‘The Hunger Games’ Star Elle Fanning’s Backless Ralph Lauren Gown Was One of the Emmys’ Biggest Style Moments
Awards season fashion has a way of turning even a single red carpet appearance into a defining style moment, and this year’s Emmys delivered no shortage of them. Between plunging necklines, dramatic trains and bold color choices, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards gave fashion watchers plenty to talk about before the trophies were even handed out.
Elle Fanning arrived at the ceremony with extra reason to celebrate, having earned two nominations this year, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Margo Millet in Apple TV’s ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ along with a nod in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. That double nomination made her red carpet look all the more anticipated heading into the evening.
Elle Fanning stuns for the Emmys. pic.twitter.com/qXtoNPHEyQ
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 15, 2026
Fanning walked the carpet at the Peacock Theater in a custom jade green Ralph Lauren gown, a sleek slip dress defined by ultra-delicate straps and a plunging V-shaped neckline. The smooth, liquid-like satin fabric hugged her waist before flowing into a bias-cut, floor-length skirt, while a dramatic scarf detail attached at the shoulder cascaded down her back into long, sweeping fringe that trailed behind her with every step.
Elle Fanning brings the fashion to the #Emmys carpet pic.twitter.com/N4dGbKYVKs
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 14, 2026
The gown’s open-back design became one of its standout features, with Fanning turning to reveal the low-back cut and the fringe detail moving fluidly as she posed for photographers. Curated by longtime stylist Samantha McMillen, the dress also included a long train that added extra drama to her overall silhouette on the arrival carpet.
Elle Fanning photographed by Miles Diggs ahead of the 78th Emmy Awards. pic.twitter.com/NOymQiCI18
— Elle Fanning Central (@ellecentral) September 15, 2026
To elevate the pale green shade, Fanning turned to Cartier for her jewelry, an especially fitting choice given her role as an ambassador for the brand and the face of its Grain de Café collection. She wore Cartier platinum diamond tulipe chandelier earrings alongside a bold Cartier En Équilibre ring featuring emerald beads framed by diamonds, both pieces pulling out the soft green tones of her gown.
The Fanning sisters have arrived! Elle and Dakota Fanning brought the glamour to the 2026 Emmy Awards. ❤️
— Page Six (@PageSix) September 14, 2026
📸: Shutterstock; Getty pic.twitter.com/06v2uodJ0g
Her glam followed a similarly polished direction, with hairstylist Jenda Alcorn styling her platinum blonde hair with a middle part and long, flouncy barrel curls. Makeup artist Erin Ayanian Monroe completed the look with bold brows, lined eyes and a glossy lip, striking a balance between the gown’s soft pastel color and a more defined, radiant finish overall.
This latest Emmys moment continues a pattern for Fanning, who has built a reputation for delivering memorable red carpet looks throughout the current awards season, including a figure-hugging silver gown at the Golden Globes and an understated black gown at the Producers Guild Awards. With her fashion choices consistently landing among the standout looks of the night, it’s clear Fanning has become one of the more reliably compelling presences on any red carpet she steps onto.
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