Ava Phillippe unveiled a showstopping, futuristic-leaning look in a ruched metallic mini-dress at the “Splitsville” premiere after party, channeling a neo-glamorous, high-tech vibe in Los Angeles.
The look was pure visual electricity. Ava’s dress—a shimmering, silvery-green confection—felt like a direct line to a digital dreamscape. The strapless silhouette and ruched fabric created a sculpted, body-con fit, while the metallic sheen gave it a high-shine finish that felt both playful and sophisticated. It was a clear departure from traditional red carpet looks, opting instead for a cool, almost rebellious glamour that perfectly suited a late-night after party atmosphere. The dress itself—a celebrity style moment worth noting—was rumored to be a custom creation, though a confirmed designer has yet to be announced.
She paired the eye-catching mini with a simple black shoulder bag, the leather strap providing a sharp contrast to the dress’s liquid-like texture. Her hair, styled in loose, natural waves, framed her face beautifully, keeping the look from feeling too severe. The juxtaposition of the modern, almost futuristic dress with her soft, classic beauty was what made the outfit so compelling. It’s a look that pulls you in, demanding a second glance. The attitude was relaxed, confident, and utterly unbothered, perfectly capturing the effortlessly cool essence of Los Angeles nightlife. For more on the biggest moments in film and entertainment, from the main event to the after parties, explore our full red carpet gallery.
Ava Phillippe’s choice of a Y2K-inspired metallic minidress at the “Splitsville” premiere signals the full-throttle return of high-shine celebrity style and the nostalgic mini silhouette.
The first time I saw Ava Phillippe step out in that dress, I immediately thought, la sirène . The look wasn’t just a nod to a trend; it was a siren’s song, a call back to a time when fashion was a bit more… playful. And on a red carpet? It’s a risk that paid off beautifully. On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Los Angeles, Phillippe didn’t just attend a premiere; she debuted a masterclass in modern Y2K glamour.
Let’s be honest, the Y2K aesthetic can be a tricky thing. It can lean towards the twee or the downright tacky. But Phillippe’s version? It was polished, sleek, and utterly chic. The dress, a metallic silver, was a form-fitting silhouette that hugged every curve, but it was the details that made it sing. The subtle, sweet glimmer of crystals at the neckline’s base provided a textural juxtaposition against the dress’s shimmering, liquid-like fabric. Then, the ruching throughout—a technique I’ve seen make a dramatic comeback in both Paris and Milan—created a beautiful, almost sculptural effect. It was less a dress, and more a second skin, a look that perfectly captured the “mermaid trend” without becoming a costume.
And the hair, magnifique . Her brunette waves weren’t fussy; they were natural, a soft counterpoint to the high-wattage dress, proving that sometimes the best accessory is an undone elegance. Her makeup, too, was a study in contrasts: a soft, luminous base against bold brows and a perfectly lined eye. It’s a trick I’ve always appreciated—the juxtaposition of innocence and something a bit more… knowing.
This isn’t just a one-off moment. This metallic revival has been simmering for months. I remember talking to a designer in a quiet Milanese atelier back in the spring, and even then, there were whispers of a return to shine. Then, in July, WWD’s Ari Stark wrote of the fall 2025 couture collections, noting how a “number of designers added razzle-dazzle, lifting the mood by way of metallics.” It’s a sentiment I agree with completely. While black will always be the uniform of the discerning fashion crowd, sometimes you need a little light, no? And this is a trend that allows you to glow. We saw Tyla last year at the Met Gala in a Balmain creation of sand that had a similar texture, and even Kristin Cavallari’s recent foray into vintage John Galliano had that unapologetic aughts energy.
Phillippe’s look also spoke in perfect sartorial harmony with her co-star, Dakota Johnson, who wore her own silver metallic strapless Gucci dress to the “Splitsville” premiere. Both women, in different ways, proved that the metallic look is adaptable—a floor-length gown for the dramatic, and a playful mini for the after party. This is not about a single silhouette, you see; it’s about a feeling. A sense of optimism, a kind of digital-age glamour that we are all craving. For more on the biggest moments in film and entertainment, from the main event to the after parties, explore our full red carpet gallery.
The Look: A Breakdown
- The Dress: A ruched metallic silver minidress with a form-fitting silhouette and a sweetheart neckline adorned with crystal details.
- The Vibe: Y2K glamour meets mermaidcore.
- The Accessories: Keep it simple. A minimal black bag and unfussy hair allow the dress to be the star.
- The Beauty: A soft, luminous face with defined brows and eyes. The look is more about attitude than excessive product.
- The Cultural Context: A nod to the Y2K minidress aesthetic, as seen on stars like Tyla in custom Balmain and Kristin Cavallari in vintage Galliano. It’s a testament to the return of shiny, celebratory fashion.
Carly Pearce debuted a look of fluid, effortless elegance—a cascade of warm rust silk that felt both timeless and utterly modern—at the 18th annual ACM Honors in Nashville.
The outfit, a single-shouldered, flowing gown, was a masterclass in controlled draping. The fabric—a lightweight, almost translucent silk or chiffon—was a perfect choice, catching the light as she moved, creating a liquid, almost ethereal effect. The rich, earthy hue of the dress (a color that’s a trending favorite) provided a striking contrast against her skin and her signature blonde waves. It’s a color that feels both luxurious and grounded, a perfect fit for a country music event that honors both legacy and innovation.
The silhouette was simple but impactful. A single strap held the dress in place, leaving her other shoulder bare, a quiet but effective detail that lent an asymmetric, fashion-forward edge. The rest of the gown fell in soft, unstructured folds to the floor, culminating in a gentle, sweeping train that added a touch of classic red-carpet drama without feeling overly theatrical. She carried a small, structured purse, and her accessories were minimal but intentional—a simple bracelet, a few rings, and subtle earrings that didn’t compete with the dress’s bold color.
And her styling? It was all about a soft-focus glamour. Her hair, worn in long, loose waves, was parted down the middle, a modern touch that grounded the otherwise free-flowing look. Her makeup was fresh and luminous, with a natural lip color and a subtle smoky eye that matched the mood of the evening. The whole look felt cohesive, a singular narrative of quiet confidence and sophisticated style. It’s a moment that feels less like a grand celebrity spectacle and more like a carefully considered tribute to classic glamour. For more on the sartorial moments of music’s biggest night, check out our red carpet section for all the standout looks.
