InStyle Imagemaker Awards 2026: Where Was the Style?

Considering the event was called the InStyle Imagemaker Awards, Thursday night’s red carpet in Los Angeles was surprisingly short on both style and memorable fashion moments. We’ve already covered Priyanka Chopra and Megan Thee Stallion, but the rest of the guest list gave us plenty more to discuss, although not always for the right reasons.

Thriller Night

Heidi Klum wore a Dreaming Eli Spring 2027 look that could have been pulled straight from the set of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Who’s bad? Heidi Klum’s style is.

As beautiful as she is, I struggle to give her the benefit of the doubt anymore. She has access to two incredible top stylists, an incredible figure and practically every designer imaginable. There’s simply no reason for her to consistently get it this wrong unless she’s actively choosing to.

Christian Louboutin Rosa Z sandals completed her look.

In Character

You could argue that Charli XCX’S custom Balmain black leather blazer dress, worn with leather shorts and a silk tie inspired by the Pre-Spring collection, is perfectly aligned with where she is right now, both musically and stylistically.

Or you could argue that she’s become so committed to this aesthetic that we’re seeing the same look over and over again.

I’ll leave that one up to you.

Balmain sunglasses and Bucherer Fine Jewellery completed her look.

Wrong Occasion

Hannah Einbinder played it safe in a Bottega Veneta Fall 2026 leather Intrecciato coat, but my issue is less about the outfit itself and more about where she’s wearing it.

It has that Sarah Jessica Parker energy of someone who has just arrived from somewhere else and hasn’t bothered to change. The individual pieces are lovely, particularly the gorgeous blue Bottega Veneta Baby Campana bag, but this feels better suited to a stylish afternoon in New York than an awards ceremony.  Bottega Veneta Allegra pumps completed her look.

Purple Reign

Avantika Vandanapu wore Colleen Allen Fall 2025, and while the designer isn’t usually one of my favourites, I absolutely love this rich shade of purple on her.

There’s a youthful, slightly rebellious quality to the way she finessed this two-piece that suits Avantika beautifully. It’s not trying to deliver traditional red carpet glamour, and that’s precisely why I find it refreshing.

Tiffany & Co. jewellery, including T1 earrings, a Sixteen Stone necklace, a Knot Double Row bracelet and a HardWear Small Link ring, completed her look.

Keeping It Simple

Elizabeth Debicki opted for a black open-back Kallmeyer Resort 2027 dress, styled with Jimmy Choo Minny sandals.

It’s a straightforward look that relies on her statuesque frame to do most of the work.

Missing the Old Joey Magic

I haven’t been particularly enamoured with Joey King’s style since the Practical Magic 2 press tour, and this Alex Perry Resort 2027 look does nothing to change that.

The leather bodice and brown draped skirt aren’t necessarily a bad combination, but the overall result feels rather ordinary for someone who used to deliver much more interesting fashion moments.

Alexis Bittar jewellery completed her look.

I really miss her pre-Miu Miu era.

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