Ariana Madix Had One Wish for Her Emmys Look: "I Wanted to Look Like a Star"
Our take
Ariana Madix’s recent Emmy nomination and the resulting desire to embody “a star” for the red carpet moment speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of celebrity style and the power of personal narrative in the fashion sphere. It’s a fascinating shift to witness, particularly as Madix's profile has risen so dramatically alongside the popularity of *Love Island USA*. The desire to project a specific image, one of undeniable glamour and established presence, is amplified when stepping onto a stage as significant as the Emmys. This echoes a broader trend we’ve observed recently, where celebrities are increasingly leveraging fashion to actively curate their public personas, moving beyond simply wearing beautiful clothes to crafting a deliberate visual statement. Consider Selena Gomez's embrace of Khaite’s double-leather look What Canadian Tuxedo? Selena Gomez Is All About Khaite's Double-Leather Look for Fall, a move demonstrating a considered exploration of luxury and a confident assertion of personal style. The intentionality is palpable, a departure from more casual or trend-driven choices. Even Nicole Kidman’s pragmatic travel style, opting for jeans and ballet flats over more elaborate ensembles Nicole Kidman Just Flew 18 Hours in the Jeans and Ballet Flat Trend French Girls Always Rely On, highlights a quiet confidence and a prioritization of comfort and personal ease, a different facet of curated style but equally deliberate.
The significance of Madix’s aspiration to “look like a star” lies in the context of her career trajectory. She's transitioned from a supporting role on *Vanderpump Rules* to a central figure in a major reality franchise, and now a celebrated television host. This moment at the Emmys wasn’t just about showcasing a beautiful gown; it was about visually cementing her arrival as a leading figure in the entertainment world. It’s a strategic move, understanding that a powerful visual can transcend the immediate buzz of the event and resonate across media platforms, shaping public perception and influencing future opportunities. The subtle nods to classic Hollywood glamour, the intentional choice of silhouette and styling – these aren’t accidental decisions. They are carefully orchestrated elements contributing to a larger narrative of elevation and transformation. The choice to prioritize this visual statement, even amidst the demands of a filming schedule, underscores the importance placed on projecting a polished and aspirational image in today's media landscape.
Furthermore, Madix's story reflects the evolving relationship between reality television and high fashion. Traditionally, reality stars have been perceived as less connected to the world of couture and high-end style. However, with the rise of social media and the blurring of lines between entertainment and personal branding, this perception is rapidly changing. Stars like Madix are actively cultivating their personal brands and leveraging fashion to elevate their status and influence. The increased visibility and platform provided by reality television are proving to be fertile ground for cultivating a sophisticated style, and, in turn, generating significant interest from luxury brands. This creates a feedback loop: increased visibility leads to more opportunities to collaborate with designers and stylists, which in turn leads to even greater visibility and influence. The impact on the fashion industry is undeniable, with reality stars now increasingly recognized as style influencers in their own right.
Looking ahead, it’s intriguing to consider how Madix’s Emmy moment will shape her future style choices and the broader perception of reality stars within the fashion world. Will she continue to embrace classic Hollywood glamour, or will she carve out a more unique and personal style aesthetic? And more broadly, how will the increasing influence of reality television personalities continue to reshape the landscape of celebrity style, and what role will personal branding play in the future of fashion? The deliberate construction of image, once largely confined to established actors and musicians, is now a powerful tool for anyone with a platform, and Ariana Madix’s journey is a compelling case study in its effectiveness.
On July 8, 2026, in the dead of night in Fiji, Ariana Madix got a call from her team letting her know she had just scored her first Emmy nomination as the host of Peacock's Love Island USA. It was a career-defining moment for the actress and TV personality, but the celebrations could wait. Madix, in the midst of filming season 8 of the hit reality dating show, needed her beauty rest.
In the weeks since, the good news kept rolling in for Madix. Season 8 of Love Island USA shattered Peacock viewing, making it the streamer's most-watched original season, and last month, the 41-year-old announced her return to Broadway this fall playing Connie Francis in Just in Time.
This weekend was all about the 78th annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards. With her mom as her date, Madix indulged in a glamorous evening complete with a glittery pale-pink Yara Shoemaker gown with cascading crystal and beaded embellishments. Dripping in Sophia D jewels, she finished the look, styled by Jordan Dorso, with Gianvito Rossi heels and a spritz of her go-to Fiji fragrance. (More on this later.)
Madix invited Who What Wear into her getting-ready suite for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how her stunning Emmys look came together. Keep reading for more.
What was the first thing you did when you heard about your Emmy nomination?
It was the middle of the night when I found out from my team, so I went back to sleep. It was amazing to celebrate with the whole Love Island family in Fiji—"Lush Life" dance included.
Take us through your Emmys morning.
[My boyfriend] Dan made me some breakfast and then went to pick up my mom so we could get glammed together, and I had an iced coffee. I was so excited that my mom was going to share in the day with me, and she looked fabulous in her gown. Dan and I had flown in from New York the night before, so we didn't plan on doing anything else.
This is a very exciting career milestone. When talking with your team, what was your vision for your red carpet look?
I never get my heart set on an idea too early because it might not be available or might not fit. That being said, I wanted to look like a star.
Tell us about the look you ultimately chose for the evening. What made it a standout among other options?
I had shown Jordan a Yara Shoemaker dress I loved. We had a fitting at my temporary Broadway apartment in New York and narrowed it down to two dresses we loved. Ultimately, we felt like this one was a perfect Emmys nod to Love Island because it felt like a glamorous mermaid.
Any favorite details to note?
The jewels really set the whole look off. We went for an asymmetrical look with the earrings and the most gorgeous rings. When Jordan sent me a photo of the ring, my response was just, "I'm dead."
What's your red carpet dressing philosophy?
I have to feel confident. It doesn't matter how amazing something is. If I feel unsure of myself in any way, you'll see that all over my face.
What was the direction for your glam look? Did you and your team look at any specific references?
I sent a bunch of inspo pics in our group chat, and [my makeup artist Afton Williams] and [hairstylist Carl Bembridge] took it and made it into something completely new. Afton created her own blush shade with all the different things she was mixing, and Carl is truly a sculptor of hair.
What are your essential red carpet beauty products?
Once I leave the house, I'm on my own, and it can be a while before photos are taken, so I always bring a clean brush to press any spots where I'm creasing, extra lip product to reapply, and sometimes a small hairbrush.
What fragrance did you choose for the evening, and why?
I wore the Sol de Janeiro perfume mist in number 59. I have it in Fiji when I'm filming, so it felt right to wear it for the night.
Who were you most excited to see/run into tonight?
My mom and my team, fellow nominee Kristen Kish, and Queen Latifah!
What did the end of your night look like?
We went to the gala afterward with my team and my mom. After that, we went home to get ready to fly back to New York!
Right after this, you are returning to Broadway as Connie Francis in Just in Time. What are you looking forward to with this performance?
Connie's music has resonated with so many people, including myself, and it's an honor to tell her story. Every day, I wake up grateful that I get to do what I love for a living, surrounded by people who inspire me creatively every day. We used to pray for times like these, and I'll never forget that!
Photographer: Andie Jane
Stylist: Jordan Dorso
Hairstylist: Carl Bembridge
Makeup Artist: Afton Williams
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