this season, it was Sabrina Carpenter. The singer and rising fashion star stunned in not one but two archival Bob Mackie gowns, both once worn by Cher herself.
During the VMAs, Sabrina wowed in Mackie’s legendary “Swamp Dress” from 1986, before changing into a sparkling bodysuit and feather boa that looked straight out of the disco era. Later, at the after-party, she debuted Cher’s original 1975 gown, turning heads with a bold “fashion history meets Gen Z pop star” moment.
Her looks weren’t just costumes—they were statements. By wearing Cher’s iconic designs, Sabrina carved out her place among music’s style icons while giving younger fans a taste of vintage couture.
Rosé of BLACKPINK Makes a Bold Statement
K-pop continues to dominate global stages, and BLACKPINK’s Rosé reminded everyone why she’s a star to watch. Fresh off becoming the first K-pop soloist to win Song of the Year at the VMAs, Rosé showed up to the after-party in a daring safety-pinned gown by designer Dilara Findikoğlu.
The dress, nicknamed “Chloe as Venus,” blended punk aesthetics with art-inspired couture, showing Rosé’s willingness to push boundaries. Fans praised her for balancing edginess with elegance—a tricky mix that she pulled off effortlessly. This wasn’t just a look; it was a fashion statement that screamed individuality.
Angelina Jolie Reinvents the Trench Coat
Not all jaw-dropping red carpet moments are sequins and feathers. At the Toronto International Film Festival, Angelina Jolie proved that even the simplest piece of clothing can become unforgettable with the right styling.
She stepped out in a floor-length, chocolate-brown trench coat by Gabriela Hearst. What made it headline-worthy? Jolie wore it slightly open, revealing a dramatic slit and very little else underneath. Paired with Cartier diamonds and her signature confidence, the look was powerful, chic, and undeniably sexy.
It was a masterclass in minimalist glamour—proof that sometimes less really is more.
Why These Moments Stood Out
Award shows are never short on fashion, but certain looks and stunts rise above the rest because they capture more than just style—they tell a story.
- Doja Cat’s edible lipstick was funny, shocking, and brilliant marketing all in one.
- Sabrina Carpenter’s Mackie gowns honored fashion history while cementing her as this generation’s red carpet risk-taker.
- Rosé’s avant-garde debut showed how K-pop continues to influence Western fashion conversations.
- Angelina Jolie’s trench coat look proved sophistication doesn’t need sparkle to make headlines.
These moments worked because they blended personality with spectacle, reminding us that red carpets aren’t just about pretty dresses—they’re about crafting cultural moments.
The Bigger Picture: Red Carpets as Pop Culture
Why do these moments get so much attention? Because red carpets have become as important as the awards themselves. They’re a stage where celebrities build their brand, designers showcase their art, and fans get a front-row seat to style history.
Think about it—Cher’s original Mackie gowns are still making headlines nearly 50 years later. Doja Cat’s playful stunt didn’t just trend, it sparked conversations about marketing and authenticity. Angelina Jolie’s trench coat look inspired fashion blogs overnight. And Rosé’s bold choice put Korean designers in the global spotlight.
Each of these moments fuels the cultural conversation long after the ceremonies end. They’re photographed, memed, shared, and remembered—which is exactly why celebrities take such big swings with their red carpet appearances.
