London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Jul 12, 2025

This Week, the Best Dressed Stars Subverted Expectations

This Week, the Best Dressed Stars Subverted Expectations

2020 has taught us that old rules no longer apply. Last week, stars took that to heart and embraced the idea that fashion should keep us on our toes. Outfit changes, unexpected choices, and fresh takes on holiday dressing made for 7 days worth of surprises, starting with the American Music Awards and its wealth of compelling looks.

Led by host Taraji P. Henson, who changed a whopping 12 times during the show, performers and presenters at the AMAs brought some of the runway’s best collections into the real world. Her wardrobe’s breadth helped make Henson a standout, but as she switched from Armani to custom Pyer Moss in the space of a commercial break, her enthusiasm for daring pieces became evident. She upped the ante for herself as the night progressed, and hit a high point in Area’s braided suede suiting and thigh-high boots. A distinctive look that felt autumnal, modern, and sexy, it was unlike anything she (or anyone else for that matter) wore that evening.

Statement pieces seemed mandatory at the AMAs. Before hitting the stage to perform ‘Levitating,’ Dua Lipa gave Versace spring/summer 2021’s aquatic prints their big debut in a ruffled mini-dress detailed with sequins. The dreamy choice complemented the Donatella-designed chainmail she wore later that evening, and cemented her status as the brand’s muse of the moment. The silvery Dolce & Gabbana suit Cara Delevingne chose for presenting the best pop-rock accolades could have seemed sci-fi. But, her addition of a lacy Dior corset took things into Old Hollywood territory. With her sultry suiting, silver chains, and bright orange lips, Delevingne was a modern-day Veronica Lake, right down to the peek-a-boo waves.

Elsewhere, the excitement came by subverting expectations. At the International Emmy Awards, Fargo star Kelsey Asbille ignored all rules about awards season dressing and opted to present in a glossy Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello midi-dress that set pulses racing. On Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote her Christmas movie, Happiest Season, Kristen Stewart managed to make suspenders seem cool thanks to a transparent blouse and mini-skirt combo, accented by Thom Browne’s red, white, and blue bands. GQ’s Men of the Year awards had plenty of dapper menswear, but I May Destroy You creator Michaela Coel stood out amongst the sea of suits. In the Afro-lux brand Sobeye’s jacket, Kente bra top, and belt, Coel was vibrant, beautiful, and the night’s best dressed.

Even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade received a touch of glamour. The annual event was scaled down due to social distancing regulations, but its traditions remained intact. Known for giant balloons, pop performances, and kitschy holiday outfits, it’s the last place you’d expect to see a Valentino runway look. Thankfully, Sofia Carson decided to bring a bit of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s elegant fall/winter 2020 collection to the proceedings. In a crimson wool coat and sequined turtleneck dress, Carson gave a masterclass on festive dressing without embarrassing knits. It’s a lesson we’ll all come to appreciate in the coming weeks.



WHO: Taraji P. Henson

WHAT: Area

WHERE: The American Music Awards

WHEN: November 22



WHO: Sophia Carson

WHAT: Valentino

WHERE: The 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

WHEN: November 26



WHO: Rihanna

WHAT: Chanel coat, Bottega Veneta cardigan, Fenty x Amina Muaddi corset heels

WHERE: Giorgio Baldi

WHEN: November 24



WHO: Kelsey Asbille

WHAT: Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

WHERE: The 2020 International Emmys

WHEN: November 23



WHO: Kristen Stewart

WHAT: Thom Browne

WHERE: Jimmy Kimmel Live

WHEN: November 24



WHO: Ni Ni

WHAT: Balmain

WHERE: Shock Wave 2 press conference

WHEN: November 27



WHO: Michaela Coel

WHAT: Sobeye

WHERE: GQ Men of the Year

WHEN: November 26



WHO: Dua Lipa

WHAT: Versace

WHERE: The American Music Awards

WHEN: November 22



WHO: Zhou Dongyu

WHAT: Burberry

WHERE: 33rd China Film Golden Rooster Awards

WHEN: November 28



WHO: Cara Delevingne

WHAT: Dolce & Gabbana suit, Dior corset

WHERE: The American Music Awards

WHEN: November 22

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Reparations argument crushed
Rainmaker CEO Says Cloud Seeding Paused Before Deadly Texas Floods
A 92-year-old woman, who felt she doesn't belong in a nursing home, escaped the death-camp by climbing a gate nearly 8 ft tall
French Journalist Acquitted in Controversial Case Involving Brigitte Macron
Elon Musk’s xAI Targets $200 Billion Valuation in New Fundraising Round
Kraft Heinz Considers Splitting Off Grocery Division Amid Strategic Review
Trump Proposes Supplying Arms to Ukraine Through NATO Allies
EU Proposes New Tax on Large Companies to Boost Budget
Trump Imposes 35% Tariffs on Canadian Imports Amid Trade Tensions
Junior Doctors in the UK Prepare for Five-Day Strike Over Pay Disputes
US Opens First Rare Earth Mine in Over 70 Years in Wyoming
Kurdistan Workers Party Takes Symbolic Step Towards Peace in Northern Iraq
Bitcoin Reaches New Milestone of $116,000
Biden’s Doctor Pleads the Fifth to Avoid Self-Incrimination on President’s Medical Fitness
Grok Chatbot Faces International Backlash for Antisemitic Content
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
NVIDIA Achieves Historic Milestone as First Company Valued at $4 Trillion
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years
US Imposes New Tariffs on Brazilian Exports Amid Political Tensions
Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the brink of a historic peace deal.
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
×