From red carpets to runways, the hood as a fashion item is back in style


By AGENCY
From Cannes to the Met Gala, the hooded dress has made a comeback on the red carpet. Photo: AFP

The latest fashion trend is seeing celebrities putting their hoods up. This streetwear-inspired accessory is making quite a comeback, as part of dresses each more glamorous than the next.

From Rihanna to Margot Robbie to Adele Exarchopoulos, the hood is making its presence felt on the red carpet, rising to become the star of the season.

Often associated with the 1980s – and more particularly with the timeless icon Grace Jones and the great couturier Azzedine Alaïa – the hooded dress also draws inspiration from the streetwear and sportswear fashions of the 90s, in reference to the essential hoodie.

But it's in its most glamorous guise that the hood is making a comeback, mainly on red carpets for the time being, sometimes topping a sheath dress, sometimes an ultra-chic suit, and sometimes even cocktail dresses.

It's a detail that certainly makes an impact, bringing a sophisticated, vintage touch, but also a certain sense of movement to a look.

Read more: Worn by Bella Hadid, Meghan Markle and more, Capri pants are back in fashion

An inspiration born on the runway

It was at the fashion weeks for the Spring/Summer 2023 season that the hood made its first forays, paving the way for this stunning comeback.

First spotted as an independent accessory, at Max Mara or Off-White, the hood caused a sensation on the Saint Laurent runway, covering models' heads as elegantly as nonchalantly, and topping flowing dresses draped or adorned with suggestive (but not too suggestive) cut-outs.

This gave rise to several hooded dresses that didn't go unnoticed, somewhere between retro and modern in style.

A few months later, a multitude of hooded dresses appeared on the red carpets of the most prestigious events, starting with the 2023 Met Gala.

Paying tribute to the late couturier Karl Lagerfeld, the traditional gala at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art featured a bevy of hoods, starting with the camellia-covered hood worn by the singer Rihanna. This was part of a spectacular, pristine white gown, clearly reflecting the evening's inspiration.

The Barbadian artiste and businesswoman was far from the only one to sport a hooded dress.

Penelope Cruz and Doja Cat – transformed for the occasion into Choupette – also opted for hooded dresses, to great effect, as did Ava Max, whose pearl-beaded hood echoed the details of her tulle dress.

Read more: Fashion alert, feet are going on show! Clear shoes are now a trendy must-have

Bella Hadid, Anne Hathaway, Rita Ora

But the trend didn't stop at the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, crossing many borders and embracing many styles.

The hooded dress has since seduced the likes of Bella Hadid, Rita Ora – a true fan of the trend – and Anne Hathaway, who caused a sensation in a gold-colored model in Venice for the presentation of Bulgari's new high jewellery collection.

And that's without counting Jenna Ortega, Margot Robbie and Kate Moss, who have also rocked the trend.

The Cannes Film Festival was no exception. Alessandra Ambrosio stood out at the opening ceremony in a sparkling pink Elie Saab gown, while French reality television star Nabilla dazzled the red carpet in a beige hooded Elisabetta Franchi sheath dress.

Meanwhile, model Roz opted for a black hooded gown for the traditional amfAR Gala, held alongside the film festival.

While Adele Exarchopoulos didn't opt for a hooded dress, she stunned in a revisited suit, complete with tie, baggy pants and a top – you guessed it – with a hood.

Evidently, the accessory is now ubiquitous on the red carpet, and should very soon be taking to the street.

The proof is on TikTok, where the hashtag #hoodeddress has already racked up over 500,000 views. And the trend is reminiscent of the recent craze for "modest fashion" aesthetics – a mix of modesty, elegance and minimalism – which are making a big splash on runways, social networks, and on the street. – AFP Relaxnews

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
fashion , trends , red carpet , fashion weeks ,

Next In Style

Dior versus Chanel: Which fashion house won the celebrity bridal battle?
Framing fashion: Bibo Aswan, the photographer shaping Malaysia's visual style
Has Taylor Swift’s wedding just outshone the Met Gala in fashion stakes?
Fashion awaits Taylor Swift's bridal look, but here's what the guests wore
The American dream, dressed: A look into 250 years of fashion and aspiration
Why letting go of a wedding dress can be among fashion’s hardest choices
Fashion sees clearly as glasses emerge as the chic accessory of the moment
The bikini at 80: Fashion is still pushing the limits of this swimwear classic
Two shirts, one outfit: Is this fashion’s smartest layering trick yet?
A shirtmaker so extraordinary that a luxury fashion house is buying the brand

Others Also Read