Last week, red carpets weren’t merely surfaces to walk upon; they were stages for storytelling. From the crystalline glamour of a Miami screening to the artful, narrative energy of one of award season’s most meaningful celebrations, celebrities transformed fashion into living expression. At the center of this creative current stood the Critics’ Choice, specifically, the Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, where bold design met cultural celebration, and where every outfit felt like a chapter in a larger story.
Rather than simply appearing, this season’s style moments spoke. They moved. They breathed. Confidence translated directly into silhouette, while craftsmanship unfolded like poetry in motion. Each look felt less about trend and more about identity, woven together with intention, purpose, and presence. These weren’t merely clothes worn for the camera; they were statements made with clarity and conviction.
The Looks
Zoe Saldaña brought artful energy to Miami well ahead of Avatar: The Way of Water’s arrival in theaters. At a special screening tied to the film’s release, she appeared in a show-stopping Chanel gown from the house’s Spring 2026 collection. The sculptural mermaid silhouette, framed by dense three-dimensional floral appliqués, felt like couture in motion. A deep V-neckline and layered textures created a look that was simultaneously contemporary and timeless. It was soft in its execution, yet commanding in presence. More than red-carpet dressing, Saldaña’s ensemble functioned as a visual extension of the film’s richly layered world.
Meanwhile, at the Critics’ Choice Association’s 8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, Teyana Taylor transformed the red carpet into a study in bold narrative style. She wore a custom Nicholas Oakwell Couture Millicent Hearst gown, anchored by a lace corset and elevated with asymmetrical fringe and intricate embroidered detailing that trailed behind her like an unfolding storyline. The look balanced tension and elegance, proving how a garment can feel both like armor and poetry.
Elsewhere, at the Red Sea International Film Festival closing ceremony, Naomie Harris delivered one of the season’s most unforgettable red-carpet moments. Lighting up the Jeddah carpet, she turned to Saudi designer Tima Abid, wearing a couture creation defined by contrast and craftsmanship. A shimmering gold sequined bodice captured every flicker of light, while a sculptural teal satin skirt flowed across the carpet like liquid color. The result was a masterful blend of theatricality and refinement, a moment that felt at once cinematic, elegant, and resolutely couture-forward.
From the Critics’ Choice to movie premieres, here are the best-dressed ladies from last week…
Zoe Saldaña
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Teyana Taylor
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Genevieve Nnaji
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Tessa Thompson
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Naomie Harris
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Da’Vine Joy Randolph
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Chase Infiniti
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Tenika Davis
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Porsha Williams
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Leah Sava Jeffries
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Last Week’s Best Dressed Stars Gave Lessons In Creative Expression
