September 9, 2025

Tessa Thompson Wore Chanel Haute Couture, Saint Laurent, Patou & Brandon Maxwell Promoting ‘Hedda’ At Toronto Film Festival

Posted by Catherine Kallon

Seeing Tessa Thompson back on the red carpet is bittersweet. On one hand, I love having her back in rotation—she’s one of the most exciting stars to watch when it comes to fashion. On the other hand, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment knowing she’s no longer working with Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald. Together, they created some of her most unforgettable style moments—from Creed to Passing to the Marvel press tours, Met Galas and Cannes Film Festivals. They gave her a fashion identity built on risk, colour, and creativity.

Now she’s working with Karla Welch, and if history tells us anything, it’s that we might need to brace ourselves for a pared-back Tessa. Just look at Gal Gadot: with Elizabeth Stewart she was playful, bold, even surprising. With Welch? Black dresses and forgettable outings. I could list Gal-Stewart looks all day—the red Loewe sequins for Red Notice being the most notable. Ask me for one Gal-Welch look? Blank.

Which brings me to the Toronto Film Festival, where Tessa delivered four appearances that already feel like the beginning of this quieter era.

Tessa Thompson Wore Chanel, HEDDA premiere, Toronto Film Festival, Tessa Thompson TIFF 2025, Tessa Thompson red carpet, Tessa Thompson Chanel, Tessa Thompson Saint Laurent, Tessa Thompson Brandon Maxwell, Tessa Thompson Karla Welch, Toronto Film Festival
 Savion Washington/Getty Images

Hedda Premiere

This Chanel Fall 2022 Haute Couture strapless dress? Not bad. Not thrilling either. This felt like TIFF-safe dressing, and perhaps a signal that Tessa’s turning the volume down.

Tessa Thompson TIFF 2025, Tessa Thompson red carpet, Tessa Thompson Chanel, Tessa Thompson Saint Laurent, Tessa Thompson Brandon Maxwell, Tessa Thompson Karla Welch, Saint Laurent Fall 2025, Toronto Film Festival,
VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Road to the Golden Globes Party

Saint Laurent Fall 2025 high-neck raspberry dress? Finally, a spark. The sculpted shoulders and jewel tone reminded me of her old boldness—strong, elegant, and worthy of a second look.

Saint Laurent Fall 2025
Tessa Thompson TIFF 2025, Tessa Thompson red carpet, Tessa Thompson Chanel, Tessa Thompson Saint Laurent, Tessa Thompson Brandon Maxwell, Tessa Thompson Karla Welch, Patou Spring 2026, Toronto Film Festival
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

TIFF Tribute Awards

I actually love this Patou Spring 2026 dress. Guillaume Henry’s knack for romantic silhouettes has always won me over, and this one is no exception. The bow at the back sealed it for me—it gave the look an extra touch of charm.

Patou Spring 2026
Tessa Thompson attends The IMDb Dinner Party, Tessa Thompson TIFF 2025, Tessa Thompson red carpet, Tessa Thompson Chanel, Tessa Thompson Saint Laurent, Tessa Thompson Brandon Maxwell, Tessa Thompson Karla Welch, Brandon Maxwell Resort 2026, Toronto Film Festival
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for IMDb

IMDb Dinner Party

Brandon Maxwell Resort 2026? Black leather bust, white cotton skirt. Safe. Expected. The exact kind of minimalism Karla Welch leans into, and the kind that leaves me underwhelmed.

So yes, it’s great to have Tessa back—but I can’t help hoping this new chapter doesn’t erase the daring fashion voice Wayman and Micah worked so hard to build.

Stylist: Karla Welch.

Brandon Maxwell Resort 2026
Pinterest

FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.

Brandon Maxwell, Chanel, Patou, Premiere, Runway To Red Carpet, Saint Laurent, Tessa Thompson, Toronto Film Festival