Just like that, award season is upon us. On Sunday, we kicked off the 2020 red carpet circuit with the Golden Globe Awards, and the celebs in attendance did not come to play. Seriously, their looks were even more striking than we thought possible, which begs the question, if the first major award show already outdid our expectations, then what else does Hollywood have up its sleeve this year?
While we don't have a crystal ball to predict exactly what we'll see celebs wearing to the upcoming award shows, we do have the intel on some of the fresh talents who are busy designing the next internet-breaking ensembles. These are the emerging red carpet fashion designers who we predict will have the most influence on red carpets everywhere in 2020 based on their fan bases and stunning designs. From Markarian's baroque-style gowns favored by Emma Roberts and Laura Dern to Christopher John Rogers's colorful creations backed by Tracee Ellis Ross, Lizzo, and Michelle Obama, we're placing bets on who will be behind the most important red carpet moments of the year to come.
Ahead, discover each designer, and see how celebs are already wearing their creations.
Mark my words: This is already Christopher John Rogers's year. The 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner, Rogers creates frothy, saturated, dreamy concoctions that are already beloved by a stacked crew of the most important people in fashion right now: Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lizzo, Lil Nas X—I could go on. Rogers is the definition of a rising star, and given that this is only the beginning for his brand, we can only imagine legendary things are in store for him.
WHO: Tracee Ellis Ross
WHO: Lizzo
WEAR: Christopher John Rogers dress; Gucci sneakers
David Koma's creations are at once risqué and incredibly tasteful, a balance that very few designers manage to pull off. The restrained silhouettes recall the minimalist vibe of the '90s, and seeing as the decade's theme is as strong as ever in fashion right now, we won't be surprised to see more of Koma's gowns on the Hollywood set this year.
WHO: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
WEAR: David Koma Crystal Chain-Trimmed Stretch-Crepe Gown ($1910); Tyler Ellis Perry Swarovski Fine Crystal Mesh Clutch; Jessica McCormack Space Odyssey Ring and Moonshine Long Diamond Earrings; René Caovilla Snake-Wrap Satin Sandals
WHO: Joan Smalls
WEAR: David Koma Grosgrain-Trimmed Tulle and Cady Gown ($1620)
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Markarian celebrates all things baroque, favoring details like corset bodices, puff sleeves, and romantic bows. Among its vast (and we mean vast) celebrity fan base are names like Emma Roberts and Laura Dern, so we only expect to see more of its dresses appear across Hollywood this year.
WHO: Emma Roberts
WHO: Beanie Feldstein
WHO: Ashley Madekwe
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For a certain set of celebs, only the most over-the-top creations will suffice for a (hopefully) much-talked-about red carpet appearance. When you're J.Lo or a member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan and you want to make a splash, there's a good chance you'll end up in one of Richard Quinn's fantastical numbers. The British designer has made OTT florals and exaggerated silhouettes his signature, and statement-seeking celebs are flocking to them.
WHO: Jennifer Lopez
WHO: Kendall Jenner
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Khaite has earned a place in every fashion editor's heart for its beautifully romantic designs and It pieces. But apart from the runway (and Katie Holmes's closet), the label is about to earn the title of red carpet designer now, too. In fact, just last week, Abigail Spencer wore one of its tulle gowns to the Golden Globe's after-party, a telltale sign of Khaite's red carpet–worthy status.
WHO: Laura Harrier
WHO: Abigail Spencer
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When Bella Hadid stepped onto the red carpet for the MTV Video Music Awards, she wore a ruched skirt–and–crop top invention held together by suspenders from emerging London designer Charlotte Knowles. Hadid's look was a huge stamp of approval for the young designer and instantly put her lingerie-inspired designs on the map.
WHO: Bella Hadid
WEAR: Charlotte Knowles F/W 19 look; Jimmy Choo Callie Clutch ($1995); Gianvito Rossi Leather and Plexi Stark Ankle-Strap Heels ($795); Chrome Hearts Gold Hoop Earrings and Heart Ring With Pavé Diamonds
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When Candice Swanepoel wore one of Christopher Esber's ab-displaying dresses this fall, the image made the rounds on the internet's style-savviest circles. Then, Zendaya's crystal-embellished gown followed suit at the People's Choice Awards, and voilà—the fashion world became fixated on the Australian designer.
WHO: Zendaya
WHO: Candice Swanepoel
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