An all-over sequin look always adds the perfect pop and sparkle to any holiday, in any fashion category. Dot-sized appliqués have been in fashion for a long time, predating the modern fashion industry, but they’re still a firm favorite for end-of-the-year party season looks. Sequined silhouettes have appeared repeatedly on fashion runways, especially at the forefront of New York designers, for decades, from luxurious dresses to pajama-style ensembles.
Cher in Norman Norrell’s “Mermaid” dress at the Merle Oberon Playhouse in Los Angeles, 1972. Frank Dianhammer/Fairchild Archive
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The trend reached chic status in the 1960s when fashion designer Norman Norrell modernized the style with body-hugging, ankle-length sequined sheaths crafted in magnetic colors of red, silver, gold, green, and other striking shades. Dubbed the “Mermaid” dress, it remains iconic to this day, beloved by socialites and celebrities alike. “If I’m going out at night…I wear something that explodes,” Norrell once told WWD, referring to his dazzling creations that have inspired countless party moments since then.
Sequined top and pants from Halston’s Fall/Winter 1973 RTW collection. Pierre Sherman/Fairchild Archive
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In the 1970s, Halston lit up the party with luxurious bias-cut sequined pajamas, kaftans, and cashmere-embellished sequined silhouettes, often worn by Liza Minnelli. Around the same time, Oscar de la Renta sent floor-skimming shirt dresses down the runway, and Stephen Burroughs gave wrap-style blouses and dresses a sporty edge with sequins. Back then, it was perfect for transitioning from work to cocktail parties.
While Bob Mackie made everything sparkle in the mid-1980s, Donna Karan added to her vision with sequined pieces that captured her signature blend of casual glamor that transitioned easily from day to night.
Cindy Crawford attends the Calvin Klein runway show in New York in fall 1991. George Chinsey/Fairchild Archive
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By the 1990s, sequined looks epitomized timeless elegance in designs from Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. In fall 1991, Klein sent Cindy Crawford’s famous gold V-neck T-shirt dress down the runway, creating an unforgettable moment of the season.
Sergio Hudson Spring 2025 Runway Show, New York. Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
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In the 2000s, Michael Kors expanded on its love for luxurious sequined looks, introducing them in a variety of categories. For the brand’s 40th anniversary collection, he brought back a version of the floor-length, all-sequin sheath dress. In a nod to New York City and the Theater District, we sent them down the runway on the streets of Broadway. Other notable designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Marc Jacobs, Laquan Smith, and Sergio Hudson continue the tradition of creating fashionable sequin silhouettes and accessories that are timeless.
From classic to contemporary, fashion’s love affair with the sparkle and sparkle of sequins has cemented their place as a festive choice for end-of-year celebrations.
