Don't Sleep on TIFF—The 2026 Red Carpet Is Delivering Some of September's Best Fashion
Our take
The film festival circuit, traditionally a proving ground for emerging talent and a showcase for established auteurs, is increasingly becoming a significant driver in the broader fashion conversation. Following the buzz generated by high-fashion premieres in Venice and Cannes, the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has solidified this trend, delivering a red carpet brimming with impactful style moments. It's a welcome shift; for too long, film festivals felt like a secondary consideration in the fashion calendar, overshadowed by the established runway shows and seasonal collections. This elevation speaks to a broader cultural recalibration, where individual style and authentic self-expression are valued alongside – and sometimes even above – the dictates of fleeting trends. The discerning eye of the modern muse is clearly at play, and TIFF is proving itself a worthy stage for that display. We’ve seen this reflected in our own coverage of recent collections, like Max Mara Fall 2026 is Strong & Sleek, demonstrating a move towards powerful silhouettes and a more considered approach to dressing.
The key difference isn’t just the presence of celebrities in designer clothes, but the intentionality behind the choices. There’s a move away from the purely transactional – the celebrity simply wearing a brand to be seen – towards a more curated and expressive approach. This aligns perfectly with the evolving conversation around fashion consumption, a dialogue we recently explored in How do you enjoy fashion without letting it consume your brain space?. The red carpet, once a battleground for brand visibility, is now increasingly a canvas for personal storytelling. The choice of Cynthia Erivo’s ensemble, or Ayo Edebiri’s look, isn’t just about the garment itself, but what it communicates about their individual style, their confidence, and their understanding of the moment. Furthermore, the increasing awareness of the environmental and ethical implications of the fashion industry has subtly shifted the focus. Celebrities are more likely to choose sustainable brands, vintage pieces, or garments that align with their personal values – a trend mirrored in discussions around finding alternatives to typical fashion inspiration platforms, such as What do you use instead of Instagram/Pinterest for fashion inspiration without the constant urge to buy?.
This elevation of the film festival red carpet also signifies a broader democratization of style. While high fashion remains a significant presence, the influence of independent designers and emerging talent is undeniable. The red carpet is no longer solely the domain of the established luxury houses; it’s a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, reflecting a wider range of body types, ethnicities, and aesthetics. This inclusivity resonates deeply with audiences seeking authenticity and representation. The curated nature of the looks feels less manufactured and more like a genuine expression of personal style, a shift away from the often-overwhelming and homogenizing influence of social media. It’s a quiet confidence, a subtle power that doesn’t need to shout for attention, but instead invites viewers to appreciate the artistry and intention behind each carefully considered choice. This aligns with the core tenets of mindful consumption and a desire for more meaningful connections with the brands and individuals we admire.
Ultimately, the TIFF 2026 red carpet is a bellwether for the future of fashion – a future where personal expression, conscious consumption, and authentic storytelling take precedence over fleeting trends and overt displays of wealth. The shift towards a more introspective and emotionally driven approach to style, mirrored in the quiet luxury aesthetic, promises a more nuanced and enduring influence. The question now is: will this trend continue to gain momentum, reshaping the broader fashion landscape and redefining what it means to be stylish in a world demanding greater authenticity and purpose?
Following high-fashion premieres in Venice, Berlin, and Cannes, 2026's film festival circuit rolled out the red carpet in Toronto. Beginning on September 10, A-list appearances from Cynthia Erivo, Ayo Edebiri, and Penélope Cruz proved that Canada has just as much of a celebrity style scene as its European counterparts. In fact, the 2026 Toronto Film Festival is setting lofty standards for the New York Film Festival later this month.
The opening day of New York Fashion Week happened to coincide with Toronto's initial star-studded screenings. So, some of the festival's best fashion moments were (unintentionally) swept under the rug. But while VIPs found their front-row seats at spring runway shows from Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Carolina Herrera, Marie Claire kept one eye on the red carpet rotation up north.
The step-and-repeats started strong, thanks to early arrivals from Edebiri, Chase Infiniti, and Sarah Paulson. Edebiri, for one, stole the show at the Clarissa premiere, wearing Chanel's Fall 2026 Couture take on the black-and-white red carpet trend. Meanwhile, Infiniti's custom Louis Vuitton dress proved no color (not even mossy chartreuse) is too "out there" for her. Half a day later, Paulson played with proportions in a bubble-shaped gown by Danielle Frankel, the New York-based designer behind Jordyn Woods's wedding dress.
Now, if you've tuned into Marie Claire's previous red carpet coverage, you know the drill: From now until Sept. 20, we will update this post with the can't-miss celebrity outfits at the 2026 Toronto Film Festival. Keep scrolling for our (incomplete, but already top-tier) best-dressed list.
Penélope Cruz wearing Christian Cowan
After her style streak at the Venice Film Festival, Penélope Cruz delivered another round of applause-worthy attire in Canada. At the Bunker premiere, she styled a leather-and-lace gown beneath a shoulder-padded blazer, both from Christian Cowan's Spring 2027 collection.
Cynthia Erivo wearing Dior
Cynthia Erivo's weekend began at the 2026 US Open and Ralph Lauren's NYFW fête, but it ended in Toronto. The actor looked wickedly divine in a black-and-white, fur-trimmed coat from Dior's Cruise 2027 show.
Ayo Edebiri wearing Chanel
Ayo Edebiri's Chanel era is one for the books, but her custom gown from the brand at the Clarissa screening deserves its own chapter. Styled by Danielle Goldberg, the one-shoulder Couture Fall 2026 style evoked the surprisingly elegant look of distressed tweed.
Julianne Moore wearing Bottega Veneta
Julianne Moore's Bottega Veneta dress at The Debut premiere proved a sleek black slip will always be a foolproof red carpet pick.
Sarah Paulson wearing Danielle Frankel
Sarah Paulson shone the spotlight on Danielle Frankel's cool-girl wedding creations, including a structured, off-the-shoulder coat worn as a dress.
Issa Rae wearing archival Marc Bouwer
Issa Rae debuted one of the festival's most colorful looks at the Babies premiere. Turns out, the velvet, eye-squintingly tangerine gown was an archival Marc Bouwer pull.
Léa Seydoux wearing Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton's brand ambassadors are making this Toronto Film Festival a stellar one. Léa Seydoux channeled a modern-day Marilyn Monroe in a custom, belted column dress, matching opera gloves, and diamonds, of course.
Rooney Mara wearing Givenchy and Kate Mara wearing Dolce & Gabbana
Rooney and Kate Mara, sisters who star in Bucking Fastard together, sampled opposite ends of the red carpet styling spectrum. Rooney opted for a feminine babydoll dress by Givenchy, crafted from white lace. Meanwhile, Kate brought the drama in a black lace-trimmed bralette and a matching satin skirt.
Margaret Qualley wearing Chanel
Following Margaret Qualley's support of the barefoot Chanel sandal, her next Matthieu Blazy moment had big shoes to fill (or lack thereof). In Toronto, she stayed loyal to the creative director in a silky LBD, featuring the French fashion house's interlocked Cs atop each shoulder. She did, however, style shoes this time.
Lily-Rose Depp wearing Chanel
The Toronto Film Festival is quickly transforming into a Chanel showdown. Lily-Rose Depp wore a butter yellow drop-waist dress from the label's Fall 2026 runway show at the Alpha Gang premiere. The model's cap-toe pumps seem to be a Métiers d'Art Spring 2026 style.
Chase Infiniti wearing Louis Vuitton
Chase Infiniti, Seydoux's fellow ambassador at Louis Vuitton, made a case for a chartreuse-filled fall in a textured yellow-green dress. She accessorized with platform Louis Vuitton pumps and gold jewelry from Gabriel & Co.
Lisa wearing Louis Vuitton
Lisa's two-piece look at the Always Lalisa premiere was another red carpet win for Louis Vuitton. The leather opera gloves, studded silver choker, and free-flowing belt gave the chocolate brown velvet look pop star edge.
Gemma Chan wearing Calvin Klein
Gemma Chan's spaghetti-strap Calvin Klein dress was as classic as '90s-inspired minimalism gets—until she turned to the side, revealing scooped cutouts.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience