Long an authority on beauty, fashion and style, Glamour magazine is known for celebrating the best of fashion and its boldest trends. Over the years, it has featured some of the most iconic fashion moments that have had a lasting impact on the industry and pop culture. From unforgettable red carpet appearances to groundbreaking cover shots, these moments not only captured the world’s attention, but also defined new standards of beauty and style.
In this blog, we look back at some of Glamour’s most memorable fashion moments that stole the show, marked turning points in fashion history and influenced trends for years to come.
1. Beyoncé's 'Ivy Park' launch at the Met Gala
One of the most iconic fashion moments featured in Glamour was Beyoncé’s stunning appearance at the Met Gala in 2018. She arrived at the event wearing an elaborate nude latex dress by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, paired with bold makeup and a sleek bob hairstyle. This moment wasn’t just about fashion—it marked the beginning of her Ivy Park collaboration with Adidas, a brand that would redefine athleisure and put inclusive fashion front and center. Beyoncé’s Met Gala look symbolized her ability to combine haute couture with streetwear, paving the way for a new era of urban chic style.
What made this moment even more impactful was Beyoncé’s ability to connect with the broader cultural landscape. By blending sport and luxury, she challenged traditional notions of what haute couture could look like and became a pioneer of inclusive, diverse and empowering fashion.
2. Zendaya's Cinderella moment
Zendaya’s transformation into a real-life fairytale princess was another unforgettable glamour moment. At the 2019 Met Gala, she wore a custom Tommy Hilfiger gown that resembled the iconic Cinderella ball gown. What made this moment so special wasn’t just the dress, but Zendaya’s ability to channel Disney magic in a modern, powerful way. She topped off the look with a crown and subtle makeup that highlighted her natural beauty.
The moment wasn’t just a tribute to a beloved Disney character—it was a nod to Zendaya’s status as a rising fashion icon. Her bold decision to embrace this Cinderella moment captured the hearts of fashion fans everywhere, making it one of the most memorable Met Gala looks to date.
3. Rihanna's Yellow Guo Pei Couture Gown at the Met Gala
Rihanna’s appearance at the 2015 Met Gala in a yellow Guo Pei Couture gown was arguably one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the last decade and became legendary. The massive, extravagant design, which included a fur-lined cape, took the red carpet by storm in a way no one had ever seen before. It was a bold fashion statement that perfectly matched the event’s theme of “China: Through the Looking Glass,” but it also showcased Rihanna’s unique approach to fashion: she was never afraid to take risks.
What made this look even more iconic was Rihanna’s confidence when she wore it. The dress, along with her flawless makeup and hairstyle, made her stand out at one of the biggest fashion events of the year. It also sparked conversations about the importance of cultural appreciation in fashion and the power of fashion to tell a story.
4. Michelle Obama's Inauguration Gown by Jason Wu
When Michelle Obama took the stage at the 2009 presidential inauguration in her now-iconic white one-shoulder Jason Wu gown, the whole world was watching. The First Lady’s decision to wear a young, relatively unknown designer was a statement about the power of championing emerging talent in the fashion industry. Her elegance, grace and poise captured the spirit of the moment and symbolized a new chapter in American history.
Her fashion choices during her time as First Lady, including this gown, were continually celebrated by Glamour for their combination of sophistication, modernity and accessibility. Michelle Obama became a style icon whose influence transcended fashion, embodying the power of representation and the importance of thoughtful yet bold clothing choices.
5. Lady Gaga's Meat Dress at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards
One of the most controversial and unforgettable fashion moments of all time was Lady Gaga at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. She appeared in a dress made entirely of raw meat, designed by designer Franc Fernandez. The look sparked fierce debates about fashion, art, and identity, but it also cemented Gaga’s reputation as a boundary-pushing style icon.
While many found the look shocking, it was undeniably a statement—a bold commentary on the treatment of women and the societal pressures they face. The meat dress was a reflection of Gaga’s commitment to defying norms and making a statement with every outfit she wore. Glamour was quick to recognize that the moment wasn’t just about shock value—it was a conversation starter, an artistic expression that created a stir in the fashion world.
6. Meghan Markle's Clare Waight Keller wedding dress
When Meghan Markle walked down the aisle at her 2018 royal wedding, the eyes of the world were on her. Her dress, a simple yet elegant design by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, was a breath of fresh air in the world of royal fashion. The minimalist design, with a boat neck and long train, was a perfect reflection of Meghan’s modern take on style.
What made this moment so powerful was its significance – Meghan’s wedding dress was a break from royal tradition and showcased a more contemporary, inclusive approach to beauty and style. She looked confident, graceful and absolutely radiant, and glamour captured the essence of her wedding look as one that set a new standard for royal fashion.
7. Audrey Hepburn's black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's
Audrey Hepburn’s iconic black Givenchy dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is without a doubt one of the most memorable fashion moments in film history. The dress, paired with pearls, a tiara, and Hepburn’s timeless elegance, became the epitome of chic. The look transcended the film and became a cultural symbol of sophistication and glamour.
The influence of this dress is still felt today, and it continues to be one of the most quoted fashion moments of all time. Glamour frequently celebrates Audrey Hepburn’s fashion choices, recognizing how they inspired generations of women to embrace elegance, simplicity, and confidence.
8. Beyoncé's "Formation" Tour Outfits
Beyoncé’s Formation tour in 2016 was a demonstration of her power as an artist and fashion icon. From her black leather ensemble to her tailored outfits, Beyoncé brought fierce style to every stage she performed on. Glamour covered her tour extensively, not only for her musical talent, but also for her ability to combine fashion with social and political statements.
Each outfit was carefully curated to reflect both her individual style and the themes of empowerment and identity in her music. Beyoncé’s outfits for the Formation tour proved that fashion can be a means of expression, and her bold, unapologetic style resonated with millions around the world.
9. Blake Lively's Maternity Wear on the Red Carpet
When Blake Lively became a mother, she continued to dominate the fashion scene with some of the most stylish and daring maternity wear looks. From her colorful evening gowns at the Cannes Film Festival to her red carpet appearances in tailored dresses, Blake’s ability to look effortlessly chic while pregnant was celebrated by Glamour.
Blake’s maternity wear showed the world that pregnancy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Instead, it became an opportunity for her to push the boundaries of fashion and inspire others to do the same. She quickly became known for her ability to make bold, glamorous fashion choices while embracing the natural beauty of motherhood.
10. Carrie Bradshaw's Fashion in Sex and the City
Carrie Bradshaw’s fashion choices in Sex and the City made her a style icon for an entire generation. From her tutu skirt and Manolo Blahnik shoes to her fabulous designer handbags, Carrie’s bold fashion choices became a symbol of individuality and self-expression. Her style was often quirky, experimental, and unapologetically feminine, inspiring countless fashion fans to embrace their own personal style.
Glamour frequently celebrated Carrie’s looks, not only for their high-fashion appeal, but also for their ability to tell a story. Each outfit she wore reflected her character’s journey, making her a cultural fashion icon whose influence still influences the way we dress today. to dress, leaves its mark.
Conclusion
These fashion moments captured by glamour are more than just stylish looks – they represent the power of fashion to shape culture, challenge norms and make bold statements. From Beyoncé’s empowering moment at the Met Gala to the classic elegance of Audrey Hepburn’s black dress, these iconic moments have left their mark on the world of fashion. As we continue to be inspired by glamour, these unforgettable moments remind us that fashion isn’t just about clothes – it’s about expressing who we are, maMake a statement and leave a lasting legacy.
