
The InStyle Imagemaker Awards 2026 transformed a private residence in Los Angeles into the most coveted address in fashion on Thursday evening, as the industry’s brightest names gathered for the third annual celebration of the visionaries who shape how the world dresses. Corsetry, leather, sequins and sculptural tailoring all took their bows, and the red carpet delivered a masterclass in modern glamour from the very first arrival.
Heidi Klum Leads with Lingerie-Inspired Romance
Heidi Klum set the tone in a cream corset-style gown finished with delicate lace, a nude-toned confection that embraced the season’s lingerie trend with total ease. The 53-year-old German supermodel kept her accessories restrained, choosing a minimal diamond necklace and an assortment of rings so the silhouette could speak for itself. Strappy nude heels and her signature golden blowout, bouncy and bright, completed the picture. At the InStyle Imagemaker Awards 2026, Klum took on a meaningful role, presenting her Project Runway co-host Law Roach with the women’s stylist award.

Charli XCX Turns Up the Volume in Leather
If Klum offered romance, Charli XCX brought rebellion. The “Von Dutch” hitmaker commanded the carpet in little more than a leather blazer and a necktie, striking fierce poses that will surely populate glamorous autumn Pinterest boards for weeks to come. The look was the handiwork of stylist Chris Horan, whom she was set to honour with the Future of Fashion Award later that night.

Megan Thee Stallion Commands in Sharp Grey Tailoring
Megan Thee Stallion, 31, chose drama of a different kind in a grey three-piece ensemble. A cape with razor-sharp shoulders layered over a sweeping mermaid skirt, creating a silhouette that was equal parts power suit and evening gown. The Savage hitmaker used the occasion to honour her longtime hairstylist, Kellon Deryck, a reminder of the collaborators behind every great look.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas Blooms in Gold-Embroidered Pink
The Heads of State star waltzed across the carpet in a romantic pink two-piece. The plunging top featured padded, slit sleeves, and was paired with a fitted pencil skirt, while delicate gold embroidery adorned the entire set. Chopra Jonas accessorised with square-toe thong sandals and stud earrings, and styled her signature brunette tresses in a bouncy blowout with a deep side part.

Joey King Mixes Leather and Sheer Olive
Joey King served up red carpet magic in a low-cut leather bodysuit paired with an olive green sheer skirt split to the thigh. The actress kept the jewellery simple with a gold necklace and bracelet, adding height with platform heels and tousled dark waves. Her sleek, clear manicure was more than a finishing touch: King was there to honour her manicurist, Thuy Nguyen, at the evening’s ceremony.

Elizabeth Debicki Shimmers in Sequins
Elizabeth Debicki arrived looking, unsurprisingly, absolutely gorgeous. The Crown star glided into the Los Angeles residence in a slinky sequin gown with a low scoop neck and an open back. Simple black sandals and minimal jewellery let the shimmer take centre stage, while loose waves and natural glam makeup kept the mood luminous and effortless.

The Trends Defining the Season
Across the InStyle Imagemaker Awards 2026, themes emerged. Lingerie dressing, from Klum’s lace-trimmed corset to King’s bodysuit, proved that intimate details remain the season’s most persuasive statement. Leather appeared in multiple forms, whether as Charli XCX’s daring blazer or Joey King’s second-skin base. Sequins, embroidery and sharp tailoring rounded out a palette of cream, grey, blush pink and olive, while bouncy blowouts and loose waves confirmed that polished, movement-filled hair is still the accessory of choice.
Honouring the Visionaries Behind the Looks
Above all, the InStyle Imagemaker Awards 2026 celebrated the stylists, makeup artists and costume designers who work behind the scenes to turn ideas into iconic moments. From a stylist’s trophy to heartfelt tributes for a hairstylist and a manicurist, the night reminded us that every truly unforgettable red carpet look is, at heart, a true collaboration.











