Not Sequins, Not Silk: Elle Fanning Just Started 2026's Molten Trend on the Red Carpet

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Elle Fanning in a long gold Ralph Lauren gown at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Award season is officially here, and we're kicking off 2026 in style as our favorite stars head down the red carpet tonight for the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. This year's show will be followed by the Golden Globes next weekend, and we can't wait to see all the stunning red carpet looks coming up in the next few months, culminating in the Academy Awards in March.

We're already spotting some of 2026's biggest trends on the red carpet tonight. One of our favorites? Elle Fanning wearing a stunning "molten gold" vintage gown from Ralph Lauren's fall 2003 collection. The liquid-gold fabric with a high-shine metallic finish is set to be a huge trend this year, evoking a sense of bold luxury, joy, and elegance—a style we're sure to see on many a red carpet this award season.

Scroll down to see Fanning's stellar red carpet look.

Elle Fanning in a gold gown at the Critics Choice Awards 2026

(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Elle Fanning: Vintage Ralph Lauren gown; Cartier jewelry

Elle Fanning in long gold gown at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Elle Fanning in gold gown at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards

(Image credit: Getty Images)
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Judith Jones
Judith Jones
Associate Shopping Director

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.