For many reasons, La La Land will go down in history as a great film. And no, not just because it was involved in the biggest Oscars mix-up of all time when it was mistakenly announced as Best Picture instead of Moonlight. Though La La Land’s Oscar nod for Best Costume Design didn’t get nearly as much press, the film will be remembered as much for its vibrant wardrobe as its astounding music, choreography and heartwarming performances by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.
The most breathtaking part of La La Land’s costume design? The vivid primary colors that brighten nearly every frame of the movie. Costume designer Mary Zophres took cues from a few of Emma’s previous red carpet appearances in flowing, lightweight gowns of solid red, yellow, blue and green. She also wanted to evoke the Technicolor of Old Hollywood films while giving the nostalgic look an electrifying update.
Suffice it to say, she certainly succeeded. What’s more, she started a serious trend. Playful, lighthearted creations in dazzling primary shades have been energizing Hollywood’s red carpets since the film’s release. The standout feature of these pieces is their solid palettes. As a rule, embellishments are kept to a minimum. The idea is to dress comfortably and let the color of the outfit do the rest.
Whether it’s Jennifer Hudson rocking a sunny minidress or Demi Lovato draped in canary satin, these stars will inspire you to find a La La Land-worthy dress of your own. Breathe new life into the shimmering romance of Old Hollywood with a carefree item perfect for a moonlit midsummer’s night stroll.
Technicolor dresses (Runway Manhattan)
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Sleek in Scarlet
Christian Dior’s satin gown suits Bella Hadid spectacularly. Finishing touches include Bulgari’s Serpenti necklace, a sleek ponytail and winged eyeliner.
Image: Runway Manhattan/ZUMA Press
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Sunny Combination
Bracelets and a glittering Tiffany cuff accent Jennifer Hudson’s sunny cocktail dress. Ruffles and ruching shape the Dsquared2 item.
Image: Runway Manhattan/NYC Pictures
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Emerald Echo
Maisie Williams is all confidence in this slinky, emerald green dress. Matching swipes of eyeliner echo the side-slit piece’s vivid hue.
Image: Runway Manhattan/ZUMA Press
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Hailey's Hue
Imperious in cobalt blue, Hailey Baldwin stuns in this peplum gown at Cannes. Chandelier earrings draw the eye to her flawless blond tresses.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Cherry Shocker
Shaking up the trend, Zoë Kravitz opts for a bright red jumpsuit from Oscar de la Renta. Between cherry lipstick and matching nails, she can’t get enough of the striking color.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Sweet Spunk
Looking like she stepped right off the silver screen, Karen Gillan picks out a soft dress of yellow velvet. The Doctor Who star complicates the sweet look with edgy leather pants and pointy pumps.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Lime Lift
This startling tint charges Jessica Chastain’s Cannes ensemble with energy. A glittering emerald ring accessorizes the Dior design.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Capital Pictures
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Capping It Off
Cynthia Erivo is effervescent in this cap-sleeve number. Painted in deep blue, the shimmering, playful dress is complemented by deep burgundy lipstick.
Image: Runway Manhattan/AFF
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Scintillating and Flattering
The fiery Amy Poehler set the red carpet ablaze in this formfitting Victoria Beckham dress shaped by romantic, flattering lines.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Bauer-Griffin
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The Yellow Dress Effect
The most eye-catching La La Land-inspired trend could be called "The Yellow Dress Effect." After seeing the film, everyone has to have one — even Demi Lovato!
Image: Runway Manhattan/Bauer-Griffin
