Ten red carpet moments that shined in metallics

2^nd October 2025

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

2 October 2025

Some red-carpet choices are safe but rather predictable, floral patterns in spring being perhaps the most obvious choice (“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.”) Metallics? They don’t fall into that category.

They’re not season-bound, and they’re never the safest bet. They can look futuristic, sculptural, and sometimes simply overdone, but one thing they never fail to do is command attention. That’s exactly why Hollywood leans on them when the goal is to make an entrance memorable.

Below are ten recent red-carpet metallic looks that exemplify modern glamour, along with practical notes on styling and materials for those interested in exploring the trend.

Standout metallic moments (and what to steal from them)

1. Jenna Ortega, Met Gala, custom Balmain (metal rulers).

A sheath made from interlinked metal rulers honored tailoring and read like a wearable concept piece, while tiny gaps and a tight silhouette kept the shine readable, not noisy.

Takeaway: pick one engineered detail (hardware, chains or structured seams) and keep the rest minimal.

2. Demi Moore, Golden Globes / Oscars, custom Armani Privé (crystal-studded metallic gown).

Here’s a really interesting look: a full-wattage shimmer paired with sculptural, tailoring. This dress looks so interesting, statuesque even, because it used dense crystal embroidery rather than a reflective cloth, which photographed like liquid metal.

Takeaway: for high shine without the use of metallic fabrics, opt for beading or crystals to achieve a more refined, controlled shimmer.

3. Eva Longoria, Cannes, Tamara Ralph metallic corset gown.

Eva had a powerful “armour with glamour” silhouette thanks to horizontal metallic banding, while black side panels kept the shape flattering.

Takeaway: contrast (matte panels, darker side panels) keeps metallics from flattening your silhouette.

4. Anya Taylor-Joy, Promotional photocall, custom Balmain metal minidress.

This was a fierce look indeed thanks to the literal metal Anya wore: small rosettes and metal plates sculpted to the body.

Takeaway: when wearing real-metal embellishment, balance the look with comfortable footwear and keep neck jewellery minimal to maintain harmony and ease.

5. Ciara, AMAs, Met Gala, chainmail and crystal-string detailing.

Ciara’s outfit was described as “pantsless” by InStyle because she wore a short, metallic bodysuit. Chain and crystal elements were used to outline the body rather than cover it, creating motion and sparkle on the move.

Takeaway: body-mapping with metallic trims captures light effectively while maintaining a balanced and understated appearance.

6. Nicole Kidman, Golden Globes, Balenciaga silver-sparkle gown.

This was a safer approach to metallics: a finely textured sequin surface that read metallic at a distance and jewel-like up close. She paired it with a simple watch to avoid competing focal points.

Takeaway: choose one jewellery focal point with a busy metallic fabric.

7. Greta Ferro, Venice Film Festival, Armani Privé silver gown.

Sleek metallised fabric and a reverse-choker detail gave old-school glamour a modern edge.

Takeaway: neckline hardware can pair as functional ornamentation and reduce the need for heavy necklaces

8. Michelle Monaghan, Emmys, custom Rabanne silver mesh.

Chain-mail-like mesh offers liquid movement with a structured drape, while small, hard-facing clutch keeps texture coherent.

Takeaway: metal-mesh reads best with restrained accessory choices.

9. Jennifer Lawrence, San Sebastián, metallic charcoal top with train.

This one is polarising: so simple it verges on plain but in that simpleness lies its uniqueness. The front is practically austere but it has a dramatic back train (that Lawrence actually carried at one point). The whole outfit used a metallic finish to make tailoring feel theatrical.

Takeaway: for minimalist silhouettes, incorporate metallics strategically – through details such as a back train, peplum, or cuff – to add interest without excess.

10. Bella Hadid, archival John Galliano chainmail revival at launch party / Cannes moments.

If anyone knows how to rock a metallic look, it’s Bella (she wore many variations throughout the years). This one was simple but pretty with a vintage chainmail that reads fresh when paired with modern jewellery and contemporary hair.

Takeaway: vintage metal pieces pair especially well with one modern accessory to avoid costume vibes

Metallic textiles vs plated pieces vs precious metals

When referring to “metallic,” the term can describe several materials: fabrics woven with metallic yarns such as lamé or Lurex; garments made from metal mesh or chainmail featuring actual metal links; and jewellery or plated pieces crafted from base metals with a precious-metal finish.

• Metallic textiles (lamé, Lurex, metallised fibers) are usually yarns or coatings integrated into cloth; they give a reflective surface without the weight of true metal (check out Lurex and lamé histories for context).
• Plated jewellery / vermeil is a base metal or silver core with a thin layer of gold; “vermeil” in many markets requires a sterling silver base and a minimum plating thickness (commonly 2.5 microns in FTC guidance). If “gold-plated” appears in a runway description, it is worth noting both the thickness of the plating and the type of base metal used, as these determine durability and overall quality.
• Solid precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) are sold to purity standards: gold measured in karats (24k = pure gold; 18k = 75% gold), silver typically as sterling .925, and platinum usually marked 950/1000; weights are quoted in troy ounces or grams for bullion and bulk trade. When pairing jewellery with a metallic dress, considerations of weight and movement are just as important as colour. For those sourcing bullion or trading metal components, platforms such as PIMBEX can assist in monitoring spot prices and delivery specifications – particularly useful when working with prop jewellery requiring genuine metal content.

Some practical rules as the takeaway

Pick one metallic focal point and keep other elements matte.

• If fabric is reflective, go light on layered necklaces; if jewellery is heavy, simplify the fabric.
• For real-metal garments, mind movement and weight: practical footwear and taped seams save photos and nerves.
• When in doubt, test under warm and cool lights (red-carpet flash will be unforgiving).

Metallics tend to divide opinion for a reason: they highlight construction as much as aesthetic preference. Used selectively, their shine can communicate precision, craftsmanship, and confidence.

The editorial unit