A Night On The Blue Carpet
From Charli XCX’s siren moment to Jeff Goldblum’s tux-ski fantasy, the blue carpet was anything but boring.
A few nights ago was the annual Academy Museum Gala, the glamorous fundraising event that always brings together the best (and boldest) of Hollywood fashion. As usual, the red — or should I say blue — carpet stole the show, and honestly, it’s my favorite part of nights like this.
Saint Laurent Dominates the Night
Saint Laurent absolutely ran the carpet this year, dressing a lineup of stars that had me gasping more than once. Charli XCX looked unreal in a black leather and lace mermaid-style gown, complete with long wet hair that screamed siren energy. Zoë Kravitz followed in a ruffled brown-toned Renaissance-inspired dress, while Kodi Smit-McPhee gave us the menswear moment of the night in a tan two-piece with a maroon tie and distressed brown leather jacket — yes, I need that in my closet. Logan Lerman’s maroon satin set, featuring the classic YSL tie tuck, was understated perfection, and Tom Blyth rocked a sheer shirt and cummerbund combo that I can’t stop thinking about — though I’d have hemmed those pants an inch or two shorter.
A 1920s Comeback
The 1920s influence was alive and thriving this year. The most stunning example came from Ayo Edebiri in Chanel — a drop-waist dream with green and silver bird detailing that felt straight out of Gatsby’s garden. Quinta Brunson gave off major vintage glam energy with her bold beauty choices (purple eyeshadow, dark lip liner, and chunky gold earrings — Betty Boop realness!), even if her Carolina Herrera gown didn’t wow. Addison Rae shone in a Versace beaded silver dress with a pop of purple shimmer at the neckline, and Kaia Gerber’s Givenchy lace cape moment felt angelic, if a little too safe. Monica Barbaro’s Dior look had me scratching my head — the floral basket illusion up top was…creative, I’ll say that.
Vintage Glamor Done Right
My personal favorite of the night? Olivia Rodrigo in vintage Armani. That beaded white-and-black combo was so sleek, so timeless — everything about it screamed movie star. Greta Lee followed that same chic energy in sheer black lace and satin, an effortlessly sensual contrast.
The Men: Highs, Lows, and Jeff Goldblum
The men were, as always, a mixed bag. Colman Domingo slayed in black flared trousers and a gold jacket (and yes, the skinny scarf lives on). Eddie Redmayne gave us pinstripe perfection, and Channing Tatum surprised me in a subtle brown Fendi suit elevated by a floral brooch. Then…the lows. Jeremy Strong’s cherry-red Loro Piana suit was more “Santa Claus at TIFF” than red-carpet-ready, and LaKeith Stanfield’s Dior layering experiment left me genuinely puzzled. Benny Blanco, bless his heart, looked like Selena Gomez’s plus-one — which, honestly, he was. She glowed in Armani while he, well, wore shoes that simply didn’t belong.
But Jeff Goldblum. My best-dressed man, no question. His ERL look — a mashup between a ski suit and tuxedo — was genius. The glossy gloves, bow tie, and shades tied it all (pun intended) together perfectly.
The Snoozes and the Surprises
There were a few yawns: Demi Moore’s maroon gown was fine but forgettable, and Zoey Deutch’s “lady in red” moment had me feeling more “lady in bed.” Elle Fanning’s Balenciaga look caught my eye, though, mixing t-shirt minimalism with feathered drama? Very Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 - interesting to see that concept from another brand following a show so iconic! Hailey Bieber’s Schiaparelli was technically cool but didn’t quite land.
Thankfully, others brought the fun: Kirsten Dunst looked ethereal in sheer nude with white florals, Jenna Ortega stunned in deep purple and chrome, and Tessa Thompson’s Balenciaga yellow floral masterpiece was pure joy. Chase Infiniti had a green denim-esque Louis Vuitton gown that was weirdly amazing. Naomi Watts’ 1960s-inspired Balenciaga was delightful — ostrich feathers, powder blue, the works. And Rebecca Hall’s Thom Browne outfit — featuring a sheer top with a painted female torso — was easily one of the most interesting looks of the night.
Emma Chamberlain went full Old Hollywood glam in a sequin dress and Tiffany and Co. jewelry that matched her hair, and Rose Byrne’s black-and-white leopard Celine was a bold win. Elizabeth Debicki’s mime-inspired Armani? Let’s just say Halloween came early.
Final Thoughts
Scrolling through the looks on Vogue later that night, I felt genuinely satis. The 2025 Academy Museum Gala proved that risk-taking is alive and well in Hollywood. It’s refreshing to see some stars stepping outside of the usual “safe” glam and embracing theatricality, humor, and vintage references. Fashion should make you feel something — and on this carpet, it definitely did.
If this is the direction red carpet fashion is heading — where classic glamour meets experimentation — I’m all in.