Cushnie’s Top 10 Red Carpet Looks

Update: I posted this top 10 back in June, and reposting today following the news that after 12 years, Carly Cushnie has closed the doors on her eponymous label. The CEO and creative director of women’s ready-to-wear line Cushnie has shutdown her business citing the coronavirus pandemic as the primary reason for this.

It’s really disappointing to learn. Cushnie has been a red carpet staple. Not a week would go by without one of her dresses gracing an event.

I wish her all the best in her next endeavor.

Cushnie (formerly Cushnie et Ochs) was founded in 2008 by Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, upon their graduation from Parsons School of Design.

Michelle exited in 2018, and Carly continued to present signature looks that are clean, modern and effortless.

Celebrities love the ready-to-wear labels cut-out dresses, sculpted knitwear, and tailored pieces which are all known to have an impeccable fit.

Do you remember that time when Sara Sampaio or Emily Ratajkowski both showed up wearing the same Cushnie dress?

Well, there have been many more amazing red carpet moments for the brand, which I managed to narrow down to ten looks.

1.  Ashley Madekwe Front Row At Cushnie Spring 2014

The actress has worn many dresses from the designer, but this red pencil dress with the signature cut-outs stood out the most for me.  

This was the perfect marriage of signature styles (designer and wearer) presenting an outstanding look.

2.  Lupita Nyong’o In Cushnie – Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Between the vibrant purple hued and the luxe silk fabric, I was positively swooning at the sight of Lupita wearing Spring 2014 two-piece look.

Jewel tones (especially) always pop against her velvety smooth skin, and this was the finest example.

The look was of course matched in the makeup department with smoldering purple eye shadow.

3.  Rosie Huntington-Whiteley In Cushnie – De Grisogono Fatale In Cannes Dinner Party

How does Cushnie reinterpret the classic tuxedo gown?

With a sexy cut-out and thigh-high slit of course.

I still feel that the jewels were a tad OTT, but A. This was party for a jewelry brand, and B. This was a Cannes Film Festival party so…

4. Padma Lakshmi In Cushnie – 11th Annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball

This, much like Rosie’s look, shows the power of the wearer, and the finesse of the brand.

Without the grace of Padma, this could’ve gone horribly wrong, but this petrol blue cut-out silk gown ended up being my best dressed of that week.  

It still makes me swoon.

5.  Brie Larson In Cushnie – John Goodman Honored With Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

We become very accustomed to Cushnie’s no frills and clean lines, but by the Pre-Fall 2017 collection the brand was ready for something more.

This white dress worn by Brie Larson bears all the signature hallmarks – cut-out, slinky slim-fit, but on this occasion tonal diagonal fringe work added more dimension.

6. Kerry Washington In Cushnie – Good Morning America

Without question this floral Spring 2018 off-the-shoulder dress is my favourite on this list.

Mostly because it was Kerry Washington at her morning show best, but also because of the pretty spring hues with the hint of fall via the blue suede shoes styling that created such an elegance, yet still sexy moment for the ‘Scandal’ lead actress.

7. Mary J Blige In Cushnie – 9th Annual Governors Awards

This would be my second favourite. 

Mary J Blige’s awards season run for ‘Mudbound’  was sensational, and this Cushine Spring 2018 gown was definitely one for her hall of fame.

The style was totally different for her, but it’s that shot of neon yellow that really sold this look to me.

8. Dakota Johnson In Cushnie – ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ LA Premiere

Funny how both the red dresses on this list are the perfect visual representations of ‘the’ Cushnie look. 

This Pre-Fall 2018 body-con dress with the simple, yet sexy spaghetti straps took the actress down a sultry, sophisticated path which was perfect for the promotion of the latest ‘Fifty Shades’ film.

9. Lais Ribeiro In Cushnie et Ochs – 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards

2018 was a great year for Lais on the red carpet.  One of her many great looks that always sticks in my mind is this Cushnie Resort 2019 blue dress.

Yes, the colour grabs my attention first, but the elegance follows soon after followed by the impeccable styling.

10. Angela Sarafyan In Cushnie – HBO’s Official Golden Globe Awards After Party

Closing this top 10 with Angela was an easy choice. 

She looked ever-so graceful in this Cushnie Resort 2019 gown at the HBO Golden Globe after-party, which gave us a rare glimpse of the brands fairy-tale, romantic side, which of course had a cut-out.

Credit: Backgrid & Getty

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