words by DEBORAH DRENOFCI

But what is an awards show, without the glam and the fashion, where cinema and fashion dance together? The 2026 Emmys red carpet delivered exactly that, a night where tailoring turned sculptural, sequins caught every flash, and a handful of looks reminded us why the carpet is a runway of its own.

Fresh off debuting a new pixie cut, Zendaya proved once again why she and stylist Law Roach remain one of the most-watched pairings in the game, wrapped in a semi-sheer custom Prada gown that caught the light with every crystal. Just as luminous was Ayo Edebiri, a Chanel ambassador since last October, whose custom blue silk faille dress by Matthieu Blazy played with contrast in the most Chanel way possible, a bold vermillion bow at the back cutting through the calm blue with exactly the kind of surprise the house has become known for under Blazy’s direction.

Menswear held its own too. Oscar Isaac skipped the expected black tuxedo altogether, opting for an ivory Celine suit that felt quietly confident. Colman Domingo, on the other hand, went the opposite route entirely, arriving in a mandarin-collared copper Valentino jacket cinched with a magenta sash and a jeweled buckle. Who said that menswear can’t hold just as much drama as any gown on the carpet?

And then there was Grace Gummer, whose strapless black Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson traded the expected body-skimming silhouette for volume and texture instead, with floral appliqués catching the eye at every angle. Yet many other stars caught our eye as well.