The red carpet is a stage, and like any great performance, it demands a delicate balance between artistic vision and execution.
When Jessica Chastain unveiled her look at the Mexico City premiere of her new film, “Dreams,” on August 26, 2025, she did more than just arrive—she presented a sartorial paradox. Was this a bold statement on form, or simply a misstep in proportion? It’s a question that has kept a few of us in the industry talking… and a glance at the dress tells you exactly why.
The focal point of the ensemble, a black dress from Fendi’s Resort 2026 collection, is nothing if not ambitious. From the front, it appears as a classic strapless sheath, a sleek canvas of dark sophistication. But the silhouette is instantly, aggressively disrupted by a three-dimensional, architectural peplum that erupts from the waist. This sculptural detail, which resembles a deconstructed fan or perhaps an abstract petal, adds a volume right where one would least expect it. It’s a confident, almost brazen move—a choice that aligns with a certain Italian flair for drama, for the grand gesture. You can almost feel the rebellious spirit of a Roman couturier behind it.
However, the real puzzle came with the styling. While a Parisian might have paired such a challenging piece with a delicate, barely-there stiletto to let the dress breathe, Chastain’s choice of footwear felt… well, entirely different. The shoes are a pair of black, aggressively geometric sandals with a substantial block heel and multiple straps. They are a powerful design on their own, but here, they interrupt the entire visual narrative. They are not merely fighting the dress; they are engaged in a full-scale battle, drawing the eye down and away from the artistic intentions of the garment. It’s a shame, because a look this complex demands synergy, not conflict.
Her styling cohesion elsewhere, however, was impeccable. Her signature auburn hair was swept into an elegant, sleek updo—a classic choice that provided a clean backdrop for the dress’s complexity. The makeup was minimal, focusing on a clean complexion and a soft lip, which allowed her natural radiance to command the spotlight. It was a clear attempt to ground the avant-garde nature of the dress in her own timeless elegance, a move that showcased her poise and willingness to take a risk.
So, where do we land on this? Is it a brilliant moment of defiance in the face of safe celebrity style , a sign that the conversation around what is “flattering” is evolving? Or is it a valuable lesson in the subtle art of letting a masterpiece stand alone? In the end, a look that makes you stop and think is always worth discussing—and in that regard, Jessica Chastain has succeeded brilliantly.
The Venice International Film Festival is, for all intents and purposes, the true start of the global awards season. And while the evening gowns on the red carpet are a spectacle of their own, for a true fashion connoisseur, it’s the arrivals that tell the real story. On August 27, 2025, as a constant stream of talent arrived via water taxi, Alicia Silverstone offered a masterclass in modern jet-set glamour, proving that comfort and high-style are not, in fact, mutually exclusive.
The first observation—and the most important, to my mind—is the complete and utter ease of her ensemble. It’s an approach to celebrity style that feels deeply rooted in European sensibility: elegant, but never fussy. Her dress, a sleeveless, funnel-neck midi from Pleats Please Issey Miyake , is a testament to this philosophy. The fabric, with its signature micro-pleats, creates a dynamic, three-dimensional effect that moves with the body, rather than constraining it. A subtle sash at the waist, rendered in the same material, allows the garment to be cinched for a flattering, feminine silhouette. The abstract, vertical brushstrokes of cobalt, marine blue, and charcoal against an off-white base are pure wearable art, a graphic statement that feels both serene and compelling.
To a less discerning eye, an outfit so focused on fabric and form could appear simple. But it’s in the styling that the true narrative is revealed. Silverstone’s choice of footwear—a pair of crisp white pumps—provides a sharp, unexpected contrast to the dress’s graphic blues. It is a moment of polished juxtaposition that elevates the entire look from resort wear to arrival chic. Her accessories are equally deliberate: a handful of delicate silver bracelets stack beautifully on her wrist, while a pair of large, minimalist hoop earrings and oversized sunglasses provide the perfect touch of Hollywood cool. And that handbag? A silver, almost mirrored pouch, a sculptural element that catches the light and adds a futuristic gleam.
Never one to shy from spectacle—or a perfectly curated moment—this long-awaited (and honestly, nostalgic) reveal of Rihanna in her 2005 Anthony Cutajar outtakes takes us straight back to the dawn of a pop revolution.
The first glimpse of these photos felt like finding a lost time capsule. This isn’t the Rihanna of today, the boundary-breaking couture queen. This is Rih in her nascent form, a fresh-faced star on the cusp of global domination, effortlessly embodying the very essence of celebrity fashion circa 2005. There is an authenticity here, a raw, unstudied cool that feels almost foreign in the age of meticulous styling. It’s a powerful, almost wistful reminder of the Y2K era, captured with a casual intimacy that few high-fashion shoots achieve.
The look is a masterclass in the era’s signature blend of casual and confident. The outfit centers on a simple, textured black hooded top, its material appearing to be a plush fleece or velvet. But the true star of this throwback moment—the sartorial linchpin, if you will—is the pair of low-slung, light-wash denim. Upon closer inspection, the bold stitching on the back pockets immediately identifies them as the iconic True Religion jeans, a definitive piece of the mid-2000s uniform. The fit, with its relaxed bootcut flare and subtle fraying at the hem, is a testament to the era’s focus on lived-in, effortless cool. Paired with a thick, simple black belt featuring a large, oval metal buckle, the outfit is both a statement and an afterthought.
The accessories further ground this look in its moment. Her right wrist is adorned with a chunky, silver-toned watch that feels substantial and classic, while her left features a delicate, barely-there bracelet. The raw, unpolished mood of these celebrity photos is amplified by the simple styling: hair, a rich reddish-brown, is pulled up into the hoodie, with a few wisps framing her face. Her makeup is minimal and natural, a glossy lip being the most prominent feature, allowing her youthful exuberance to shine through. The atmosphere is relaxed, the light soft, and her pose—crouching slightly on the floor with a knowing, easy smile—exudes a quiet, magnetic energy.
This is a beautiful and honest portrait of a young artist just finding her footing. It is a world away from the theatrical, high-fashion presentations that would define her later career. It forces us to ask a question: In a world of carefully constructed images, is there still room for this kind of spontaneous, unpretentious elegance? It proves that even before the global brand and the runways, her innate sense of style was always there, simmering just beneath the surface.
