From Rihanna's naked dress to Cher in Bob Mackie, 10 red carpet looks that rewrote fashion history

The red carpet isn't just a parade of pretty dresses; it's also a stage for cultural commentary, and a launchpad for trends that reverberate through the fashion world for years to come. Some looks, however, transcend mere trends and become seismic shifts, forever altering the landscape of celebrity style and influencing the way we view fashion itself. HELLO! India lists the 10 red carpet moments that irrevocably changed the game.

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1. Cher in Bob Mackie at the Met Gala, 1974

Long before naked dresses became a red carpet staple, Cher and Bob Mackie dared to bare. This sheer, feathered, and beaded masterpiece defied convention, showcasing a level of audacious glamour that was revolutionary for its time. Cher wore the Bob Mackie gown for the 1974 Met Gala and proved that red carpet fashion could be theatrical, provocative, and utterly unforgettable, even back then.

2. Diane Keaton at the 48th Academy Awards, 1976

Keaton's Ralph Lauren ensemble of a men's-inspired suit, shattered the mould of traditional Hollywood femininity. It was a powerful statement of individuality and a pivotal moment for androgynous style, demonstrating that women could be both powerful and chic in menswear-inspired looks. 

3. Lil’ Kim at the MTV Video Music Awards, 1999

Lil’ Kim's one-shouldered, lavender jumpsuit, revealing one breast covered only by a sequin pasty, was a cultural phenomenon. It ignited a firestorm of controversy and conversation, pushing the boundaries of sexuality and self-expression in fashion, and forever cementing her status as a fashion icon.

4. Jennifer Lopez in Versace at the Grammys, 2000

This one is the dress. This plunging, sheer green Versace gown, which is believed to have launched Google Images, has become a cultural touchstone. It redefined the concept of "red carpet sexy," proving that bold, unabashed glamour could create a global sensation.

5. Björk in Marjan Pejoski at the Oscars, 2001

Björk's swan dress was a performance art piece disguised as a red carpet moment. It was bizarre, unforgettable, and sparked endless debate as it went from being dubbed as tacky and then, iconic. It proved that fashion could be a vehicle for artistic expression, even if it meant defying all expectations.

6. Cher in Bob Mackie at the Oscars, 1986

This iconic black, sparkling, webbed, midriff-baring outfit, coupled with a towering feathered headdress, was a direct response to the Oscars' perceived stuffiness. It was a flamboyant, unapologetic statement of Cher's individuality and a testament to her enduring collaboration with Bob Mackie, solidifying their status as fashion revolutionaries.

7. Rihanna in Adam Selman at the CFDA awards, 2014

Rihanna's sheer, Swarovski crystal-encrusted Adam Selman dress was a masterclass in naked dressing, much before it even became a trend. It was both daring and elegant, showcasing her confidence and setting a new standard for red carpet transparency. 

8. Rihanna in Guo Pei gown at the Met Gala, 2015

This monumental, fur-trimmed yellow gown was a bold embrace of Chinese couture. It sparked countless memes and solidified Rihanna's reputation as a fashion risk-taker, demonstrating the power of cultural exchange and the importance of supporting emerging designers.

9. Billy Porter in Christian Siriano at the Oscars, 2019

Porter's velvet tuxedo gown was a powerful statement against gender norms. It challenged the traditional binary of menswear and womenswear, opening up a new era of fluid and expressive red carpet fashion.

10. Doja Cat as Karl Lagerfeld's Cat, Choupette, at the Met Gala, 2023

Doja Cat's 2023 Met Gala look, embodying Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat Choupette, was a purr-fectly playful and unforgettable moment. Donning facial prosthetics, cat ears, and a shimmering Oscar de la Renta gown, she fully committed to the fantasy. Her dedication to the theme injected a fresh dose of whimsy and character into the often-serious red carpet, proving fashion can be fun and zealous.

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These 10 moments are more than just pretty pictures; they are cultural milestones that have shaped the way we see fashion, celebrity, and self-expression. They remind us that the red carpet is not just a place for clothes, but a stage for revolution.

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Text by Dhruv Singh

Edited by Dayle Pereira-Alemao