The 2025 Gotham Awards unfolded in the heart of New York City on a crisp Monday evening, transforming Cipriani Wall Street into a dazzling celebration of independent cinema and high fashion. While the event formally honors achievements in film, its red carpet has increasingly become a competitive stage for creative self-expression through personal style. This year was no exception: acclaimed actors, rising stars, and entertainment icons descended upon lower Manhattan, wearing ensembles that ranged from bold and architectural to delicately understated. In attendance were luminaries such as Tessa Thompson, Jacob Elordi, and Renate Reinsve, each showcasing impeccable elegance, while others—like Rihanna or Zoey Deutch—opted for daring choices that elicited mixed impressions. In many ways, the affair signaled the spirited beginning of awards season, a time when cinematic artistry and couture craftsmanship intersect to define the cultural mood leading up to the Academy Awards.
Among the evening’s sartorial triumphs was Renate Reinsve, known for her performance in “Sentimental Value.” Her red satin gown exuded dramatic sophistication, blending the sharp geometry of modern design with the timeless grace of classical silhouettes. The high neckline culminated in an extravagant bow resting at the nape of her neck, a detail emphasized by her sleek updo. Precision tailoring created pointed panels at the waist, which sculpted subtle cutouts along her torso before transitioning into a column of elegantly ruched fabric that cascaded to the floor. The overall impression was one of confident restraint—an architectural statement rendered in fabric—and easily one of the standout red carpet gowns of the night.
Rihanna, a perennial fashion risk-taker, appeared in a custom Balenciaga creation that, while conceptually intriguing, failed to achieve harmony. Her cotton-candy-pink gown featured a voluminous, off-the-shoulder neckline and black opera gloves that covered her arms almost entirely. The outfit’s exaggerated bubbles and dropped waist transitioned into a sweeping train, accompanied by an elaborate headpiece and coordinating jewelry. Each individual detail—color palette, accessories, silhouette—had merit, but their combination generated an excess of visual tension. Simplifying the dress’s silhouette or omitting the headwear might have allowed the ensemble to breathe, creating a more cohesive and powerful effect.
Jacob Elordi’s look embraced classic menswear elegance with a thoughtful twist. Wearing a dark charcoal suit paired with a patterned green tie, he elevated the ensemble by layering a textured gray coat over it. The coat’s knee-length design and refined texture imbued his outfit with depth and dimension, transforming an otherwise conventional suit into a portrait of relaxed sophistication. The actor’s subtle attention to detail exemplified how minimal modifications can yield significant stylistic impact.
Li Jun Li, celebrated for her performance in “Sinners,” delivered one of the evening’s most feminine and ethereal looks. Her cream gown married modernity with delicate romanticism. The translucent bodice, adorned with intricate three-dimensional floral appliqués, flowed seamlessly into a soft, pleated skirt that gathered gently at the waist before extending into a graceful train. Each flower appeared almost hand-placed, bringing tactile depth and craftsmanship to the design. Accessorized with fine silver jewelry, her appearance radiated effortless freshness—a balance of refinement and ease that stood out amid the grandeur of the event.
In contrast, Zoey Deutch’s Prada gown demonstrated an audacious yet problematic use of color and texture. The short-sleeved, canary-yellow dress was encrusted in feathers from neckline to hem, creating a rich, tactile surface that unfortunately overwhelmed her frame. The combination of bold color and abundant embellishment tilted the look toward costume rather than couture, inadvertently invoking avian associations that overshadowed its potential. A more subdued palette might have allowed the playful texture to shine without appearing excessive, highlighting Deutch’s natural poise.
Tessa Thompson, known for her fashion-forward sensibilities, wore Schiaparelli with striking confidence. Her silver, one-shouldered gown featured dramatic ruffles sweeping across the bodice and shoulder, balanced by a tailored waist that flared subtly into a minimalist peplum. The sleek sheath skirt beneath reinforced Schiaparelli’s hallmark blend of structure and whimsy. With metallic accessories that echoed the gown’s sheen and asymmetrical earrings that lent a touch of playfulness, Thompson’s appearance encapsulated modern glamour fused with artistic daring.
Hilaria Baldwin opted for a more spontaneous ensemble—a floral Zimmermann minidress she reportedly purchased impulsively a day before the event. The garment, with its corseted bodice, spaghetti straps, and softly layered skirt, was charming in isolation but incongruent with the formal tone of a winter red carpet dominated by full-length gowns. Baldwin’s accessories, combining pearl jewelry with glimmering platform heels, contributed to a sense of stylistic disarray. A lengthened version of the same dress, paired with a unified aesthetic approach, might have better suited the Gotham Awards’ elegant atmosphere.
Chase Infiniti brought sleek minimalism to vivid life in a custom Louis Vuitton gown that married velvet’s sensual texture with contemporary edge. The fitted silhouette, high neckline, and structured shoulders suggested futuristic allure. Circular cutouts at the waistline introduced an element of surprise and visual balance, subtly revealing skin without compromising sophistication. Complemented by shimmering jewelry, the look exemplified modern couture—controlled, confident, and commanding.
Teyana Taylor’s Chanel ensemble displayed a tantalizing juxtaposition of luxury and nonchalance. Her voluminous, feather-embellished skirt in shades of red and white was dynamic and theatrical, especially with its high-low hemline that offered glimpses of monochrome footwear. However, the decision to pair such a powerful skirt with a simple, cream-hued T-shirt disrupted the harmony. A structured or intricately detailed top might have amplified the drama more coherently, transforming an interesting concept into a cohesive statement.
Elle Fanning, a consistent red carpet standout, opted for understated grace with her white Ralph Lauren gown. The halter neckline plunged elegantly to the waist, while the open back and soft chiffon skirt evoked ethereal movement. The slightly sheer fabric added lightness without sacrificing poise. Adding a refined edge, Fanning adorned herself with Cartier’s bold choker and bracelet combination, merging Old Hollywood understatedness with modern sparkle.
Conversely, Alexander Skarsgård’s Valentino suit presented a visual imbalance between its vibrant pink jacket and contrasting black and cream elements. Although the pastel jacket embodied playfulness suitable for a festive occasion, the mix of disparate tones prevented it from achieving the desired cohesive flair. A minor adjustment—such as harmonizing the shirt or tie color—could have elevated the coordination, allowing the jacket’s exuberance to command attention rather than compete for it.
Concluding the evening’s fashion narrative, Riley Keough captivated in a red-and-black Chanel ensemble that fused glam rock with classic femininity. The ruched red bodice framed by long sleeves trimmed with black ruffles complemented a tiered skirt patterned in alternating shades of black, red, and ivory. Her styling—simple black open-toed shoes, delicate silver hoops, and loosely tousled hair—reflected an easy balance between effort and spontaneity. The outcome was an ensemble that radiated personality and sleek sophistication, perfectly capturing the spirit of an evening dedicated to artistic individuality.
Altogether, the 2025 Gotham Awards red carpet celebrated both triumphs and missteps, reminding the industry that boldness lies at the core of fashion’s creative evolution. Whether perfectly executed or daringly experimental, each outfit contributed to an ever-evolving tapestry of style that continues to define the cultural conversation surrounding cinema and glamour.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/gotham-awards-best-worst-celebrity-red-carpet-outfits-2025-12
