Da’Vine Joy Randolph brought high-drama minimalism to Roy Thomson Hall—her textured black gown whispered old Hollywood, but the mood was unmistakably modern.
There’s something quietly radical about Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s red carpet presence. At the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, where cinematic legends and rising auteurs collide, Randolph arrived at the premiere of Eternity not with flash, but with form—her look a masterclass in restraint that still managed to command the lens.
The gown, a floor-length black sheath with a sculptural silhouette, played with texture rather than embellishment. Its subtle patterning—almost reptilian in its depth—caught the light in waves, giving the illusion of movement even as Randolph stood still. The cut was clean, almost architectural, hugging her frame with precision and poise. While the designer remains unconfirmed at press time, the craftsmanship suggests a house fluent in quiet power—think The Row or Alaïa, not prone to excess but fluent in impact.
Explore more moments like this in our curated archive of celebrity style .
In a sea of cinematic spectacle, Chloe Zhao chose quiet elegance—her long-sleeved lace gown at TIFF whispered restraint, but the message was unmistakably bold.
Chloe Zhao doesn’t dress for noise. She dresses for nuance. At the September 7 premiere of Hamnet during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Zhao stepped onto the red carpet with the kind of sartorial clarity that feels increasingly rare—especially in an era of hyper-styled celebrity fashion.
Zhao’s gown was a study in monochromatic texture: a floor-length white dress rendered in delicate lace, with long sleeves that added a sense of modesty without muting the impact. The lace pattern—floral but not fussy—offered a tactile richness that caught the light in soft, diffused waves. The silhouette was columnar, almost ecclesiastical in its simplicity, skimming the body without clinging. While the designer remains unconfirmed at press time, the craftsmanship suggests a label fluent in poetic minimalism—perhaps Simone Rocha or even an archival Chloé moment.
Her footwear—a pair of understated brown shoes—felt like a deliberate break from the expected. No metallics, no stilettos. Just grounded, earthy contrast. Jewelry was either absent or so discreet it barely registered, allowing the lace to carry the visual weight. This was styling that resisted the urge to over-decorate, instead leaning into the power of restraint.
For more moments of pared-back brilliance, explore our archive of celebrity photos .
Felicity Jones didn’t just attend the Train Dreams premiere at TIFF—she commanded it, draped in a Prada custom gown that fused architectural precision with a whisper of old Hollywood. That cape train? A masterstroke.
Felicity Jones didn’t merely walk the red carpet at the Train Dreams premiere during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival—she redefined it. Stepping out at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on September 9, the 41-year-old actress embodied a rare blend of modern sophistication and timeless glamour, all courtesy of a custom Prada gown that was as bold as it was elegant.
The gown, a floor-length vision in crimson, was a study in contrasts. Its structured neckline and figure-hugging silhouette spoke to Prada’s knack for architectural precision, while the dramatic cape train added a touch of theatrical flair. The fabric—rich, matte, and unapologetically red—caught the light with every movement, ensuring Jones was the undeniable focal point of the evening. The low-cut sides, a subtle yet daring detail, hinted at the character’s complexity she portrays in Train Dreams : Gladys Grainier, a woman navigating love and loss in a rapidly changing world.
Felicity Jones’s Prada gown was more than just a dress—it was a statement. The crimson hue , deep and velvety, dominated the scene, evoking both passion and power. The structured neckline framed her collarbone with geometric precision, a signature of Prada’s ability to merge art with wearability. But it was the cape train that truly stole the show. Flowing dramatically behind her, it transformed a simple red carpet moment into something cinematic, as if Jones had stepped out of a classic film noir —if film noir had a penchant for high-fashion drama.
The silhouette was equally striking: fitted through the bodice and hips, then flaring slightly at the knees before cascading into the train. It was a shape that celebrated femininity without sacrificing strength, a balance Jones has mastered both on and off-screen. And in a move that let the gown shine, she kept her accessories minimal. Sparkling diamond drop earrings —delicate yet eye-catching—were her only adornment, their brilliance complementing the gown’s richness without competing for attention.
Styling Cohesion: Hair, Makeup, and the Mood
Jones’s beauty look was the perfect counterpart to her bold gown. Her brunette locks were swept back into a sleek, low bun, a choice that emphasized the gown’s neckline and lent an air of effortless sophistication. The makeup was equally understated yet impactful: a soft smoky eye, defined brows, and a nude lip that ensured the focus remained on the gown’s vibrant hue.
Her pose —confident, poised, with a hint of a smile—radiated quiet authority. There was no over-the-top gesturing, no forced drama. Instead, Jones let the gown (and her own undeniable presence) do the talking. The overall mood? Effortless elegance with a dash of mystery —a fitting reflection of both her character in Train Dreams and her own evolution as an actress and style icon.
Cultural Context: A Gown for the Times
Felicity Jones’s Prada moment arrived at a pivotal time. Train Dreams , the highly anticipated adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novel, explores themes of isolation, connection, and the human experience in a world undergoing seismic shifts. The film’s narrative—centered on a logger grappling with his place in a changing America—resonates with today’s conversations about identity and resilience. Jones’s gown, with its blend of classic elegance and modern audacity, mirrored these themes perfectly. It was a look that felt both timeless and urgently contemporary, much like the story she’s helping bring to life.
Her appearance also came on the heels of her recent advocacy for gender equality in the film industry . In a 2024 interview with Marie Claire , Jones spoke about “pushing back on expectations” and the need for more female-driven narratives in cinema . Her TIFF look, then, was more than just a fashion statement—it was a visual manifesto. Here was an actress, a producer, and a style icon using her platform to celebrate artistry, both on-screen and on the red carpet.
Get the Look: Prada’s Crimson Dream
Inspired by Felicity Jones’s show-stopping TIFF moment? Here’s how to channel her Prada glamour:
- The Gown: Look for a floor-length dress in a rich, matte fabric—crimson, burgundy, or even deep emerald. Prada’s custom designs are a splurge, but brands like Self-Portrait or Reem Acra offer similar silhouettes with cape details.
- The Neckline: Opt for structured, high-neck styles that frame the collarbone. This is where the gown’s architectural magic lies.
- The Train: If a full cape feels too dramatic, try a dress with a subtle train or an asymmetrical hem for movement.
- Accessories: Keep it minimal. Diamond or pearl drop earrings add sparkle without overwhelming the look.
- Hair and Makeup: A sleek bun and soft smoky eye will keep the focus on the gown. Think “effortless” rather than “overdone.”
The Verdict: A Red Carpet Masterclass
Felicity Jones’s appearance at the Train Dreams premiere was a reminder of why she remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling style icons. Her Prada gown wasn’t just a dress—it was a narrative, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a nod to the power of silent storytelling . In a world where red carpet looks often skew toward either safe or sensational, Jones struck the perfect balance: elegant, intentional, and unforgettable .
For more red carpet inspiration, explore our celebrity red carpet archives.
References & Further Reading:
- Toronto International Film Festival Official Site
- Prada Official Collections
