Last Week, Stars Chose Feminine Flourishes and Runway Drama 

You can't overstate the importance of making an entrance, and last week celebrities around the globe committed to doing just that. In arguably the last week this month before self-quarantine becomes the norm, stars did their best to remain upbeat. Whether en route to film premieres or just popping out for coffee, they leaned into statement-making style. Celine Dion led the charge in New York City where, in between dates at the Barclay Center, she gave the paparazzi a thrill in Oscar de la Renta fresh from the fall 2020 runways. Never one to need an excuse for dressing up, Dion delighted in the voluminous asymmetric gown and embellished cashmere sweater combo designed by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia. As she exited her hotel in a flourish of hot pink and petals, she raised the bar for divas everywhere.

Volume and texture emerged as the week’s dominant themes, with full skirts and diaphanous fabrics. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Aidy Bryant brought Simone Rocha’s romantic aesthetic into the world of late-night television while promoting her series Shrill. Rendered in neon tinted cloqué, the dress stuck to Bryant’s preferred silhouette—A-line and empire-waisted—and while adding a new shade and texture into her repertoire. Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s embroidered Emilia Wickstead frock at the London premiere of Misbehavior took the concept a step further with a deeper shade of yellow and midi-length hemline. Modern yet refined, she looked stunning next to her Chanel Haute Couture clad co-star, Keira Knightley.

The biggest surprise of the week came courtesy of a Hollywood newcomer. For the world premiere of her film Mulan, Liu Yifei opted for a couture look with special significance. Elie Saab’s “phoenix gown” made its debut on the runway for spring 2019 and was well worth revisiting. The perfect look for Disney’s newest princess, it referenced Chinese mythology via golden embroidery and helped to introduce the world to a bright new red carpet star.