By Lorena Barroso. Cover Image: Iulia Ecaterina Paraschiv.
In a world where fashion is always looking ahead, there’s something undeniably powerful about revisiting the past. Celebrities are redefining red-carpet glamour by reviving archival pieces and infusing timeless designs with new energy. These iconic vintage looks go beyond mere style statements—they’re tributes to the visionaries who have shaped fashion history. Each outfit represents a moment where heritage meets the present, and nostalgia is reimagined through a modern lens. Here are some of the iconic looks worn by celebrities in the past.
Archival Fashion: Iconic Vintage Looks on the Red Carpet
Miley Cyrus in Vintage Bob Mackie
Under the spotlight, Miley Cyrus shimmered during her 2024 Grammy Awards performance, showcasing five outfit changes. One of the most striking was a vintage Bob Mackie dress from the Fall/Winter 2002 collection.
The iconic vintage dress, crafted entirely from sequins, features a daring front cut that bares her abdomen and a fringed hem. She paired it with minimalist strappy black heels, channelling a true ’70s pop diva vibe. To complete the look, Miley styled her hair in voluminous, wavy hair and a radiant, sun-kissed glow.
This nod to Mackie’s glamorous legacy is more than a fashion moment; it’s part of a broader revival. The designer’s archives are experiencing a resurgence as a new wave of stars reinterpret his bold, iconic style for today’s red carpets.
Zendaya in Vintage Mugler
Bathing in the golden glow of an otherworldly sun. For the world premiere of Dune: Part Two (2024), Zendaya stole the spotlight in Thierry Mugler’s archival cyborg suit from the Fall/Winter 1995 couture collection.
The iconic vintage look featured a full-body, silver metallic armour-like suit complete with sculpted panels and plexiglass elements. Zendaya enhanced the futuristic ensemble with silver high heels and a stunning blue diamond necklace from Bulgari. While the original design included a headpiece, Zendaya modernised the look with slicked-back, wet-look hair, which further elevated the powerful visual impact of her appearance.
Exuding a Cyborg Goddess energy, her outfit perfectly aligned with the film’s futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic. It was more than just a red carpet moment; it offered a glimpse into the essence of her character—a fierce Fremen warrior reimagined in couture.
Taylor Russell in Vintage Chanel
Corsets and florals. Taylor Russell graced the red carpet at the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premiere during the 2024 Venice Film Festival, wearing an iconic Chanel Haute Couture gown from 1993.
The striking white dress features a sheer corset adorned with delicate floral accents, leading into a dramatic peplum that flares from the hips and tapers into a sculpted mermaid skirt. Russell completed her look with understated diamond earrings and a statement ring, allowing the gown to speak for itself.
This ensemble blends architectural precision with a fairytale silhouette—an exquisite balance of structure and softness that showcases Chanel’s timeless craftsmanship.
Kendall Jenner in archival Givenchy
Shadow, sparkle, and allure. Kendall Jenner turned heads at the 2024 Met Gala in a rare archival piece from Alexander McQueen’s Fall 1999 collection for Givenchy, created during his tenure as creative director.The gown, crafted from layers of nude and black tulle, is adorned with intricate hand embroidery in black and gold. Its cinched waist, dramatic sculptural collar, and structured shoulders create a powerful silhouette, perfectly complementing this year’s Met Gala theme, Sleeping Beauties.
Kendall described this iconic vintage look as reminiscent of the Evil Queen, and she was spot on. The gown exudes a darkly regal energy—equal parts haunting and exquisite.
Michael B. Jordan in Yohji Yamamoto
Deconstructed menswear. Michael B. Jordan made a bold statement on the red carpet at the premiere of Sinners (2025) in Mexico City, wearing an archival Yohji Yamamoto suit from the Fall 2003 collection.
The suit plays with form and structure, featuring deconstructed elements like exposed threads and uneven stitching, creating the impression of a garment beautifully unravelling. It serves as a masterclass in controlled chaos, showcasing Yamamoto’s signature avant-garde vision.
Michael completed the look with David Yurman jewellery and Maison Margiela Tabi boots, adding a sharp yet unexpected edge. When we think of men pushing fashion forward, this is the kind of look that comes to mind: effortless, confident, and refined—bold, yet quietly subversive.
Kim Kardashian in Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Jean Luis Gown
For the 2022 Met Gala, Kim Kardashian wore the legendary dress originally designed for Marilyn Monroe’s unforgettable performance at President John F. Kennedy’s birthday in 1962.
Designed by Jean Louis, the gown is crafted from sheer, nude-toned silk and hand-embellished with over 2,500 crystals. With its low-cut back and body-hugging silhouette, the dress was so delicate that Marilyn had to be sewn into it, creating the illusion that she was wearing nothing but shimmering light.
However, after the dress was returned to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, visible damage had occurred. Several crystals were missing or loose, the stitching was stretched, and small tears were evident. While a representative from Ripley’s stated that “great care was taken to preserve this iconic vintage look, a piece of pop culture history,” many argue that the best way to preserve it would have been not to lend it at all.
