Masculine Edge: How Nicole Kidman Redefined Red Carpet Suiting
In an era where fashion continuously cycles between the demure and the dramatic, Nicole Kidman has masterfully tapped into the zeitgeist of power dressing at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards. The “Babygirl” star, known for her impeccable red carpet choices, delivered a masterclass in masculine-feminine dressing, courtesy of Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello.
The Australian screen icon commanded attention in Santa Monica, wearing what can only be described as a sartorial tour de force: an oversized double-breasted suit from Saint Laurent’s spring 2025 collection. The tan ensemble, with its contemporary interpretation of 1980s Wall Street tailoring, proved once again why Kidman remains an unmatched force in both cinema and style.
Jason Boden, the mastermind behind Kidman’s recent style evolution, paired the power suit with Saint Laurent’s coveted Vendome slingbacks – a shoe that has become the holy grail among fashion cognoscenti. These aren’t just any heels; they’re a statement of luxury craftsmanship, featuring high-gloss black leather (or “glazed leather” in Saint Laurent parlance) and a razor-sharp stiletto measuring over four inches. At $950, these Made in Italy masterpieces have already garnered a following among Hollywood’s elite, with their knee-high boot counterparts having graced the feet of Jennifer Lopez and Sabrina Elba.
The genius of Kidman’s ensemble lies in its studied contrasts: a cream suit with proportions that speak to the current oversized trend, masterfully balanced with a light blue striped button-down and a navy polka dot tie. It’s this play of masculine and feminine, of volume and precision, that elevates the look from mere red carpet appearance to fashion moment.
Before gracing the Critics Choice red carpet, Kidman treated her social media followers to an intimate glimpse of her preparation, showcasing her ethereal glam and perfectly tousled waves – a modern touch that prevented the look from veering into costume territory.
Vaccarello’s vision for Saint Laurent has consistently challenged gender norms in fashion, and this collection is no exception. By placing Kidman in this particular ensemble, he’s not just dressing a star; he’s making a statement about power, presence, and the evolving language of feminine dress codes. The ’90s undertones of the styling – from the pushed-up blazer sleeves to the minimal makeup and statement gold jewelry – created a narrative of effortless sophistication that resonates with both the red carpet and the real world.
At an event celebrating excellence in both film and television, where nominated projects like “Conclave,” “Wicked,” and “Dune: Part Two” vie for recognition alongside small-screen triumph “Shogun,” Kidman’s choice of attire speaks volumes about the intersection of fashion and film. Among fellow luminaries like Zoe Saldaña, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and presenters including Kate Hudson and Lupita Nyong’o, Kidman’s Saint Laurent moment stands as a testament to the enduring power of perfectly executed minimalism.
