9 Red Carpet Outfits With Eye-Watering Price Tags

Celebrities rarely wear the same outfit twice, but it's not uncommon for stars to take their red-carpet look home with them, no matter the cost. Gone are the days when stars rummaged through their closets for the perfect evening gown; designer outfits have transformed fashion into a world of artifacts and keepsakes. "Of course it depends on the level of celebrity, but a lot of stars do keep their dresses after the red carpet," celebrity stylist Cassy Meier told Harper's Bazaar. In recent years, celebrities have opted for designer styling, often posing on red carpets wearing custom-made pieces. "In those circumstances, the dresses are never going into production, so of course there's no reason why that person can't hold on to the dress — no one else is going to wear it," Meier explained.

Fashion events, including the Met Gala, and legendary designers like Bob Mackie, known for his head-turning red-carpet creations, currently dominate the conversation. The world simply can't wait to see what stars will wear next. With price tags soaring to more than $40 million — the cost of a private Caribbean island – it's hard to believe just how expensive celebrity wardrobes have become. Despite being obscenely overpriced, some red carpet looks have had a profound impact on the industry and changed the fashion world forever. Other looks have become memorable for the stories behind them and their nods to historic red carpet moments.

Lupita Nyong'o stepped onto the red carpet at the 2015 Academy Awards dressed head-to-toe in pearls. Designed by Calvin Klein and adorned with 6,000 natural pearls, Nyong'o's white gown featured a halter neckline with open paneling. The talented "Us" actress glowed in the liquid-inspired number, which cost a whopping $150,000, accessorized with pearl earrings and a crystal ring. Onlookers clearly couldn't keep their eyes off the lavish ensemble, especially since it was reported stolen after the event. Fortunately, it was recovered by the police shortly after.

Cate Blanchett made headlines after attending the 2007 Academy Awards wearing a crystal-clad Armani Privé gown. Blanchett's look cost a staggering $265,046. The gown combined two metallic materials: one, an embellished figure-hugging layer, the other, a sheer gunmetal overlay. The transparent fabric grazed the floor and finished with distressed detailing. The one-strap ensemble, which featured a crest on the shoulder, was adorned with Swarovski crystals. Blanchett kept her accessories minimal, adding a subtle black-and-silver cuff and a discreet pair of encrusted earrings to her outfit.

Nicole Kidman's glossy look at the 1997 Academy Awards was extremely pricey, totaling at $2.65 million. The olive ensemble, designed by John Galliano for Dior, featured Chinoiserie-inspired hand-embroidery. Kidman wove the dress's delicate design throughout her accessories by adding light blue satin heels and carrying an olive green clutch with a similar floral design. Green crystal bangles and encrusted statement earrings completed the glamorous look. The flowing silhouette was seamlessly tailored to Kidman, which explains why she kept the gown after the ceremony.

From punk glamor to sophisticated eveningwear, Rihanna has had a stunning style transformation. At the 2015 Met Gala, she donned one of the most expensive looks of all time. For her evening on the red carpet, Rihanna opted for a handmade Guo Pei design. The buttery robe-style gown featured a dramatic train. Its thumping cost was $3.97 million. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Rihanna admitted the ensemble was uncomfortable to wear. "I'm so in love with this dress, but the train is insane," she said.

When Jennifer Lawrence tripped at the 2013 Academy Awards, she couldn't have predicted that her fall would have a lasting impact on Hollywood culture. After a successful second attempt at climbing on stage to collect her Oscar Award for Best Actress, Lawrence showcased her Dior Haute Couture voluminous ball gown. Dressed in an outfit that cost $4 million and dripping in diamonds, she quickly laughed off her iconic moment. That evening, Lawrence became a relatable icon, and her blush gown went down in history as one of the most expensive Oscars looks ever.

Reality star Kim Kardashian's nod to Marilyn Monroe's legendary "Happy Birthday Mr. President" moment in 2022 was iconic. This red-carpet ensemble is one of the most memorable Met Gala looks ever. Worn by two Hollywood legends, the borrowed outfit, which also featured Princess Diana's embellished cross necklace, instantly garnered attention. Although the dazzling gown sold at auction for a staggering $4.8 million, the look was deemed controversial. Having failed to fasten the dress completely, since it was custom-sculpted for Monroe, Kardashian accessorized it with a white fur coat that covered the mishap and enhanced her old Hollywood allure.

Madonna's outfit at the 1991 Academy Awards cost more than $20 million, counting both her gown and the Harry Winston diamond set she donned. As she performed at the ceremony, she stepped onto the stage wearing a diamond-adorned ensemble and a fur shawl. The singer exuded Hollywood glamor in the encrusted gown designed by Bob Mackie. The dress, featuring a deep sweetheart neckline, drew attention to the lavish crystal necklace and statement earrings. Despite wearing gloves, which added an element of sophistication to the all-white outfit, Madonna boldly accessorized with crystal bracelets and carried an encrusted clutch.

Carrie Underwood stepped onto the red carpet wearing a look worth $41 million at the 2013 Grammy Awards. The strapless Roberto Cavalli gown showcased a subtle sweetheart neckline that made room for Underwood's 380-karat diamond necklace, worth approximately $31 million on its own. The bejeweled number featured a structured bodice that created an hourglass silhouette. The piece was decorated with black crystals that formed a damask-style pattern and flowed into a translucent skirt. The flowing sheer skirt grazed the floor, creating a fishtail effect that softened the gown's gothic elements.

Lady Gaga had the priciest red carpet look of all time. The "Bad Romance" singer made headlines after attending the 2019 Academy Awards wearing a custom structured ball gown by Alexander McQueen, accessorized with a head-turning necklace. By adding glossy black gloves and 7-inch stilettos, Gaga's strapless look seamlessly blended punk glamor with Hollywood elegance. Known for her show-stopping red carpet appearances, in true Gaga style, she collaborated with Tiffany & Co. and wore a necklace featuring a 128.54-carat yellow diamond, thought to be priceless. Her look reportedly surpassed $41 million.