Our journey started in Tinseltown as the style set gathered in the name of the 73rd Emmy Awards. Though there was a vast array of red-carpet high-flyers (see Michaela Coel and Yara Shahidi), it was Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy that captured everyone’s attention. Her bespoke Christian Dior gown demonstrated two trends that we expect to see everywhere this season: backless dresses and bright yellows.
A style that first gained traction in the late ’90s and early aughts, thanks to style pioneers like Gillian Anderson, the back-bearing gown proves that mastering the art of seduction lies in subtle detailing. If you are adopting this trend for the first time, we recommend starting with Givenchy’s Embellished Open-Back Gown. The lemonade yellow colorway casts the hue in an optimistic light, while the open back doesn’t distract from the elegant cut of the column gown. Once comfortable, double down on this silhouette with a black iteration from Bottega Veneta—both will help you make your mark come gala season.
