10 Times Celebs Stole The Show Wearing Vintage Looks

Sometimes the best way to be truly fashion forward is to look to the past. Whether it's Kim Kardashian stepping into Marilyn Monroe's legendary crystal-covered Jean Louis gown at the 2022 Met Gala or Zendaya embracing archival glamour in a vintage Givenchy design by John Galliano, vintage fashion has become one of the most exciting trends on modern red carpets. 

It's a trend that has spanned across Hollywood, with stars like Dua Lipa, Margot Robbie, and Penélope Cruz  also stepping into their vintage era. It girl Bella Hadid has also joined in with the fun, and over the years, the model has become known for bringing rare Versace pieces back into the spotlight. Even Julia Roberts is powerless to the spell of vintage's timeless appeal. As celebrities are increasingly turning to fashion archives and reviving iconic designs that carry decades of history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance, it makes sense that now we're inundated with photos of moments where celebs have 'stolen the show' wearing vintage looks.

Zendaya has become somewhat of a fashion darling since partnering up with her now long-term stylist and collaborator Law Roach. The actress stunned at the 2024 Met Gala in an archival-inspired Givenchy creation designed during John Galliano's tenure at the house, channeling high-fashion drama aligned with the "Sleeping Beauties" theme. The taffeta gown was reflective of Galliano's theatrical tailoring and sculptural silhouettes and featured as one of "two arrivals" (as per The New York Times) for the actor that night.  

Dua Lipa embraced archival Chanel at the 2023 Met Gala, wearing a vintage bridal gown originally designed during Karl Lagerfeld's tenure at the house. The look featured classic Chanel tweed-inspired structure, black embroidery, and soft ivory tones with a full-bodied skirt and tucked waist. Claudia Schiffer also wore the look in 1992. Lipa's styling leaned into minimalist glamour, opting for a necklace featuring the 100-carat Tiffany and Co. Legendary diamond, which allowed the archival craftsmanship to take center stage. 

Even Hollywood's resident "Barbie" has gotten in on the vintage action. During her "Wuthering Heights" press tour, for the London stop, she wore a rare, theatrical Spring 1992 John Galliano design.Alongside her stylist Andrew Mukamal, Robbie has curated a selection of looks that places her firmly in the "Celebs Who Stole The Show Wearing Vintage Looks" category. This look was just one of many ways that Robbie wore vintage looks with a modern twist, while paying homage to her character. 

Back in 2022, Kim Kardashian delivered one of the most talked-about fashion moments in Met Gala history when she wore Marilyn Monroe's original Jean Louis crystal-embellished gown to the  "Gilded Glamour" event. The nude-toned, hand-sewn dress, originally created in 1962, was famously worn by Monroe while singing "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy. Channeling Monroe, the reality star also dyed her hair blond and wore Cartier Essential Lines earrings to complete the look. 

One event that will always go down as a masterclass in history as a moment that celebs stole the show wearing vintage looks is the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. At the famous red carpet, long-time muse for fashion houses Penélope Cruz stepped out in a vintage Georges Chakra gown with black-and-white feathers and and satin. The look was just another example of the star's commitment to vintage looks, as she also famously attended the 2020 Oscars in a Chanel gown from the Spring 1995 collection.

Fashion darling Bella Hadid has repeatedly brought archival Versace back into the spotlight. She wore a 1987 Versace gown at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, which was originally worn at the Teatro alla Scala production of the opera "Salome." The model was styled by Law Roach and she accessorized the gown with Chopard jewelry and Le Silla heels. Following the red carpet walk, Donatella Versace took to her official Instagram to publicly thank Hadid and Roach for resurrecting the gown from the family vault, celebrating how Hadid brought her late brother's original vision back to life "with all the drama it deserves."

Lady Gaga has long embraced archival designs, wearing dramatic pieces that reflect the musician's theatrical approach to fashion. One of her most memorable vintage moments happened at the Grammys in 2010. The star wore a custom Giorgio Armani Privé celestial dress, designed by Giorgio Armani and styled by Nicola Formichetti. The look featured a sheer, ringed bustier with Swarovski crystals and a matching, hooded, crystal-encrusted bodysuit.

Cardi B has made archival Thierry Mugler a cornerstone of her red-carpet identity, often selecting rare couture pieces known for their sculptural silhouettes and extreme craftsmanship. One standout, museum-grade piece was from the 1995 collection. The star's most notable moment, where she stole the show wearing a vintage look, came in 2019, when she donned a legendary Mugler 1995 Haute couture gown. The dress choice was a collaboration with her stylist, Kollin Carter.

Rihanna has repeatedly embraced archival fashion, including rare Chanel and Dior pieces that highlight her fearless approach to red-carpet styling. As with all things Rihanna, the star's approach to wearing vintage was far from average. Pre-2023 Met Gala, the star donned a cropped black-and-white faux-fur jacket and statement-making interlocking "CC" sunglasses. The look was originally designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld for the Chanel Fall/Winter 1994 collection, and Rihanna added a pair of Amina Muaddi heels.

In March 2001, Julia Roberts delivered a memorable vintage fashion moment when she won the Oscar for best actress for her performance in "Erin Brockovich." The black Valentino number was already considered vintage in 2001, as it originally debuted on the runway in 1992 as part of the Valentino couture collection. According to People, the dress is not hanging in a museum archive somewhere or even back at Maison Valentino, but instead "it's under my bed, in a box," Roberts told the outlet in 2017.