The Tamesis
Let’s turn the time back to March 2006: Jack Dorsey launched Twitter, V for Vendetta It’s in theaters now and everyone is listening to Rascal Flatts’ new album.
The 2006 Oscars red carpet was also a sign of the times. Take Keira Knightley, for example. Her Vera Wang fishtail gown made of burgundy taffeta and paired with a statement necklace is a hot style right now. Charlize Theron certainly agrees. She chose a sculptural pastel green gown by John Galliano by Dior. Empire waistlines ruled the carpet, too: Meryl Streep opted for a regal Rogelio Velasco, while Jennifer Garner wore a floaty sequined Michael Kors dress.
Still, the red carpet looks of yesteryear look as relevant now as they did 20 years ago—and it’s not just a long list of black gowns. Lauren Hutton looked cool as ever in a Saint Laurent suit paired with a cropped jacket, pompom-trimmed trousers and leather gloves, while Naomi Watts still wows us in a gauzy Givenchy dress.
Another constant? Excellent quality. While today’s retro style is something of an archival fashion arms race, it was far less competitive 20 years ago. Despite this, the actors deliver some truly jaw-dropping work. Reese Witherspoon wins Best Actress Oscar routing Jennifer Lopez in a 1957 Christian Dior dress and a 1959 green Jean Dessès gown.
Ahead of the 2026 Oscars on Sunday, relive the 2006 red carpet — mermaid gowns, statement necklaces and more.
