Bows Take Center Stage at the 2024 Critics’ Choice Awards

A Fashionable Affair: Stars Shine in Bow-Adorned Gowns at the 2024 Critics’ Choice Awards

As the lights dimmed and anticipation built for the 29th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards held on a breezy Sunday evening in Santa Monica, all eyes turned to the red carpet expecting a bevy of breathtaking gowns and ensembles. The array of A-list talent in attendance did not disappoint, elevating the glamour quotient with their stunning sartorial statements. Among the standouts embracing one of fashion’s most whimsical accents du jour — the bow — a coterie of celebrities made bold and beautiful entrances in designs both delicate and dramatic.

Leading the bow brigade was Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon exuding her signature sunny style. The actress lit up the carpet clad in a striking custom black Celine gown with an organically draped bow spilling down the side of the dress. Witherspoon allowed the eye-catching bow to take center stage, accessorizing with barely-there diamond jewelry and strappy black heels.

Following closely behind was Elizabeth Debicki bringing drama in a sleek black jumpsuit from Oscar de la Renta’s resort 2024 collection. The sophisticated one-piece featured a slim belt knotted at the waist and flowing trousers. Elevating the look was a whimsical oversized bow cascading down the back adding a playful flourish. Keeping accessories at a minimum, The Crown star wore her golden locks loose and added simple diamond earrings for an elegant overall aesthetic.

Making a delightfully colorful splash was Aja Naomi King shining bright in a scene-stealing hot pink Oscar de la Renta confection. The princess gown was aglow with a flattering sweetheart neckline and figure-hugging bodice opening to a frothy full skirt. Multiple front-facing bows were artfully placed drawing the eye down the dress across a peekaboo cutout baring a hint of skin. With a burst of bright blooms in hand and hair swept into a sleek updo, King captivated the crowd channeling romantic glamour.

Adding texture into the mix was Danielle Brooks cloaked in a tactile charcoal gown from avant-garde label Monsoori’s spring/summer 2024 collection. The cap sleeve dress skimmed curves before ballooning into a voluminous skirt where one side swept into a flourish of ruffles. Offsetting the drama was a diminutive bow smartly fixed at the bustline flawlessly complementing Brooks’ glowing beauty.

In a more understated turn was Camila Morrone who selected a minimalist white column dress plucked from Chanel’s Spring 2022 Haute Couture offerings. The divine design featured a timeless silhouette with a singular bow fashioned from black ribbon placed front and center at the waist in an ingenious styling move. Allowing the dress to take center stage, Morrone kept accessories spare save for a slick of red lipstick.

Cementing bows in all iterations are having more than a moment was Bel Powley pretty as a present wrapped in a textured white mini dress from Creative Director Virginie Viard’s 2023 Spring/Summer Chanel Couture collection. The effervescent fit and flare dress cut a charming figure with cap sleeves and a structured bodice giving way to a frilly bubble skirt. Topping off the festive frock, the actress added a black bow tie in organza for a darling finishing accent.

Last but certainly not least was Calista Flockhart flowering onto the scene in a vivid fuchsia floral print gown plucked from Erdem’s 2024 Pre-Fall Collection. The angelic evening dress dazzled with painterly pink roses splashed across yards of silk mousseline adding volume to the skirt and train. Cinching the dress at the waist was an oversized bow matching the pink and green meadow motif. Flockhart piled her golden locks high allowing the dress to captivate onlookers as she glided down the carpet.

As these stunning stars have demonstrated with their red carpet looks, when embellished with bows — whether bold, sweet or somewhere in between — dresses transform from everyday to utterly extraordinary.