Nicole Kidman Debuts Pieter Mulier’s Versace at Practical Magic 2

Nicole Kidman broke her run of Chanel looks in London for the LA premiere of Practical Magic 2, held at Directors Village on Monday.

Nicole Kidman wears a sheer black lace Versace dress with a thigh-high slit and lace choker at the Practical Magic 2 LA premiere. — John Shearer/WireImage

And it was a major moment in more ways than one. Firstly, this is Pieter Mulier’s first Versace look as creative director, which he confirmed on his Instagram Stories this morning. Secondly, much like Sandra Bullock, Nicole finally tapped into the sexy, witchy side of the film that I had expected to see in London.

And if this is our first taste of Mulier’s Versace, I’m already intrigued.

The sensuality associated with Versace is immediately recognisable here. That was something I felt was missing during Dario Vitale’s brief tenure, but Mulier has gone straight for the body, the lace and the sex appeal. Nicole is an ideal person to introduce that direction.

Nicole Kidman in black Versace lace poses with Sandra Bullock in custom Louis Vuitton at the Practical Magic 2 LA premiere. — John Shearer/WireImage

The custom Versace black lace gown is sheer without feeling overly exposed. As you know, I’m a stickler for a nude lining reaching the hem, but what saves the look here is the density and layering of the lace through the skirt, which makes the shorter lining far less noticeable. Had the lace been more sparse, I think that line would have been far more jarring.

The lace choker is also important. It makes the dress feel more specific to this premiere and gives Nicole that slightly darker edge without pushing the look too far into the world of Practical Magic 2. The matching Manolo Blahnik Milandra pumps were also pitch perfect. Anything heavier wouldn’t have worked.

And then we get to the hair.

I wasn’t a fan of what Sam McKnight did with Nicole’s hair in London, but she was back with Adir Abergel for the LA premiere, and he did a significantly better job. We know Nicole loves wearing her hair around her face, and these tousled waves, with their slightly undone finish, suit the sexier direction of the dress.