Statement gowns, intricate craftsmanship, polished hair and makeup defined the glamour at the 2026 Emmys.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards offered no single formula for glamour. The evening moved between high shine, intricate craftsmanship, nostalgic references and dramatic silhouettes, with each look finding its own balance between fashion and styling. The clothes made an impact while hair and makeup were carefully designed to support rather than overwhelm.
Zendaya: Crystal clarity
Zendaya arrived in a custom Prada gown that brought together sheer construction, a plunging neckline and extensive silver crystal embellishment. The floor length silhouette was designed to catch the light from every angle, turning the surface of the gown into its defining feature. Rather than adding competing accessories, the styling allowed the crystal work and elongated silhouette to remain the focus.
Her head turning hair by Coree Moreno, , was styled in a pixie cut with a sleek perimeter, airy texture, and controlled height through the crown, giving the cut a distinct finish. Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas continued the reflective language of the gown through luminous skin, frosty and satin textures, and pearlescent highlights, creating a softer interpretation of the sparkle surrounding her.
Selena Gomez: The gilded silhouette
Selena Gomez embraced full evening glamour in a custom Louis Vuitton gown constructed from rows of golden embellishments. The fitted design tapered through the hips before opening into a floor length train, creating a strong column like silhouette. The richness came from the surface rather than its complex construction, with the warm gold colour giving the gown its immediate visual impact.
Her hair, styled by Renato Campora, was transformed into exceptionally long, softly defined mermaid waves, falling almost to her hips. The relaxed movement brought an unexpected fluidity to the elaborate gown rather than competing with it. Makeup artist Hung Vanngo kept the makeup warm and polished, with luminous skin, rosy cheeks and soft peachy pink tones that complemented the gold.
Sarah Pidgeon: Lilac, softened
Sarah Pidgeon chose a lilac Chanel gown that brought delicacy to the carpet. The open back design combined a streamlined silhouette with intricate pearl and crystal detailing, creating a contrast between the simplicity of the shape and the craftsmanship of its embellishment. The pale colour gave the look a distinctly romantic quality without making it overly ornate.
Her hair was transformed into a warmer, sun kissed blonde by colourist Kari Hill and worn in soft, barely there waves styled by Christian Wood. Wood kept the movement relaxed and polished, while makeup artist Emily Cheng created a monochromatic cool toned eye using different textures and a subtle touch of sparkle.
Nicole Kidman: Craftsmanship in white
Nicole Kidman chose Chanel for a look centred on craftsmanship. Her white gown featured a feathered floral neckline made from 46 flowers crafted from silk crepe, silk organza and raffia. This detailed floral feature added subtle detail which elevated the design without relying on bold colors.
Her hair was styled by Lorenzo Martin into a deliberately relaxed low updo, with curtain bangs and wispy pieces framing the face. Makeup artist Gucci Westman kept the finish luminous and feminine, using softly defined eyes, fresh skin, pink blush and a peachy lip. The combination gave her a soft, feminine look. .
Julianna Margulies: Drama in motion
Julianna Margulies brought movement to the blue carpet in a two tone Cong Tri gown from the Fall 2026 collection. The design shifted from vivid red into black through intricate pleating and asymmetric draping, creating a sense of movement as she walked. The construction provided drama without relying on heavy embellishment, making the silhouette itself the statement.
Her hair was styled by Marcus Francis and kept sleek and refined, while makeup artist Fiona Stiles focused on luminous skin and polished definition that complemented the red and black palette. The restrained hair and makeup allowed the gown’s pleating and colour transition to remain the visual focus.
Across these five looks, the Emmys demonstrated that contemporary glamour does not need one defining formula. Crystal, gold, lilac, floral craftsmanship and sculptural draping offered different expressions of occasion dressing, while the hair and makeup choices showed how restraint can give even the most elaborate fashion greater impact.
