Drama Queens and Larger-Than-Life Looks at the 2026 CFDA Awards
The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards weren’t short on oversized silhouettes, unconventional constructions and looks that challenged the usual red carpet dress code. From exaggerated proportions to statement-making couture, these eight attendees gave us plenty to discuss.
A Different Kind of Thom Browne
Esther McGregor wore a Thom Browne Spring 2027 creation that took the designer’s signature tailoring into entirely different territory. The checked waistcoat, shirt and striped tie were familiar, but that voluminous skirt was anything but. I appreciate the creativity, although I can’t decide whether the proportions are fascinating or simply comical. Either way, I commend her for managing to navigate those towering platform shoes beneath that enormous skirt.
Putting Fashion On The Map
If anyone was going to arrive at the CFDAs wearing an actual map, it was Julia Fox. There’s something wonderfully eccentric about her archival Miss Claire Sullivan Map dress, from the sculptural bodice and layers of maps to the sweeping train and tiara nestled into her extravagant updo. I love that Julia continues to give emerging and independent designers a platform for their most imaginative work.
Sleeves That Mean Business
Allison Janney wore a fuchsia Christian Siriano Spring 2027 gown with enormous satin sleeves that were practically an outfit in themselves. I love this colour on her, and the fitted column silhouette provides the perfect base for those exaggerated sleeves to shine. It’s a lot of fabric, but Allison has the height and presence to carry it off. This is one of my favourites from the night.
A Different Kind of Drama
Carrie Coon wore a design by up-and-coming designer Nellie Partow, proving that you don’t need an established name to make an impression. Tulle has always been a delicate fabric, but here it brings all the drama, while the simple silhouette underneath allows it to take centre stage. The matching blue pumps were also a nice touch. It’s a more understated approach than the other looks in this roundup, but no less deserving of a place.
Feathers Take Flight
Chloe Bailey embraced the sheer trend in a black Christian Siriano Spring 2027 gown. I honestly don’t know what steals the limelight more: the sheerness or the extravagant feather embellishments.
Volume In Full Colour
Tinashe brought Christopher John Rogers’ signature love of colour to the red carpet, but the real story here was that voluminous skirt. The combination of bold colour-blocking and exaggerated proportions was already striking, but pairing it with a cropped top gave the look a youthful energy. The exposed midriff breaks up all that fabric.
The Butterfly Effect
If you’re familiar with Richie Shazam’s style, this Thom Browne Spring 2027 butterfly-wing design, styled with bright red platform shoes, might actually feel a little tame. Yet it still stood out and deserved its place in this lineup of dramatic looks. Between the striking makeup, sculptural silhouette and butterfly motifs, there’s certainly plenty happening here. I appreciate Richie’s commitment to the designer’s vision, particularly when the result feels so true to their personal style.
Gingham Gone Wild
Dara wore Miss Claire Sullivan, combining black-and-white gingham with hot-pink fabric, white tulle and oversized ruffles. There’s a touch of ’50s housewife dressing here, but with the volume and colour turned all the way up. This playful clash of prints, colours and proportions is exactly what I associate with the designer, and Dara feels like the perfect person to embrace it. I love that neither the designer nor her muse felt the need to tone anything down. Even the oversized blue earrings make sense in a look where more is clearly more.
Vintage Ballerina With A Twist
Granted, I wasn’t on board with Naomi Osaka’s polka-dot, prom-like dress, but I have to give Miss Claire Sullivan credit for the three looks featured here, including her own. Her black corset, full white tulle skirt and cobalt-blue satin draping give me vintage ballerina meets ’80s prom queen, and I absolutely love the combination. The pearls and gold sandals add to that nostalgic charm. It’s playful, a little eccentric and exactly the kind of look I’d expect from a designer who clearly enjoys having fun with fashion.
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