📍 By Lillie Munizich |
The Oscars 2025 red carpet was, as always, a spectacle of glamour, elegance, and high fashion. While luxury powerhouses like Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy dominate the scene, this year’s event proved that emerging designers are making their mark in Hollywood’s biggest night.
In a year where fashion inclusivity and fresh talent are becoming part of the red carpet conversation, we saw a new wave of designers bringing their vision to the forefront. From custom couture to sustainable craftsmanship, these designers turned heads, proving that the future of fashion is bold, innovative, and diverse.
Is There Room for Emerging Designers on the Oscars Red Carpet?
The luxury fashion industry has long dictated what is seen on the Academy Awards red carpet, leaving little room for undiscovered talent. As Business of Fashion explored in their article "Is There Room on the Oscars Red Carpet for Emerging Designers?", the barriers for new designers include lack of connections, sponsorships, and the stronghold that heritage brands have on Hollywood stylists.
Yet, despite these challenges, several rising stars managed to break through this year, proving that the Oscars 2025 red carpet isn’t just for legacy brands. Let’s take a look at the emerging designers who made a statement this year.
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Mark Gong – The New Face of Modern Elegance
📍 LISA Wearing Mark Gong
📍 Styled by Hathairat "NAN NIST" Permpoon
Designer Mark Gong, a Parsons School of Design graduate, launched his eponymous womenswear brand in 2018. His international background and experience studying abroad have given him a unique creative perspective, blending elements of American style with intricate craftsmanship.
At the Oscars 2025, LISA stunned in a Mark Gong creation, styled by Hathairat "NAN NIST" Permpoon. Known for detailed tailoring and innovative fabric techniques, Gong’s work continues to push the boundaries of modern womenswear. His presence on this year’s Academy Awards red carpet signals a shift toward fresh perspectives in Hollywood fashion.
Giuliva Heritage – Redefining Timeless Tailoring
📍 Kit Connor Wearing Giuliva Heritage
📍 Styled by Felicity Kay
More than just a luxury brand, Giuliva Heritage embodies a philosophy of responsibility, grace, and mindfulness. Founded by Gerardo and Margherita, the brand embraces the belief that how you dress is a form of respect toward others—a principle deeply woven into their design ethos.
At the 97th Academy Awards, Kit Connor brought Italian sophistication to the red carpet in a custom Giuliva Heritage suit, styled by Felicity Kay. The brand, known for its heritage craftsmanship and commitment to timeless design, has been gaining traction in the celebrity world, with past sightings on Paul Mescal, Drew Starkey, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez.
Giuliva Heritage’s increasing presence on editorial shoots and red carpets suggests that heritage craftsmanship is making a comeback, blending traditional tailoring with modern silhouettes.
Lucian Matis – Canadian Craftsmanship on Hollywood’s Biggest Stage
📍 Linda Muir wearing Lucian Matis
Toronto-based Lucian Matis has built a reputation for luxurious eveningwear and intricate craftsmanship, often drawing inspiration from heritage textiles and artisanal techniques.
At the Oscars 2025, Linda Muir, nominated for Best Costume Design for Nosferatu, paid homage to Transylvanian folklore in a breathtaking Lucian Matis couture gown. This exquisite creation was embellished with 95,000 crystals, meticulously arranged to recreate traditional cross-stitch techniques in a modern gradient pattern. The result was a striking blend of historical craftsmanship and contemporary elegance, reflecting Muir’s deep connection to costume history and storytelling through fabric.
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Was This Year’s Oscars Red Carpet Was a Win for Emerging Designers?
The Oscars 2025 fashion moment showcased that Hollywood’s appetite for fresh talent is growing but not fast enough. Major fashion houses still hold sway, howevr some stylists and celebrities are attempting embracing new voices in design.
As we look ahead, will more emerging designers gain a foothold on Hollywood’s most prestigious red carpet? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the future of red carpet fashion is changing.
👗 Want to discover more emerging designers making waves? Check out ShopClosr’s latest collections and support the next generation of fashion talent.