Style Editor Annmarie O'Connor: Here's my 2024 red carpet best dressed

And the award goes to... Annmarie O’Connor unveils this year’s winners on the red carpet, with plenty of Irish interest

Sat, 28 Dec, 2024 - 02:00

It’s always the quiet ones.. or so the saying goes.

In that case, 2024 has more than its share of fashion moments.

Reimagining low-key luxury with novel fringing, immaculate tailoring and thoughtful use of colour, this year’s red carpets were a

masterclass in modern elegance. Here’s a look at our best dressed.

Naomi Campbell

Not all superheroes wear capes. Some, like Naomi Campbell, wear couture.

Dominating the Met Gala in a Burberry aqua fringe dress, the supermodel demonstrates why she remains an icon; sequins expertly catching the light, side-swept hair showcasing Briony Raymond Collection diamond earrings.

And those Material Good tennis bracelets rumoured to be more than 66 sparkling carats? Power move.

Saoirse Ronan

Quiet confidence is a compelling attribute, especially when making an entrance.

No one understands this better than Irish actor Saoirse Ronan whose `fit for the ages lives rent-free in my head.

Custom Louis Vuitton (she’s one of the brand’s ambassadors), the gown’s statuesque lines and leather accent belt more than deliver with sleeked back hair and minimalist makeup.

Low-key, high impact. This is how it’s done, folks.

Anna Kendrick

There’s an unspoken quality about actor Anna Kendrick, as if she stepped out of a Vermeer painting.

The mood here is delicate and discrete from her chartreuse Oscar de la Renta gown with its velvet bow to the oh-so-delicate Irene NeuwirthJewelry.

As for the finishing touches? Wispy tendrils, copper eyes, that impeccable nude manicure: so understated. So perfect.

Lily Gladstone

A true testament to personal style is making something your own as demonstrated by Native American actor, Lily Gladstone.

Transforming a classic off-the-shoulder Rodarte gown with a copper chest plate, ring and cuff created by Indigenous artist, Agnes Seaweed Wisden, the result is authentic and perfectly poised.

Michelle Yeoh

Oscar-winning actress, Michelle Yeoh proves the power of a black dress.

Not just any dress, mind you—Balenciaga Couture offset by a Cindy Chao Lumière feather brooch.

We ran the numbers. It cradles a 19-carat heart-shaped diamond, accentuated by 2,419 pieces of diamonds, weighing in at 189.15 carats. Simply flawless.

Lily Collins

Trés chic, no? Prepare for Flappercore to trend on TikTok, thanks to Lily Collins, who plays the titular American ex-pat in the Netflix series, Emily in Paris.

Pair a peek-a-boo beaded Dior dress with a bra top and high-waisted bottoms. Add a tailored blazer and chic bob, et voila!

Stylist Andrew Mukamal; we salute you.

Paul Mescal

Our fella, Paul Mescal knows how to wear a suit —custom Gucci (in rust, no less) with a collarless shirt.

Its unstudied ease, synonymous with the Gladiator II star, is a breath of fresh air where red-carpet regulars sometimes fear to tread.

Jeff Goldblum

Standing at six feet four inches, wearing a warped check and houndstooth suit by Burberry, actor Jeff Goldblum is not fashion-shy, especially when said ensemble includes a matching green car coat.

His signature salt and pepper quiff, Buddy Holly-style glasses and larger-than-life personality set the sartorial tone — extra in the extraordinary.

Kadiff Kirwan

You had me at polka dots, Mr Kirwan. Ever the modern dandy, the Slow Horses and Fleabag actor wears the hell out of that Acne Studios suit and Louboutin loafers.

Kudos to stylist Sarah-Rose Harrison. This is serving a look.

Bowen Yang

Saturday Night Live actor Bowen Yang proves the handsome devil is in the detail by opting for a cream Bode suit with a red hand-beaded and hand-fringed dickie, contrasting black loafers and a selection of Cartier hardware.

Seriously good fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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