Dakota Fanning's Carolina Herrera Revives a Leading Red Carpet Trend at the 2026 Emmys
Our take
The resurgence of the black-and-white column dress on the 2026 Emmys red carpet, spearheaded by Dakota Fanning in Carolina Herrera, signals a fascinating shift away from the maximalism that dominated recent years. It’s a return to a quiet elegance, a deliberate choice to prioritize silhouette and texture over overt embellishment. This isn’t a sudden phenomenon; Zendaya’s previous embrace of similar styles and Sarah Pidgeon's intriguing twist on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s minimalism [Sarah Pidgeon Gives CBK Minimalism a Bejeweled Twist In a Lavender Chanel Slip Dress at the 2026 Emmys] demonstrate a growing appetite for understated sophistication. The trend feels particularly resonant given the broader cultural mood—a desire for authenticity and intentionality that mirrors a rejection of performative displays of wealth and status. It's a move towards a more timeless aesthetic, one that values enduring style over fleeting trends.
The enduring appeal of the black-and-white column dress is deeply rooted in its history and its association with iconic figures. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s effortless chic remains a benchmark of understated glamour, and its influence continues to ripple through contemporary fashion. Furthermore, the recent celebration of low updos, as seen on Nicole Kidman [Nicole Kidman’s Emmys Hair Has Me Calling It—Low Updos Are Fall’s Next Big Thing], further reinforces this shift towards classic, polished aesthetics. The choice of Carolina Herrera to represent this trend is particularly fitting, as the brand has long championed a refined and elegant sensibility. Herrera's designs are known for their impeccable tailoring and timeless appeal, qualities that perfectly embody the current mood. Fanning's selection, therefore, is not just a stylistic choice but a deliberate nod to a legacy of sophisticated dressing.
Beyond the individual looks, this red carpet moment speaks to a broader recalibration within the fashion landscape. The era of unapologetic maximalism, with its reliance on bold colors, excessive sequins, and gravity-defying silhouettes, appears to be waning. While these styles will undoubtedly continue to exist, the current preference leans towards a more restrained and thoughtful approach to dressing. This isn't about a rejection of glamour, but rather a reimagining of it. It's about finding beauty in simplicity, expressing confidence through understated elegance, and cultivating a personal style that transcends fleeting trends. The quiet power of a perfectly cut black-and-white dress, worn with grace and self-assurance, speaks volumes. It's a style that prioritizes the wearer's presence and inner radiance over external adornment.
Ultimately, the revival of the black-and-white column dress signifies a return to foundational principles of style: quality, tailoring, and timelessness. It’s a powerful reminder that true elegance lies not in extravagance, but in a considered and intentional approach to self-expression. As we move forward, it will be interesting to observe whether this trend solidifies into a long-term shift, or if it remains a fleeting moment of respite from the relentless cycle of ever-evolving fashion. Will the industry continue to embrace this quiet luxury, or will the pendulum swing back towards bolder, more experimental styles?
On September 14, over a decade after Dakota Fanning made her Emmy Awards debut, she returned to the red carpet in a black-and-white dress. If only the actor's nine-year-old self could see her now: Not only was Fanning's All Her Fault performance nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category, but she also delivered one of her best Emmy fashion moments yet.
One hour before the host Mariska Hargitay delivered her opening monologue, Fanning posed for photographers in a strapless black-and-white dress from Carolina Herrera's Resort 2027 collection. (The look revived the black-and-white red carpet trend endorsed by Zendaya, Selena Gomez, Charli xcx, and more early in the year.)
Its glossy corset boasted blink-and-you'll-miss-it waist pleating before turning white. Unlike her sister Elle Fanning's carpet-sweeping Ralph Lauren slip, the hem of her drop-waist skirt stopped at tea-length level, revealing criss-cross sandals beneath the black petticoat.
Her stylist, Samantha McMillen (the same creative behind Elle's Emmys look), took creative liberties in the accessory department. McMillen and Dakota traded the original pearl collar-style choker for a $35,000 lab-grown diamond necklace from Swarovski. The sparkler featured a trio of octagon-cut gemstones, bringing the total to 19.46 carats. The Emmy nominee kept the rest of her bling simple, styling a slim tennis bracelet with a single diamond ring.
Fanning's red carpet fashion has come a long way since her first Emmy Awards. At just nine years old, the star of Steven Spielberg Presents Taken (which won the 2003 Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries) stole the show in a bubblegum-pink-and-plum midi dress. Thanks to her bigger-than-the-trophy bow, Mary Janes, and bedazzled top-handle tote, Fanning would've won the Most Adorable Award, too, if the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences dished those out.
While her career certainly didn't slow down (in 2005, she played Tom Cruise's daughter in War of the Worlds, and in 2009, she voiced Coraline), Fanning didn't return to the Emmys until 2018. The sage green shade of her Dior Fall 2018 Couture gown seemed to inspire her jewelry: She coordinated emerald rings and drop earrings to match the hue of the criss-cross bodice, blink-and-you'll-miss-it belt, and perfectly pleated skirt.
Six years later, scoring a Supporting Actress nomination for Netflix's Ripley ended Fanning's most recent Emmys hiatus. In 2024, McMillen dressed the first-time nominee in a strapless Armani Privé Fall 2024 Couture gown. Starting at the dress's sweetheart neckline, the muted metallic gold silk was covered in a sheer overlay of pearls.
To accessorize the pearlescent look, Fanning traded a diamond necklace for bow-shaped earrings by the New York-based brand Joseph Saidian & Sons and a pearl Beladora ring.
Fast forward to the eve of the 2026 ceremony, and Dakota and Elle Fanning (who have never attended the Emmy Awards together) celebrated their nominations at a Beverly Hills bash hosted by W Magazine and Loewe. While Elle kept it classic in a little black scoop-neck dress, Dakota elevated fall's flannel trend in an asymmetrical mini from the brand. To finish the going-out 'fit, the older sister accessorized with pointy Christian Louboutin pumps and Loewe's celebrity-beloved Amazona Bag.
Whether or not the Fannings win big tonight, Elle and Dakota earned applause from Marie Claire editors the second they graced the red carpet. For another standing ovation, we'll just need a matchy-matchy style moment on the Emmys after-party scene, please.
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