Dakota Johnson's Best Red Carpet Looks Through the Years

It's no surprise that actress Dakota Johnson has become Gucci's muse

Photo:

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

At 6 years old, Dakota Johnson started learning the ropes of the red carpet alongside parents Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson — and oh, how that experience has paid off. Now a major star in her own right, the Fifty Shades of Grey star has quickly solidified her spot as one of fashion's most consistent head turners. 

"Dakota can pull off looks that a lot of people can't," her stylist, Kate Young, said, which may be why the actress has become a muse and frequent collaborator with Gucci.

One of the other reasons Johnson's style is getting so much attention? Her choices — from high-wattage Chanel Haute Couture sparkle and minimalist Dior suits to whatever Alessandro Michele has dreamed up for her at Gucci. Johnson has a strong fashion partner in Young, who has dressed Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez. Young told Vogue in 2021 that working with Johnson was fun because "she likes clothes, not all actresses do," before adding, "It's fun trying on clothes with her; it's not serious or stressful, and she humors me." 

Young said that in addition to Gucci, Johnson favors Saint Laurent because "it has a similar vibe of sleek business in the day and disco-y at night." No matter the event, Johnson has proved she'll bring her signature playful sensibility.

Ahead, we've compiled Dakota Johnson's best red carpet moments so far.

01 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Magda Butrym denim ensemble at Sundance Film Festival in 2023

Dakota Johnson In Magda Butrym

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Johnson understood the assignment, wearing a triple denim Magda Butrym look — complete with a bustier, wide-leg trousers, and coat — to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

02 of 25

Dakota Johnson in an Area dress at the 'Cha Cha Real Smooth' premiere in 2022

Dakota Johnson in Area

Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

For the premiere of her Apple TV+ film at the Tribeca Festival, Johnson donned a white Area blazer dress with a surprise diamonté chain open back and clear, pointed-toe pumps.

03 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Gucci catsuit at the Met Gala in 2022

Dakota Johnson in Gucci at the Met Gala 2022

Gotham/Getty Images

Johnson arrived on the Met Gala red carpet in a maroon Gucci robe that she quickly removed to reveal a lace and fringe Gucci catsuit.

04 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Gucci gown at the 'Vanity Fair' Oscar party in 2022

Dakota Johnson in Gucci at the Oscars 2022

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

While Johnson didn't walk the Oscars' red carpet, she was the big winner at the award show's after-party in an ethereal pink Gucci gown with impressive train and feathers.

05 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a two-piece Brandon Maxwell gown at the Governors Awards in 2019

Dakota Johnson in Brandon Maxwell

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Johnson shocked at the Governors Awards, arriving in a Brandon Maxwell two-piece bridal look and geometric drop earrings.

06 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Dior Haute Couture gown at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019

Dakota Johnson In Dior Haute Couture

Joe Scarnici/WireImage

Johnson attended 'The Friend' premiere at TIFF in a Dior Haute Couture gown with a skirt comprised of petal shaped layers and an exposed bodice in sheer mesh.

07 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Valentino dress at a Toronto International Film Festival event in 2019

Dakota Johnson in Valentino

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Her signature fringe-y bangs were the perfect accessory to Johnson's off-the-shoulder green Valentino dress for an event at the Toronto Film Festival.

08 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Saint Laurent mini-dress at 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' screening in 2019

Dakota Johnson in Saint Laurent

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

The actress wore a leg-baring look from Saint Laurent at The Peanut Butter Falcon screening in Los Angeles.

09 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Bevza dress at the Marrakech International Film Festival in 2018

Dakota Johnson in In Bevza

Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

For a tribute to pioneering French filmmaker Agnes Varda, Johnson chose a white slip dress from Ukrainian designer Bevza.

10 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Givenchy dress at a Robert DeNiro tribute in Morocco in 2018

Dakota Johnson in Givenchy

Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

Johnson's deep purple, nearly brown Givenchy dress stole the show at the Marrakech International Film Festival's tribute to legendary actor Robert DeNiro.

11 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Dior dress at the Venice Film Festival in 2018

Dakota Johnson in Dior in Venice 2018

John Rasimus/Future Publishing via Getty Images

The actress was radiant in a daytime-appropriate scalloped lace dress from the Dior Resort collection for the Suspiria photocall at the Venice Film Festival.

12 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Dior Haute Couture gown for the 'Suspiria' Venice premiere in 2018

Dakota Johnson in Dior Haute Couture in Venice 2018

Stefania D'Alessandro/WireImage

Walking the carpet in a perfectly sculpted red Dior Haute Couture gown and Messika diamond earrings, Johnson left mouths agape at the Suspiria Venice Film Festival premiere.

13 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Rosetta Getty ensemble at the ASC Awards in 2017

Dakota Johnson in Rosetta Getty

JC Olivera/FilmMagic

Johnson was on hand to honor cinematagrphers at the American Society of Cinematographers Awards (ASC) in black and white Rosetta Getty separates, which included a short sleeve double split dress and black ankle-length pants. 

14 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Maison Valentino Couture dress at the 'Fifty Shades Darker' L.A. premiere in 2017

Dakota Johnson In Maison Valentino Couture

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

The actress kept it light and airy at the Fifty Shades Darker premiere in a plunging pink dress from Maison Valentino Couture and an effortless updo.

15 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Dior dress at the BAFTAs in 2016

Dakota Johnson In Dior at the BAFTAs 2016

 Karwai Tang/WireImage

A crepe georgette Dior gown with barely-there spaghetti straps and delicate ruffles was the perfect look for the BAFTA red carpet.

16 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Chanel Haute Couture gown at the Golden Globes in 2015

In Chanel Haute Couture, 2015
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

When Johnson spotted this sequined bustier gown from her front-row perch at the Chanel Haute Couture collection, she immediately texted her stylist. 

"It was under a jacket, so we wanted to see a picture of it alone," Young said. "Then we put it on hold for six months so she could be the one to wear it to the Golden Globes.

17 of 25

Dakota Johnson in Dior at Paris Fashion Week in 2015

In Dior, 2015
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

"After awards season, she was excited to try pants and be really chic in Paris," Young said of the star at her first Dior show.

18 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane gown at the Oscars in 2015

In Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane, 2015
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

This Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane gown was an effortless choice for the Oscars. 

"It fit without any alterations, and then we just chucked on the Forevermark Diamonds," added Young. 

Her mom, Griffith, attended as the actress's plus-one.

19 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Chanel Haute Couture mini-dress at the Met Gala in 2015

In Chanel Haute Couture, 2015
Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Johnson glittered at the Met Gala in a sexy sequined Chanel Haute Couture mini. The brand's limited-edition Matryoshka bag was pulled out of the archives just for her.

20 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Prada dress at the Venice Film Festival in 2015

In Prada, 2015
Dominique Charriau/WireImage

"Dakota loves black in her day-to-day life, so we mixed things up with something light and feminine at the Venice Film Festival," Young revealed about this gazar Prada number, set off with Chopard jewels.

21 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Marc Jacobs dress for 'A Bigger Splash' premiere in 2015

In Marc Jacobs, 2015
Dominique Charriau/WireImage

What prompted Johnson to pick this graphic, off-the-shoulder Marc Jacobs column dress for the premiere of A Bigger Splash? Her stylish co-star Tilda Swinton

"We knew Tilda would show up in an interesting outfit, and it was important for Dakota to look cool, too," Young shared.

22 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Balenciaga dress at the 'Black Mass' premiere in 2015

In Balenciaga, 2015
Mike Lawrie/WireImage

When this delicate Van Cleef & Arpels necklace became available the day before Johnson's Black Mass premiere, a security guard hopped on a train to hand-deliver it to the star. She paired it with a Balenciaga dress and a favorite pair of Bally Eren heels.

23 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Gucci dress at Milan Fashion Week in 2015

In Gucci, 2015
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

The actress was drawn to the vintage feel of this ruffled silk design from Alessandro Michele's debut collection for Gucci.

"The deep red color was super-flattering on her," said her stylist.

24 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Christopher Kane dress at a Toronto International Film Festival event in 2015

In Christopher Kane, 2015
Joe Scarnici/WireImage

"She was running out of clothes at the Toronto Film Festival, so I sent her five more dresses, including this velvet one from Christopher Kane," Young said. "It soon became one of her favorites."

25 of 25

Dakota Johnson in a Dior gown at the Guggenheim International Gala in 2015

In Dior, 2015
Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images

Inspired by Grace Kelly's Old Hollywood glamour, Johnson topped off this embellished silk Dior creation with classic red lips and a Harry Winston 42-carat diamond princess necklace.

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