9 stand-out vintage looks the experts want to see during awards season

2024 is set to be a bumper year for vintage on the red carpet, thanks to this year’s Met Gala theme, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion – with the Costume Institute’s exhibition set to take a look back at 400 years of fashion history

If last year’s awards season was anything to go by, expect to see more celebrities embracing archival looks at this year’s ceremonies, too, with experts predicting the return of “big-impact dresses”. Could we see Cate Blanchett’s John Galliano gown from the 1999 Oscars back on the red carpet? Or Timothée Chalamet embracing a midriff-baring Giorgio Armani look from the Noughties?

Below, see nine stand-out looks that the vintage experts want to see on the awards season red carpet in 2024.

“Since awards season begins in winter, I think this would be an incredible and unexpected choice. The long velvet gown has bugle beads sewn into it, made to look like long locks of copper hair cascading down the front and back. In true McQueen form, it is a very brooding collection, but this one feels especially eerie. Inspiration was drawn from a distant relative of McQueen that fell victim to the Salem Witch Trials.” – Brynn Jones, Aralda Vintage

“When Donatella Versace took over the line after Gianni Versace’s tragic passing, she really made it her own, and her spring/summer 2000 palm print is to this day one of Versace’s most well-known prints. While the green palm print (thanks to J Lo) has left a significant mark on history, I believe it’s now time for the pink palm print to have its turn in the spotlight. What better way to showcase it on the red carpet than with the final look of the collection? This gorgeous dress embodies the collection’s spirit so perfectly that it was even worn by Donatella herself, along with Sandra Bullock at the Vogue Fashion Awards in 1999.” – Anita Todorova, Opulent Addict

“Gucci pieces from the Tom Ford-era are some of the most coveted pieces for vintage collectors and enthusiasts alike, and what could be more iconic than the final look of Tom Ford’s final collection at Gucci? This plunging, sexy yet classic gown has graced a multitude of magazine covers, been seen in the Gucci campaign, and made its mark at the Met Gala on Carolyn Murphy back in 2004. With the collection’s 20th anniversary coming up this year, it is sure to turn heads.” – AT

“This 1999 Givenchy haute couture dress is a stand-out piece from McQueen’s time at Givenchy. It is unforgettable and has attained well-earned cult status. Drama and mystery are in high demand. Pieces like these create the opportunity to make the biggest and the best entrances on the red carpet.” – Rita Watnick, Lily et Cie

“As awards season moves closer to spring, I would love to see someone in the dreamiest John Galliano spring/summer 1998 dress. Flowers, butterflies and bows are embroidered throughout the most delicate piece of translucent tulle that covers the chest and deep low-cut back. It hugs the body perfectly, which adds the right touch of sexiness to balance the ethereal elements. Cate Blanchett wore the black version to the Oscars in 1999 – it would be cool to see someone do a fresh take on the dress in white.” – BJ

“Cate Blanchett and her stylist Elizabeth Stewart really led the charge [when it came to] sustainable dressing on the red carpet last season. She re-wore and reworked many of her previous looks and it looked so effortlessly cool and creative. I would love to see what she and her styling team could do with her very first Oscars dress for a red carpet this year.” – Alexis Novak, Tab Vintage

“We predict Y2K style will continue to dominate the red carpets in 2024. One of our favourite looks from fall 2002 is Donatella Versace’s multi-coloured sequined gown. This dress gained fame when Britney Spears wore it at a Versace show in 2002.” – Alice Smith and Calum Blythe, OOTO London

“Lately, I’ve been very into the late ’90s and early ’00s Giorgio Armani menswear looks. The looks were so cool and elevated, but always had an element of playfulness. Timothée Chalamet always provides when it comes to red-carpet looks: he is daring, and chic and isn’t afraid to dress for the occasion. That’s why I feel this midriff-baring look from fall 1998 would be a dream look on him for the Golden Globes. Continuing from his Wonka press tour looks, which were what I’m calling ‘well-tailored camp’, this look would be perfect for him.” – AN

“We would love to see the resurgence of some of Dolce & Gabbana’s early ’90s styles on the red carpet this year. This stunning pink number worn by the incredible Helena Christensen hails from spring 1992. This ensemble is wonderfully playful, sexy and fun! It’s easy to envision Ariana Grande rocking this look on any red carpet.” – AS & CB

“With the discipline and decadence of haute couture, this Givenchy gown is perfect for a bold, modern young woman. The confident red also happens to be one of the colours of the season.” – RW