In 2024, the red carpet transformed into a veritable time machine as celebrities dusted off their vintage treasures and strutted them with all the flair of a fashion-forward archaeologist. Gone are the days when 'new’ was the only buzzword; this year, it was all about ‘archival chic’, with stars like Zendaya and Bella Hadid leading the charge in pieces that could easily be mistaken for museum exhibits. From Zendaya’s jaw-dropping Thierry Mugler armour suit, to Sabrina Carpenter's nostalgic Bob Mackie number that made us all believe in love at first sight (and at first stitch), the A-list brigade proved that true style is timeless. So, grab your popcorn and settle in, because these archival ensembles are not just fashion statements; they’re history lessons wrapped in glamour!

Here's a lowdown on the different styles 

Zendaya’s Archival Armour Suit

There’s one person who knows how to nail the method-dressing and it’s Zendaya. Add a touch of archival to it and the moment is etched in history. At the world premiere of Dune: Part Two in February, 2024, she stole the spotlight in a breathtaking vintage Mugler couture suit from the Autumn/Winter 1995 collection, famously known as the ‘Machinenmensch’ or Machine Human. This stunning ensemble featured a striking combination of chrome panels and sheer plexiglass inserts, creating a futuristic armour-like effect that hugged her figure with corset-style detailing. She embodied the spirit of her character while making a powerful fashion statement that resonated with the film's themes of resilience and innovation.

Zendaya's Vintage Glamour

At the 2024 Met Gala, Zendaya turned heads in a breathtaking archival Givenchy gown designed by John Galliano. The gown featured a dramatic silhouette with intricate draping and a plunging neckline that accentuated her figure. The fabric shimmered under the lights, showcasing a rich palette of deep burgundy with gold accents. To complement the gown, she wore an archival Alexander McQueen hat by Philip Treacy, which added an avant-garde touch to her ensemble. The hat was adorned with delicate feathers and floral motifs, creating a stunning contrast against her sleek, straight hair. Her makeup was flawlessly executed, with bold red lips and smoky eyes that highlighted her striking features.

Bella Hadid at Cannes 2024

At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Bella Hadid emerged as a style icon with a series of breathtaking archival looks. One of her most talked-about outfits was a black halter-style gown from Atelier Versace's Spring-Summer 2001 collection, which she wore to the premiere of L'Amour Ouf. The gown featured a sheer bodice that revealed her silhouette while maintaining an air of sophistication. The flowing skirt cascaded to the floor, creating a dramatic effect as she walked. 

Additionally, Hadid wore yet another archival Versace minidress for a day out -a perfect French Riviera vacation look. The list goes on with archival Gucci gown, a Dolce & Gabbana silk corset dress, Alaia and a Dsquared2 dress. Bella Hadid was a vision at the Cannes fest, nailing one archival look after the other in her own style. A fashion icon! 

Naomi Campbell in the same Chanel 28 years later

Supermodel Naomi Campbell made headlines at Cannes by wearing a vintage Chanel gown that she originally debuted on the runway in 1996. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, the black sequined dress featured sheer tulle panels and pearl-studded straps. Campbell's reinterpretation for the red carpet included minimal undergarments and voluminous curls, showcasing her timeless beauty and style evolution over nearly three decades

Kaia Gerber's Ode to Audrey Hepburn

At the Academy Museum Gala on October, 2024, Kaia Gerber channelled classic Hollywood elegance in a vintage Givenchy gown from Alexander McQueen's fall 1997 haute couture collection. The gown was a black silk chiffon creation featuring cap sleeves and an empire silhouette. Its sheer overlay was intricately embellished with black beaded floral motifs and delicate fringes cascading from the sleeves, evoking the iconic white embassy ball gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. Gerber styled her hair in soft curls with curtain bangs framing her face, enhancing the vintage aesthetic. She accessorised with diamond jewellery including dangling earrings and a delicate choker that completed her homage to Old Hollywood.

Rihanna's Couture Statement

Whenever Rihanna steps on the red carpet, she surely makes news. At The Fashion Awards 2024 in December Rihanna graced the red carpet in an opulent Christian Lacroix fall 2002 couture gown. The ensemble included a baby blue furry coat, black bustier dress, and oversized hat. The asymmetrical hemline, the teal fur and the extravagant hat — Rihanna knows how to create a fashion moment in time ! 

Jennifer Lawrence's Timeless Elegance

At the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Jennifer Lawrence stunned in an exquisite Givenchy FW96 Couture gown that showcased her impeccable taste for timeless elegance. The dress featured a structured bodice with intricate lace detailing that flowed into a voluminous skirt adorned with delicate embroidery. The rich fabric created a subtle match with her complexion creating a memorable look. 

Anya Taylor-Joy's Vintage Method Dressing

At the Sydney premiere of Furiosa in May, Anya Taylor-Joy made a striking impression in an archival Paco Rabanne Haute Couture mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1996 collection. The dress featured a stunning chainmail design adorned with gold arrow motifs, reflecting the bold and avant-garde aesthetic that Paco Rabanne is renowned for. The metallic fabric shimmered under the lights, accentuating her figure and exuding a futuristic vibe that perfectly aligned with the film's themes. Complementing her look was a dramatic silver headpiece, also designed by Paco Rabanne, featuring towering arrow-like spikes that echoed the motifs of her dress. This headpiece added an element of danger reinforcing her character's fierce persona in the upcoming Mad Max prequel. My favourite archival moment this year !

Margot Robbie's Classic Mugler

At the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Margot Robbie made a stunning entrance in a gold corset bodysuit from Thierry Mugler's Spring/Summer 1996 collection. This eye-catching piece was intricately designed with a cascade of sparkling jewels and sequins that adorned the bodice, creating a dazzling effect. The hem of the corset was lined with beaded fringe, adding a playful touch. To complement the corset, Robbie draped a silky bronze robe over her arms, which she wore like a shawl, enhancing the overall glamour of her look. Uff, she pulled this look off like the wonder woman she is! 

Sabrina Carpenter's Nostalgic Glamour

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At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in September, Sabrina Carpenter turned heads in a stunning Bob Mackie dress from 1991. This vintage piece featured a fitted bodice adorned with intricate beadwork and a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline that highlighted her décolletage. The flowing skirt was layered with tulle, creating an ethereal silhouette. Her hair was styled in soft waves with the dress looked like a homage to Marilyn Monroe. She sure ate that look! 

Blake Lively's Versace Vision

Blake Lively made a bold statement at the premiere of It Ends With Us in an archival 2002 Versace gown previously worn by Britney Spears. The one-shoulder dress is covered in sequin pink, blue, yellow, and purple flowers, as well as butterflies. Lively purchased the dress from the archives. Lively chose the dress to pay homage to Spears and channel her ‘ultimate queen’ persona.

These celebrities not only embraced archival fashion but also demonstrated how these timeless pieces can be reinterpreted for modern red carpets, making memorable statements throughout 2024.

Also read, ELLE Replay: Revisiting The Most Viral Runway Moments Of 2024