Valentino’s Academy Museum Gala Looks: Polka Dots, Butterflies And Romance
Five celebrities wore Alessandro Michele’s Valentino to the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday, offering everything from playful polka dots and romantic gowns to shimmering tailoring and gothic glamour.
Spot-On
Kendall Jenner is a true minimalist, so this custom Valentino gown was quite a departure from her usual red carpet formula, adding a welcome dose of personality.
The contrasting polka dots give this look a playful, almost retro appeal, so much so that it reminded me of the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1992 Haute Couture look Leslie Mann wore to this same event last year.
Some might feel that the spotted pumps were one set of dots too many, but I appreciate the commitment to the theme.
Cartier jewellery completed her look.
Maximum Cool
Honoured with the night’s Vantage Award, presented to an artist who challenges dominant narratives around cinema, Colman Domingo didn’t disappoint in a custom Valentino ensemble.
From the shimmering beaded jacket to the undone bow tie hanging around his neck, the whole ensemble exudes an air of maximum cool. He makes this level of extravagance look so easy, and there’s an elegance to his approach that I absolutely love.
Boucheron jewellery and an OMEGA timepiece completed his look.
Butterfly Effect
Who knew butterflies were going to become a recurring theme on this red carpet?
Following Janelle Monáe’s spectacular Robert Wun creation, Elle Fanning offered a softer interpretation in Valentino.
This romantic combination of delicate pastel shades, intricate embellishments and a butterfly-inspired bodice is so Elle Fanning-coded, with the flowing cape adding another beautiful element.
Elle has been very experimental with her style this year, but she will always have an affinity for romantic gowns, and this feels especially charming.
Cartier jewellery completed her look.
Pretty In Pink
Cailee Spaeny wore a Valentino Spring 2027 gown that was all about the colour. However, the vibrant fuchsia silk strapless dress isn’t the main story here. It’s the abundance of pleated fabric cascading behind her in contrasting shades of pink that makes this look so special.
Although my mind changed about this look somewhat when I saw the black bow at the back.
Dark Romance
Clairo opted for a Valentino Fall 2026 look that offered a darker, more gothic interpretation of the house’s romantic aesthetic, but I have a feeling most will be put off by the side boob.
Honestly, I love it.
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