On the red carpet: Rihanna, Nicole Kidman, Ariana Grande,

As we welcome a new year of red carpet fashion, Rachel Marie Walsh rounds up 2018’s most iconic looks.

1. Rihanna

Rihanna in Maison Margiela Artisanal at the Costume Institute Benefit, New York: Rihanna was both the queen and the pope of the night at the 2018 Met Gala. A co-chair of the event, she modelled the look for Vogue.com to Depeche Mode’s Personal Jesus.

2. Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman in Armani Privé at the 2018 Academy Awards: Nicole Kidman is a red carpet pro, and has worn so many jewel-toned gowns over the years that they sort of blur together — but this Armani Privé moment may prove iconic.

3. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande was another lady challenging conservatives this year, but her Met Gala look is more demure. This Vera Wang gown is screen-printed with images from Michelangelo’s iconic fresco, The Last Judgement.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett in Mary Katrantzou at the Cannes premiere of Cold War: Ms Blanchett’s beautiful dress was the most striking look at Cannes, which is no small feat at any festival frequented by Aishwarya Rai.