Ranking five standout red carpet looks from Camila Mendes, charting her sharp fashion trajectory from television breakout to major festival style fixture.
Camila Mendes stepped into the global spotlight as Veronica Lodge on Riverdale, walking straight out of college and directly onto television screens. When she sat down with Young Hollywood to discuss her rapid transition into the industry, the Brazilian-American star reflected on that sudden turning point. "But I was finishing up my last semester as I started auditioning, so by the time I graduated, I had to like go shoot the pilot," Camila Mendes told Young Hollywood. That rapid ascent immediately put her on high-profile carpets where her keen eye for proportion, sharp tailoring, and radiant color quickly became impossible to overlook.
Over the past decade, her wardrobe choices moved from collegiate simplicity into deliberate, high-concept elegance that plays with drama without losing clean structure. Having tracked her journey across 251 stories since 2009, Young Hollywood has watched her fashion confidence expand with every major film premiere, awards ceremony, and fashion week appearance. Watch our full sit-down with Camila Mendes below.
The 2019 Met Gala in Feathered Prabal Gurung
Arriving at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 2019 gala celebrating camp, Mendes leaned all the way into theatrical playfulness with designer Prabal Gurung. The custom creation featured a vibrant canary-yellow minidress drenched in tiered ostrich feathers, anchored by a massive cornflower blue satin sash that swept down the steps into a dramatic back train.
The pairing of contrasting primary hues felt energetic, youthful, and completely committed to the theme. Mendes completed the look with soft retro victory rolls and a matching blue ribbon tied into her hair, demonstrating that she could handle complex, sculptural runway concepts on one of the most demanding carpets in fashion.
The 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Intricate Black Lace
Oscar night after-parties require high impact, and Mendes delivered understated drama at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Stepping away from bright pastels, she wore a sleeveless black gown layered with intricate sheer lace panelling and delicate floral beadwork. The piece struck a careful balance between moody classicism and modern edge.
The structured bodice and flowing sheer skirt allowed the texture of the embroidery to lead the conversation. Paired with diamond drop earrings and a sleek, middle-parted low bun, the appearance proved her ability to execute classic Hollywood glamour while keeping the styling crisp, light, and decidedly contemporary.
The 2020 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Ralph & Russo Couture
For the 26th annual SAG Awards in Los Angeles, Mendes selected an ethereal Ralph & Russo Couture gown that highlighted her affinity for romantic silhouettes. The strapless design featured a crystal-encrusted corset top that flowed into a cloud of sheer white tulle embroidered with metallic silver leaves. A matching floor-length cape draped over her shoulders, creating continuous movement under the venue lights.
Discussing the freedom of branching out into features early in her career, Mendes once noted how expanding her creative horizons felt on set. "I think it was liberating. I mean, I've it was my first film," she recalled of stepping beyond her initial breakout projects. That same liberated attitude showed on the SAG carpet, where she skipped heavy neckwear and let the delicate cape and luminous makeup carry the entire presentation.
The 2022 Met Gala in Cutout Ami Paris
Returning to the Met steps for the Gilded Glamour theme, Mendes partnered with French label Ami Paris for a sleek, metallic interpretation of opulent dressing. The shimmering golden gown incorporated side waist cutouts connected by delicate metallic chains, merging classic column draping with modern architectural hardware.
The warm, liquid-gold fabric captured the light from every angle, while a structured high neckline provided a strong focal point. Mendes complemented the rich texture with metallic winged eyeliner and slicked-back locks, delivering an athletic, sharply polished look that stood out amid sea of traditional corsets and heavy velvet trains.
The 2023 Venice International Film Festival in Giorgio Armani Privé
Securing the top spot is her arrival on the Lido for the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where Mendes stepped out in an immaculate Giorgio Armani Privé gown. The sculpted black velvet dress featured a deep plunge and an elaborate crystal-embellished halter collar that fanned across the shoulders like fine jewelry, framing her face with absolute precision.
The clean column silhouette cascaded into a clean, slight puddle train, offering pure, uncompromised refinement against the historic Venetian backdrop. With minimal accessories, soft rose lipstick, and a glossy, tucked updo, the styling allowed the couture tailoring to speak for itself with effortless restraint.
Every standout look in her archive demonstrates an intuitive understanding of tailoring, mood, and thematic focus. By balancing adventurous high-concept gowns with razor-sharp couture staples, Camila Mendes has solidified an intentional, exciting aesthetic that keeps audiences watching every single step she takes onto the carpet.
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