Isabela Merced Wore Elisabetta Franchi To The 2026 Oscars

I love Isabela Merced. She’s fearless, and she brought that energy to the 2026 Oscars today, shunning the expected tulle or satin gown for something with a lot more bite.

I mean, when was the last time someone wore a black leather dress to the Oscars?

The actress wore a custom Elisabetta Franchi eco-leather corseted gown with a draped skirt, and on paper this feels like the kind of look you would expect at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party rather than the main Oscars red carpet. But it is also such a quintessential Isabela Merced choice that I am not mad at this left-field moment on this red carpet at all.

There is something refreshingly authentic about it. And the styling really seals the deal. The smoky eye, the diamond and emerald Bucherer Fine Jewellery choker, and the sharp micro-bob amplify the attitude of the look.

It is bold, rebellious, and exactly the kind of unexpected energy that keeps the Oscars red carpet interesting. I’m hoping for more of this tonight.

Stylist: Marc Eram.

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