Balenciaga’s Academy Museum Gala Looks: Colour, Couture And Cousin Itt
Six celebrities wore Balenciaga to the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday, offering everything from vibrant colour and sculptural eveningwear to unconventional tailoring.
That Necklace
I love the simplicity of Mikey Madison’s Balenciaga gown, but I’m particularly glad they opted for this striking shade of red, as bold hues look stunning against her skin tone.
However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the Tiffany & Co. pendant, featuring a diamond of over 16 carats. She also wore diamond earrings and two diamond rings from the jeweller.
Styled by Andrew Mukamal.
Pierpaolo’s Purple Passion
Naomi Ackie embraced Pierpaolo Piccioli’s favourite colour for Balenciaga: purple. She wore a voluminous gown, the long version of look 34 from the Spring 2026 collection, that never overwhelmed her frame, as Naomi has the presence to carry such a generous amount of fabric.
I particularly love how the sculptural shape feels dramatic without losing its sense of ease. Her Boucheron Plume de Paon diamond earrings and matching ring were just enough jewellery for a gown that already had so much personality.
Styled by Nicky Yates.
Stylist Switch
Tracee Ellis Ross may have changed stylists, but her style sensibilities are firmly intact. Now working with Law Roach, she wore a vibrant orange Balenciaga Spring 2027 dress that feels completely aligned with her adventurous approach to fashion.
I’m not sure what wins me over more: the textured embellishments and asymmetric silhouette or the colour. Tracee has never been afraid to experiment, and I appreciate that she continues to give us something different. I hope that continues under this new styling partnership.
Styled by Law Roach.
A Hairy Situation
When it comes to Rhea Seehorn’s Balenciaga Fall 2026 Haute Couture look, the tailoring is secondary to those trousers. They look as though she’s borrowed the bottom half of Cousin Itt’s wardrobe.
What on earth possessed her? Between the traditional tailoring, exaggerated texture and awkward proportions, nothing seems to work together.
Flower Power
Alexander Skarsgård, who isn’t afraid of a head-scratching fashion moment, played it unusually safe by his standards, yet he still managed to make menswear interesting in Balenciaga.
The white shirt, with its layered shoulders and oversized black floral appliqué, is a refreshing alternative to the standard gala suit.
This is another example of Alexander making a slightly unconventional choice feel entirely natural.
Styled by Harry Lambert.
Black Velvet Drama
Lindsey Vonn’s black draped Balenciaga gown with its asymmetric neckline is just OK, but with that thigh-high slit, I wish she’d opted for sandals rather than pumps.
A gold clutch, David Webb jewellery and a Rolex watch completed her look, but I can’t help feeling that a different choice of accessories would have made this considerably more appealing.
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