18 Red Carpet Designers You Never Even Knew Existed
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Our first thought when we see a celebrity grace the red carpet in a stunning gown: "Who is she wearing?" And once the label's confirmed, it becomes instantly memorable — especially if it's a new name we haven't heard before. We're not only intrigued because of who's wearing the designer but also because of the standout details: a stunning scooped back that was the epitome of elegance, a bold print, or an avant-garde silhouette that made a statement.
At this year's Oscars, Rachel McAdams took our breath away when she brought attention to her August Getty Atelier number. Her train swept the floor, its slits and cutouts revealed her best assets, and it hadn't even debuted on the runway yet. But Rachel isn't the only one to win best dressed in a fresh, go-getter gown that redefines the word unique.
Some of our favorite supermodels and actresses have been switching up their style and slipping into on-the-rise brands that feel a little bit more special, and perhaps unexpected, than usual. Read on to brush up on the newbies, and see the trendsetters who are already wearing their looks.
August Getty
The Look: Gowns with long trains or avant-garde sets in striking color schemes that make a look memorable.
Rachel McAdams at the 2016 Oscars.
Kate Hudson at the Daily Front Row Awards.
Sergio Hudson
The Look: Poppy, body hugging, and movable, these separates are clearly nothing but fun to wear and totally spotlight-stealing at the same time.
Chanel Iman at a Sports Illustrated event.
Zendaya at the 2015 Essence Women in Music event.
Bao Tranchi
The Look: Can you say "smoking hot"? These silhouettes are basically fabric gathered in magnificent shapes that somehow cover just what's necessary.
Gigi Hadid at the 2015 American Music Awards.
Jennifer Lopez celebrating her birthday at 1OAK.
Olcay Gulsen
The Look: There's no denying the sex appeal of a plunging neckline or a strappy cutout. These designs are modest in all places except one, making them seriously alluring.
Kendall Jenner at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.
Sophia Bush at the 2012 Do Something Awards.
Elisabetta Franchi
The Look: These pieces are soft but structured. As statement making as they may be for a red carpet event, they're made of live-in, high-quality fabrics.
Emily Blunt at the 2015 Changing Lives Gala.
Chrissy Teigen at the 2014 ESPYs.
Solace London
The Look: However striking these pieces may be — bold in color or silhouette — they're monochrome, so stars choose the shades that look just right with their skin tone and embrace the beauty moment.
Ciara at The Last Witch Hunter's New York premiere in 2015.
Jenna Dewan Tatum at a Buick test-drive launch in 2015.
Labourjoisie
The Look: These gowns are not for the faint of heart. With intricate beadwork and princess-like trains, most of them even provide bridal inspiration.
Kylie Jenner at the 2016 Golden Globes afterparty.
Halsey at The Huntsman: Winter's War's premiere in California.
Galvan
The Look: Cutouts, slits, sexy sheer panels, and killer jumpsuits make up this British label's inventory.
Elizabeth Olsen at the premiere of Avengers: Age of Ultron in Hollywood.
Gwyneth Paltrow at a La Mer icon event in 2015.
House of CB
The Look: While House of CB offers plenty of tight-fitting dresses, it's the brand's signature bodysuits and separates that celebs reach for to pair with their midi skirts or trousers on the red carpet.
Gigi Hadid wearing a House of CB bodysuit at the Victoria's Secret afterparty in 2015.
Jennifer Lopez wearing a House of CB bodysuit at the 2015 iHeartRadio music festival.
Talbot Runhof
The Look: Whether it's sequins, leather, or lace, the draping on these designs is standout — even in black, you can't miss a Talbot Runhof dress on the red carpet.
Chrissy Teigen at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscars party.
Olivia Wilde at a Revlon event in 2013.
Azzaro
The Look: Cutouts, geometric shapes, and bold embellishments are the name of the game for the Parisian brand.
Taylor Swift at SNL's 40th anniversary celebration.
Anna Kendrick at the Grammy Awards in 2014.
SAFiYAA
The Look: Sleek, sophisticated, sheath-like cuts that hug the body and flatter from every angle.
Emily Ratajkowski at the Gone Girl New York premiere.
Kate Winslet at the Divergent premiere in LA.
Yanina Couture
The Look: The most romantic naked dresses you'll ever see, these floor-sweeping designs are often entirely sheer but more ethereal than sexy.
Gigi Hadid at the Daily Front Row Awards in 2016.
Carrie Underwood at the American Idol finale.
Ellery
The Look: Exaggerated ruffles, pleating, and oversize bell sleeves — this label is for the girls who love to make a statement and have a true appreciation for fashion.
Elle Fanning at the Maleficent photocall in London.
Margot Robbie at the Swisse Marquee in 2014.
Vatanika
The Look: Cocktail-appropriate looks that are flirty with stripes and dazzle in shimmer but intricate too. These pieces are all about texture.
Cara Delevingne at the Paper Towns photocall in Spain.
Sarah Hyland at Teen Vogue's 13th annual Young Hollywood launch party.
Yousef Al-Jasmi
The Look: Red-carpet-ready gowns that boast vampy details like capes or sheer fluttered sleeves.
Chrissy Teigen at the Grammy Awards in 2016.
Gwen Stefani at the 2015 American Music Awards.
Kristian Aadnevik
The Look: Dresses with sheer details that are cut to show a slip of leg. They're feminine and flowy at first glance but can be racy too.
Kendall Jenner at the 2016 MTV Movie Awards.
Lily Donaldson at the Victoria's Secret afterparty in 2014.
Haney
The Look: Dresses with peekaboo details or asymmetrical hemlines that show a slip of leg — there's always a sexy touch.
Taylor Swift at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2016.
Reese Witherspoon at the 19th annual Hollywood Film Awards in 2015.