It was a year full of inspiring fashion choices, outrageous outfits, and memorable moments on the red carpet. Details proved to be key with celebs embracing trends like peplums, cut-out accents, capes, sheer paneling, ruffles, and other distinct forms of embellishment. Glamour seemed to go hand-in-hand with shock value, while the usual over-the-top suspects stuck to typical antics to get attention. When all is said and done, though, hopefully 2012 will be remembered for the stylish highs as opposed to those occasional lows. So, here are some highlights of the year that was 2012.
Year in Review: Top 10 Red Carpet Moments of 2012
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Nicki Minaj at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards
The Grammys are always a hotspot for incredible red carpet moments and Nicki certainly delivered when she arrived in this red satin hooded Versace robe with embellished Medusa on the skirt. Her coordinating sequin gloves were on full display as she held on to her holy date for the evening.
Image: Adriana M. Barraza/ WENN.com
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Angelina Jolie at the 84th Annual Academy Awards
Angelina had a leg up on the other celebs thanks to her custom black Atelier Versace velvet strapless gown. Of course, the star’s attempt to pose her Salvatore Ferragamo-clad leg by working that thigh-high slit stole the show, leading to a unique Twitter account and numerous parodies.
Image: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com
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Sacha Baron Cohen at the 84th Annual Academy Awards
Sacha’s decision to arrive dressed up as his Dictator character wasn’t really surprising. Of course, no one expected him to “accidentally” spill the supposed ashes of former North Korean leader, Kim Jong Il, on Ryan Seacrest. Much to Ryan’s credit, though, the pro wiped off his tuxedo and didn’t lose his cool.
Image: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com
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Gwyneth Paltrow at the 84th Annual Academy Awards
Tom Ford’s Fall 2012 caped creation was the style statement at this year’s ceremony. Gwyneth looked statuesque in the white gown, which she paired with silver jewels. It was only a matter of time before the cape trend took off.
Image: Adriana M. Barraza/ WENN.com
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Karolina Kurkova at the 2012 Met Gala
At the annual Met Gala, stars definitely dress to impress and there are usually a few killer looks to really obsess over. This year, the clear standout was Karolina in a long sleeve sequin gown with exposed back by Rachel Zoe. An equally flashy turban topped off the supermodel’s look.
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Cheryl Cole at the 65th Annual Cannes International Film Festival Premiere of Amour
Cheryl’s stunning Stéphane Rolland Spring 2012 Couture cap-sleeve white gown really made an impact courtesy of its unbelievable red ostrich feather train. The show-stopping Cannes look was perfectly polished off with a matching VBH clutch and David Morris gems.
Image: WENN.com
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Emma Stone at the Paris Premiere of The Amazing Spider-Man
Emma definitely mixed things up while promoting her highly-anticipated film and the Gothic Gucci she wore to the Paris premiere was an unexpected choice for the sweet star. Her Fall 2012 gown featured rich foil embellishments and sheer details.
Image: WENN.com
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Lady Gaga's Fame Perfume Launch
Lady Gaga’s global effort to push her fragrance offered some extreme fashion moments. Take the inflated vinyl ensemble she selected for her appearance at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City. As if the outfit wasn’t radical enough, the singer arrived in a carriage shaped like her perfume bottle.
Image: C.Smith/WENN.com
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Kristen Stewart at the Los Angeles Premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn
This Zuhair Murad nude strapless gown was dubbed the “naked dress” because it revealed a side of Kristen most of us have never seen. It actually was a pretty glamorous look and she gets extra points for donating it to the 12-12-12: Auction for Sandy Relief. Oh, and matching panties are included.
Image: Brian To/WENN.com
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Anne Hathaway at the New York Premiere of Les Mis
For the New York premiere of her film, Anne went dominatrix in a taffeta Tom Ford Spring 2013 gown and the designer’s over-the-knee boots. Unfortunately, the event was overshadowed by that unflattering picture of her exposing herself while getting out of the limo in the complicated ensemble.
Image: Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com
