The Best Vintage-Inspired Hair Moments From The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards
The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards kicked off on Monday, Nov. 2, and alongside the spectacular fashions, we saw no shortage of dreamy, vintage-inspired hair moments that catapulted us back in time. Each year, the Council of Fashion Designers of America invites the who's who across fashion and Hollywood to celebrate creative and business achievements in American fashion. The 2026 CFDA Awards were held at The American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Fitting, because so many of the hairstyles being exhibited on the red carpet were lovely little recreations of the 'dos of yesteryear.
Among other highlights, we're remembering Emmy Rossum's tangle of wild '80s-era curls, Lupita Nyong'o's angular 'fro that was right out of the '90s, and Carrie Coon's mod-style pixie cut. So, let's check out how our favorite celebs — while supporting the future of fashion — leaned into a bit of beauty history, shall we?
Suki Waterhouse's layered shag was so '70s rock 'n' roll
Suki Waterhouse was among the attendees at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards, showcasing a super shaggy haircut that looked like it would've been right at home on a '70s-era rockstar. The model and actor's barely-there makeup and strong brows helped her lean into the minimalist, effortlessly sexy vibe. A look like Waterhouse's is all about the perfectly imperfect layers. Note the short face-framing fringe that gives way to longer pieces throughout. They create that enviable rounded shape and tons of movement, perfect for a well-timed hair flip.
Emmy Rossum's natural curls took us right back to the '80s
So many beloved classic '80s hairstyles have seen a surge in popularity again, and, at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards, Emmy Rossum offered a masterclass on how best to do untamed, natural curls on the red carpet. The "Furious" star wore her naturally wavy hair in a dreamily wild mane, pinned this way and that, and even tucked into her shirt. Her hair was such a fun throwback to the voluminous styles of the '80s, and Rossum's sharp suit, with its Mandarin-collared shirt and large lapels, really worked to underline the old-school energy.
Lupita Nyong'o brought back the '90s with her gravity-defying 'fro
Lupita Nyong'o stopped and posed for pics outside of the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards showcasing an eye-catching hairdo that was popular in the '90s. The "Black Panther" star wore her naturally kinky hair blown out into a structural afro of sorts. Between the side part and the sharp angles, Nyong'o's hairstyle brought all the vibes of '90s grunge meets hip-hop cool. And, of course, if we're going to go '90s it-girl with the hair, we've got to sling a denim jacket over the shoulder.
Keke Palmer's glamorous curls threw it back to the disco era
When Keke Palmer showed up for the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards, the actor and podcast host styled her signature ginger-spiced hair in whimsical ringlet curls that recalled the deliciously over-the-top glamour of the disco era. Fitting, because she wore an archival Bob Mackie rhinestone-covered dress from the '70s, originally custom-made for Raquel Welch. Palmer's clavicle-grazing 'do — with its deep side part and dreamy swoops — was Motown, meets Studio 54, meets Old Hollywood, and we're so here for it. Plus, her full glam makeup brought it all home.
Carrie Coon brought the cheeky charm with her mod-style pixie
Carrie Coon was among the A-listers in New York City for the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards. The "Gilded Age" star traded her 19th century coiffed updo for a slick, super sexy short haircut that was heavy on the mod-era energy. Part-pixie, part-mullet, Coon's choice of 'do is one of the hairstyles straight from the '60s that are making a comeback, and for good reason. This one was made extra special with the help of lots of shaggy layers and a piece-y finish.
Donatella Versace's curtain bangs and shaggy layers recalled the hippie era
It's only right that the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards would attract fashion royalty. Donatella Versace showed up for the affair rocking her signature dramatic eye makeup and an equally attention-grabbing bright blond shag that was the picture of '70s-era cool. Versace took a style that was popular among the "peace and love" crowd and glammed it up without sacrificing any of the effortlessness that makes it a classic. Between the curtain bangs, the long layers, and the barely-there wave, Versace nailed the throwback 'do.
Megan Thee Stallion's messy updo kicked it back to the early aughts
Our favorite "hot girl" Megan Thee Stallion swung by the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards rocking a hairstyle that offered the cutest wink and a nod to the Y2K era. Megan, on the heels of her performance at the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, kept the energy going with her messy updo, complete with tons of volume and loose face-framing strands — an absolute must in the late '90s and early 2000s. Between the bright blond hue and Megan's boisterous charm, the whole look was so vintage Pamela Anderson.
Pamela Anderson's pinned-up updo oozed Old Hollywood glamour
Speaking of Pamela Anderson, the model and actor was also in attendance for the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards showcasing a dreamy 'do that could've been right out of Old Hollywood's Golden Era. The forever bombshell wore her signature blond locks tightly curled and twisted up into a half-pinned style that more than delivered on the '50s glamour. The photos of Pamela Anderson's beauty transformation are all swoon-worthy, but the Old Hollywood hairstyles she's been rocking lately are the loveliest additions.