Bold Silhouettes and Daring Cuts Define the 98th Academy Awards Red Carpet

From Emma Stone's backless Louis Vuitton to Teyana Taylor's sheer Chanel, discover the most daring and skin-baring fashion trends from the 98th Academy Awards.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 5:12 AM EDT

Source: People

The Rise of the Architectural Backless Gown

Emma Stone, a Best Actress nominee, led the trend in a custom Louis Vuitton creation that balanced a modest front with a completely open back. This "party in the back" aesthetic was a recurring theme throughout the evening, signaling a move toward 360-degree fashion that prioritizes visual impact from every camera angle. Stone's shimmering white ensemble has already been cited by stylists as a benchmark for the "shimmer and skin" trend that dominated the 2026 awards season.

High Slits and Sheer Textures

The red carpet featured a high volume of daring leg slits and translucent materials. Renate Reinsve, also a nominee in the Best Actress category, opted for a custom red silk crepe dress by Louis Vuitton featuring a hip-high slit. Similarly, "One Battle After Another" nominee Teyana Taylor pushed the boundaries of traditional gala attire with a sheer midriff Chanel gown. Taylor’s look was a masterclass in texture, combining black and white glass pearls, crystals, and feathers with over 18 carats of Tiffany & Co. diamonds.

TRANSFORMATIVE ANALYSIS: Redefining Formalism for a New Era

The 2026 Oscars fashion landscape suggests a significant shift in how celebrities approach "Old Hollywood" glamour. Rather than relying on heavy ball gowns, the trend has shifted toward "body-con" silhouettes that utilize negative space as a design element. The presence of hip cutouts, seen on Danielle Brooks in ivory satin, and sheer "naked dresses," like the one worn by Bella Thorne, indicates that the Academy's historically conservative dress code is being challenged by a younger, more experimental generation of talent and their stylists.