10 Times Celebs Wore Archival Looks on the Red Carpet
Alexa Demie (2026)
Bette Midler’s Bob Mackie Gown
Starting our list out strong with Maddy in a Mackie, actress Alexa Demie made headlines with her archival look at the “Euphoria” season 3 premiere. Known for his glitzy creations, renowned designer Bob Mackie is a popular red carpet choice for celebrities looking to channel retro Hollywood glamour. This theatrical gown was originally worn by Bette Midler in the 90’s, but the bold stripes and contrasting train are also the perfect fit for Demie’s darker aesthetic. Pairing the dress with more minimal makeup, this standout look allowed the TV star to show off a brand new side of her style.
Jenna Ortega (2025)
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Newspaper Dress
Although this piece was actually worn by a fictional style icon, Carrie Bradshaw’s fashion in “Sex and the City” is still influential to this day. In the show’s third season, Sarah Jessica Parker filmed a scene in a unique black and white newsprint dress, and it quickly became one of the series’ most iconic looks. Years later, Jenna Ortega lived out many fans of the franchise’s dreams by stepping onto a red carpet in the nostalgic Christian Dior look. Although the garment was a slight departure from her usual styling, it translated well into the young actress’s edgier vibe.
Olivia Rodrigo (2024)
Linda Evangelista’s Versace Gown
No stranger to a vintage red carpet moment, Olivia Rodrigo made waves at the 2024 Grammy Awards with a dazzling white dress from 1995. Initially worn by supermodel Linda Evangelista on the runway, stylist Danielle Goldberg had the unique garment specifically brought out of the Versace archives for the singer. While the look sticks close to the star’s go-to strappy dress silhouette, it also fully leans into retro bombshell glamour. From the subtle metallic accents to the tiny red beads and her matching lipstick, Rodrigo and this gown are a match made in heaven.
Halsey (2024)
Elizabeth Hurley’s 90’s Versace Dress
Believe it or not, this archival piece ended up at the 2024 VMA’s all because a few decades earlier, Elizabeth Hurley never picked up her dry cleaning. After wearing the custom dress to a Versace boutique opening, the story goes that the fashion icon never went back to the cleaners and the garment was sold. Ecstatic at the opportunity to bring back the stunning vintage gown, Halsey shared “I literally feel like I could faint.” Matching the sparkling animal print number with bright red hair, the dress’s unexpected journey made this moment all the more special.
Margot Robbie (2023)
Cindy Crawford’s Chanel Gown
For the 2023 Met Gala honoring Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy, many celebrities took the opportunity to bring back pieces from the designer’s archives. As a Chanel ambassador, Margot Robbie chose to represent both the fashion house and the theme by wearing a reproduction of a Lagerfeld gown from the 90’s. The elegant black dress with unique corset detailing was initially modeled by Cindy Crawford, who later took to social media to give the Aussie star her stamp of approval. When sharing why this particular look stuck out to her, Robbie explained that it reminded her of “the first vintage Chanel bag I saved up for when I was younger.”
Bella Hadid (2021)
Naomi Campbell’s Jean Paul Gaultier Dress
Before she was one of the world’s highest-earning models, a young Bella Hadid had asked runway icon Naomi Campbell to be her mentor. From a hotel hallway masterclass to walking the red carpet at Cannes in 2021, she took a moment to honor one of her biggest inspirations. The black and white Gaultier gown had originally been worn by Campbell back in 2002, and Hadid put her own stamp on the look with a sleek updo and statement jewelry. One of her most meaningful and elegant archival pulls, the dress proved exactly why she’s nicknamed the “Queen of Cannes.”
Zendaya (2021)
Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” Versace Number
Working with stylist Law Roach, Zendaya has delivered a long list of incredible archival looks over the years. The duo loves to pay homage to their fashion icons, and they’ve channeled everyone from Eunice Johnson to Linda Evangelista. In particular, the actress has been very vocal about her love for Beyoncé, making this green and purple look extra special. Bringing the Versace dress back to the BET Awards, it had been 18 years since it was first featured in a performance of “Crazy in Love.” In the words of Donatella herself, Zendaya had a “tough act to follow,” but as usual, the star and her stylist delivered.
Sabrina Carpenter (2024)
Madonna’s Bob Mackie Oscars Dress
From old Hollywood glamour to dazzling disco looks, Sabrina Carpenter is well known for her referential vintage styling both on stage and off. Over the last few years, the singer has appeared in multiple Bob Mackie creations, including a strappy mirrored piece originally designed for Cher. She also brought back one of the designer’s more recognizable 90’s pieces for the 2024 VMA’s, wearing a sparkling gown originally debuted by the Queen of Pop herself. Not only was the dress made for Madonna, but the design was also modeled after Marilyn Monroe, and Carpenter clearly channeled both icons with this blonde bombshell-ception look.
Zendaya (2024)
The Thierry Mugler Robot Suit
One of the most iconic fashion moments of all time, this metallic suit from Thierry Mugler’s 1995 collection is a celebrity in its own right. Taking inspiration from 1920’s science fiction, the daring creation pairs cyborg-esque armor with cutouts that highlight the idealized feminine form. When Zendaya and Law Roach discussed theme dressing for the “Dune: Part Two” press tour, they both dared to dream about bringing back this archival piece, but they weren’t sure if it would even fit. The final result was one of the most talked-about red carpet outfits in recent history, and the robot suit is indisputably one of the actress’ best-ever looks.
Before we unveil our last pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Kelsea Ballerini (2022) , Shania Twain’s Grammys Dress
A Museum Lent the Country Star Her Icon’s Gown for the ACM Honors
Madison Beer (2021), Beyoncé’s Dolce & Gabbana Dress
The Singer Channeled Queen B to Celebrate Her First Ever VMA Nomination
Sydney Sweeney (2024) , Angelina Jolie’s Marc Bouwer Gown
The Actress Brought the Plunging Dress Back to the Oscars Two Decades Later
Blake Lively (2025) , Britney Spears’ Versace Dress
The Actress Gave a Millennial Shoutout to Her “Ultimate Queen” With This Look
Kim Kardashian (2022)
Marilyn Monroe’s Historic Bob Mackie Dress
There’s no question that the reality TV star has an affinity for vintage pieces, whether it’s purchasing a necklace worn by Princess Diana or wearing the iconic Alexander McQueen “oyster dress” gifted to her by Kanye. However, Kim Kardashian shocked the world when she arrived at the 2022 Met Gala in Marilyn Monroe’s historic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown. After extreme dieting and upholding rigorous standards in order to properly preserve the fragile piece, rumors that she’d damaged the dress led to a tirade of online criticism. Although both Kardashian and Ripley’s have refuted these claims, the controversy continued, and designer Bob Mackie even chimed in to call the red carpet moment “a big mistake.”
Which of these tribute looks were your favorite and which missed the mark? Let us know in the comments below.
