Celebrity
22 Celebrities’ First Red Carpet Appearances Ever
Imagine if you were doing something for the first time and there was a camera focused right on you. No pressure, right? If you ever found yourself in the situation, there was probably one or two photographers and they were likely your parent(s). And the photos weren't going to be published everywhere. So, imagine what it would be like if you're a rising star and you're walking the red carpet for the first time. There are hundreds of photographers shouting your name and you know your outfit, hair, and makeup choices will live on forever in celebrity first red carpet appearances photos.
These adorable first red carpet appearances are likely before the celebrity's had full-fledged glam squads, designer clothes, or a signature pose. They are newbies with ecstatic grins to match how they're probably feeling inside. It is heartwarming to look back on the photos and see them now knowing what big A-listers the stars would eventually become. Are the photos sometimes a little awkward? Sure. But, we have nothing but love for them. Everyone has to start somewhere. And who is to say whether low-rise jeans or cropped leggings would date when you're wearing a then-trendy style? Have a look at 22 celebrity first red carpet appearances photos that are the cutest.
Kristen Stewart
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Nope, Kristen Stewart's first red carpet was not for Twilight. The first picture we have is of her at the 4th Annual Tribeca Film Festival from 2005. What people will likely find most striking about this picture is teenage Kristen's hair color. You were probably expecting brunette locks, right? Even with the super bright lighting, it's clear that K-Stew is rocking a pretty golden auburn hair color that's very different from Bella Swan's dark mane. We are sure many are curious to see more of this beige blazer with brown shirt combination. It is a very grown-up and more corporate choice than we would have thought she'd go for — especially as a teenager.
Elle Fanning
WENN
Awwwww, look at little Elle Fanning. Most fans know that the actress started working very early on. This sweet photo was taken in 2004 which makes her only six years old at the time. Because we know that you're wondering about the Marilyn Monroe outfit and makeup, this isn't a questionable styling choice. Elle was striking a pose for the Annual Dream Halloween Fundraiser for Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. Kid or not, having your first red carpet be a Halloween one is probably the best way to go because you can go all out with your look. And if you do anything a bit off, you can blame it on the spirit of Halloween. Older actors should consider the idea.
Demi Lovato
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Remember when Demi Lovato was a wee Disney star? The strong, fierce hands-on-the-hips pose has become something of a signature move for the star so it is interesting to see her striking the pose so early in her career. Clearly it has always felt right. This pic was way back in 2009 at Disney's 2nd Annual Concert For Hope at the Nokia Theatre.
Jennifer Aniston
Joseph Marzullo / WENN.com
You were expecting something to do with Friends, weren't you? This is one of the celebrity first red carpet appearances that throws us for a loop. Jennifer Aniston is posing with her papa, Days of Our Lives actor John Aniston, at the 22nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1995. This is just a year after the first episode of Friends was shown. Jen still looks sleek and chic with her black dress. And there is no mistaking the clear "The Rachel" finish about her haircut. It seems that she always had this star thing down pat. Same goes with a strong style game.
Dakota Fanning
WENN/SG
We saw Elle Fanning's first adorable red carpet appearance so it is only right that we show Dakota Fanning's. Unlike her sister, Dakota's first-ever red carpet was not for a Halloween event. It was for the Spirit Stallion premiere in 2002. That means that she is eight years old. The young actress looks so at ease. Check out the relaxed pose with the casually crossed legs and the gorgeous grin. She is also rocking an outfit that would inspire many hipsters. Get a load of the pale blue Chinoiserie separates and the red patent clogs. A cool girl could rock this look today and it would get people talking in the best way. Maybe Dakota should bust out an adult-sized version for her next event? It is worth a thought.
Katy Perry
Nikki Nelson / WENN
We are lucky to have this quick photo of Katy Perry from the 2005 Billboard Music Awards. It would be another three years before "I Kissed a Girl" would be released. She is walking the red carpet with former Sons of Anarchy actor Johnny Lewis. It is reported that the pair were dating around the time period. (He passed away in 2012.) We can already see a music-star-in-the-making with Katy's look. She has her raven mane and there's a vintage vibe about her yellow dress. And the dark hair and retro feeling would go on to be her signature when she would eventually release the One of the Boys album.
Justin Bieber
WENN
This is exactly what we pictured — and wanted — to see in Justin Bieber's very first red carpet photo. This is classic Justin. He is rocking the Bieber hair flip. He is even posing in such a way where the angle of his body reflects the angle of his hair. That is probably coincidental, unless someone (Scooter Braun?) was giving him some very specific posing advice. And the "One Less Lonely Girl" crooner is rocking his favorite purple hoodie. This photo was from 2009 and The Biebs is posing at German TV station RTL2's music show The Dome 51. It seems like such a random thing, but it has everything that we want. FYI: Do the math and Justin is 15 years old.
Jonas Brothers
Pat Dishinger / WENN
At this point, the Jonas Brothers had performed at some pretty big events. Obviously there were lots of photos taken for those gigs, but this was technically the first time they were posing on a red carpet. The year was 2007 and it was the Meet the Robinsons premiere. This is one of those Jonas Brothers throwback fashion moments that is so good to look back on now. Look at the hair! Check out the suits! Look at the shoes! The boys have definitely evolved since this photo, but it is still clear that they always had their signature looks. And it's always nice to remember Nick Jonas's long curly hair.
Jennifer Lawrence
Rachel Worth / WENN
Most people can probably remember the first major red carpet they saw Jennifer Lawrence on. (It may-or-may-not involve her tripping.) Her first actual red carpet was a more understated affair at the 15th Annual Movieguide Awards in 2007. There is definitely a bit of a prom vibe going on with this outfit, but that makes sense given J.Law's age and the fact that prom vibes can be a popular red carpet look. It is interesting to see this Jennifer pre-Dior contract and pre-countless big award nominations. Given that she was prone to accidents, the small kitten heels and shorter silhouette were wise choices. This royal blue color is also amazing with her coloring.
Kanye West
Adriana M. Barraza / WENN
Kanye West at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards? You might have been expecting a music awards show, but it turned out he showed up to the Emmys in 2007. We would love to know what the rapper thinks of this outfit now, after over a decade has passed. You know that Yeezy loves to share his opinions and the insight on his ensemble would surely be fascinating. This was during the phase when the fashion designer always seemed to be wearing sunglasses. The suit might surprise some given that Kanye is now infamous for flouting dress codes. There is still a casual vibe about the relaxed silhouette and probably(?) intentionally too big cut. But, it is still a far cry from the holey shirts and sweatpants he favors nowadays. You could even call this a glam down example.
Beyoncé
Adriana M. Barraza / WENN
There are lots of photos of Destiny's Child in all its forms slightly pre-dating this picture. But, a lot of them are performances and not red carpets. If you want to see what Beyoncé wore to a proper red carpet and when she stepped out for the first time herself, this is it. The photo is from the 2008 Sony/BMG Grammy After Party. It is really no surprise that the singer looks positively regal in this yellow gown with scarf detail. On the wrong person, it could have been matronly, but never on Queen Bey. She looks fierce and like a sexy version of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Check out the plunge on that dress.
Miley Cyrus
Tina Paul / WENN
Many fans will not be floored to see that Miley Cyrus's first big red carpet was for Disney. There are many celebrity first red carpet appearances that are linked to the Mickey Mouse network. This was a meet the press event from 2006. Some might be surprised to see the singer-actress wearing a tweed blazer, especially because she was 14 years old at the time. But, remember that tweed blazers were a thing in the mid-noughties. And she has dressed down the tailored piece with jeans. Many will also find it a big change to see Miley with such long, dark hair given that we mostly associate her with being a blonde now. And look at her sweet pose. She is tucking her thumbs into the pockets of her jeans like a pro.
Selena Gomez
Adriana M. Barraza / WENN
Speaking of adorable Disney stars on the red carpet, here is Selena Gomez at her first major event. This is all the way back in 2007 at The Game Plan world premiere. A 15-year-old Selena is showing her tomboyish side with sneakers, jeans, and a comfy top. It is a long way from the super glam red carpet moments we see from her now. However, it is totally age-appropriate and adorable. This was the teen star we all aspired to be with her heart print top, cool bracelets, and effortless tousled hair. One thing that has never dimmed is the actress-singer's radiant smile.
Nicki Minaj
WENN
Were you expecting a major red carpet moment from Nicki Minaj? Her first appearance is another random one. The rapper was first photographed at Justin Dior Combs' 16th birthday in 2010. (Yes, as in Sean Combs/Diddy's son.) We should take into consideration that the event wasn't about her so Nicki might not have gone as full out as she would have normally. However, we can see her bold signature style at work. There's the electric blue eyeshadow, plenty of sparkle, and the pink lowlights in her black hair. She is also proving what a queen she is with the tiara. Justin also looks adorable in his white and black tux.
Kourtney Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Rob Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kris Jenner, and Khloe Kardashian
Adriana M. Barraza / WENN
Now this is an epic throwback red carpet moment. It was the first red carpet for most of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians family. This was way back in 2008 at The Cheetah Girls One World Los Angeles premiere. Oh, how things have changed. Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner are legit babies. There is still plenty of hair and glamour, but the contouring might not be as strong as it is now. Everyone is totally up on the noughties fashion from all the asymmetrical necklines to Kendall's cropped black leggings with printed mini skirt. Then we have Kylie's waist-cinching double-buckle belt. Shoutout to Mama Kris Jenner for the bow dress and for not appearing to have majorly changed in a decade.
Lili Reinhart
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Lili Reinhart's first red carpet appearance was only from 2016. It's not nearly as dramatic as the Sprouse twins just wait!), but it is worthy of a spot on the list. It shows that the actress has been on top of her fashion game since day one. Obviously, she was promoting Riverdale. This was at The CW Network's 2016 Upfront. The frilled dress could possibly look a bit dated in 10 or 20 years, but no one will ever be able to deny the chicness. Other up-and-coming stars should look to this photo as inspiration for their own red carpet breakout moments. It's flawless.
Dylan and Cole Sprouse
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We get two for the price of one with this picture because of course Dylan Sprouse and Cole Sprouse walked the red carpet together for their first-ever event. This photo was from The Crocodile Hunter Collision Course premiere red carpet in 2002 which makes the Sprouse twins just 10 years old. Look at how blonde they are, you guys. Even with the buzzed haircuts, it is still clear how golden their hair is. You can hedge bets on which one is Cole and which one is Dylan. Knowing the brothers now, which one do you think is more likely to wear orange pants with a statement chain necklace? And which one do you think would go for longline denim shorts and a Volcom T-shirt?
Priyanka Chopra
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Priyanka Chopra was a big Bollywood star before she made her way over to Hollywood. She already knew the red carpet ropes which was why everyone fell in love with her fashion on this side of the world during Hollywood awards season. If you are curious about what her look was like back in the day, check this photo out. This was four years after she won the title of Miss World 2000. It was for the Bollywood's Temptation event in London. It is clear that the actress has incredible genes because 22-year-old Priyanka doesn't look that much different than Priyanka now. Many might wish to see what millennium fashion look she was rocking, but the dangling earrings make it clear that she was up on the trends — and all the glamour.
Ryan Gosling
Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com
Throwback Ryan Gosling red carpet photos? Yes, please. This shot is two years before the premiere of The Notebook. 2002 — what a time to be alive. People be surprised to see a 22-year-old Ryan Gosling with Sandra Bullock on his arm. His scruff is next-level and his suit is... not like his suits today. The tailoring is definitely upgraded in modern times for the Gos. But, he is still working the look in the photo. This is way back at the 55th Cannes Festival at the Murder by Numbers premiere at the Grand Theatre Lumiere/
Keira Knightley
WENN
Keira Knightley is a fashion icon. It doesn't appear she ever went through an awkward phase because we remember loving her style during the Pirates of the Caribbean press tour. And this photo from the 2003 London premiere proves she always had an eye. The 18-year-old actress is balancing a fashion-forward black top and jewels with low-rise bootleg jeans. It was so on trend for the moment. Years later, the outfit still has a sophisticated finish we can appreciate. It is very tricky to make hip-hugger jeans work on an elevated level. You might want to take inspiration from the look given that everything 2000s is enjoying a fashion revival.
Lady Gaga
WENN
This is one of the celebrity first red carpet appearances that we are living for. No one has probably ever described Lady Gaga's style as understated. This proves that Mother Monster has always been her fierce, extra self. And we are so here for it. This major shot was taken in 2008 at the Dome 47 at SAP Arena in Germany. People might not recognize the event, but they will recognize a true performer when they see one. She is slaying with her outfit, pose, and vibe. This might not be a meat dress, one-of-a-kind couture, or a Christmas tree hat, but it is unmistakably Gaga.
Kim Kardashian
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Kim Kardashian had a red carpet moment that slightly predated her family's first big outing. The Bongo spokeswoman struck a pose a few months earlier at a Los Angeles event in 2008. The style is so of the moment. She is still showing a bit of cleavage, but it is nowhere near the eye-popping level that it is today. And come to think of it, when was the last time that we saw the reality star in jeans? It has definitely been a while since we have seen her wear yellow raffia wedges or a stack of bracelets that thick — unless they were all diamonds.