“The Writing’s on the Dress: Emily Ratajkowski’s Intellectual Evening Wear Revolution”
In an era where fashion often speaks louder than words, Emily Ratajkowski decided to let them coexist in perfect harmony at the WSJ. Magazine 2024 Innovator Awards. The supermodel-turned-entrepreneur transformed the Museum of Modern Art into her personal runway, serving a masterclass in intellectual chic that left fashion cognoscenti buzzing.
Straight from JW Anderson’s prophetic Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Ratajkowski’s choice was nothing short of a sartorial manifesto. The piece in question? A pristine white sleeveless mini that proved sometimes the medium truly is the message. In a delicious twist of meta-commentary, the dress was emblazoned with a philosophical discourse on art and design, featuring the particularly poignant passage: “At the risk of becoming a bore, I repeat there is something ludicrous about hunting for characteristics in the art of yesterday, or of any particular period. In art the only important distinction is the distinction between good art and bad.”
The irony of wearing such contemplative text to one of fashion’s most forward-thinking evenings was not lost on anyone, darling.
But let’s talk about those shoes, shall we? EmRata’s feet were adorned in Jimmy Choo’s “Minny” sandals – a study in minimalist perfection. The patent leather beauties, with their whisper-thin straps and commanding 3-to-4 inch stiletto heels, proved that sometimes less is magnificently more. The square-toe silhouette – a detail that’s become something of a modern classic – was secured by an elegant ankle strap that seemed to float above the floor as she navigated the star-studded event.
Her styling choices reflected the sophisticated simplicity that has become her signature. Those oversized, shimmer-caught silver hoops provided just the right amount of celestial drama, while her diamond divorce rings (plural, darling) sparkled with the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing exactly who you are. A glossy black leather handbag with delicate strapping completed the ensemble with quiet authority.
Beauty-wise, Ratajkowski kept things understated yet impactful – her signature brunette tresses parted down the middle fell in casual waves, while her makeup remained neutral, allowing the intellectual impact of her dress to take center stage. It was, as they say in certain circles, a moment.
The look serves as a reminder that in an industry often accused of superficiality, there’s always room for substance. And while strappy sandals might be a staple in collections from Chanel to Stuart Weitzman to Christian Louboutin, it’s the way one wears them that makes all the difference.
