Wednesday’s Leading Lady Unveils Her Softer Side: Jenna Ortega Stuns in Lilac at InStyle’s Imagemaker Awards
If there was ever any lingering doubt that Jenna Ortega has graduated from ingénue to full-fledged fashion force, allow me to put that misconception to rest immediately. The actress, who captured our collective imagination as the deliciously macabre Wednesday Addams, continues her deliberate pivot toward sophisticated sensuality—and her appearance at the 2025 InStyle Imagemaker Awards in Bel Air, California, on Thursday evening served as yet another thesis statement in her ongoing style metamorphosis.
Gone are the days when Ortega’s red carpet moments leaned into the gothic darkness of her most famous character. Instead, working in sublime harmony with her visionary stylist Enrique Melendez, she arrived at the industry celebration wearing an exquisite lilac confection pulled directly from Amiri’s Spring/Summer 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection—a piece that made its debut on Parisian runways this past June and has been patiently waiting for its moment in the California spotlight.
The dress itself was a masterclass in the art of strategic transparency, a trend that continues its dominion over contemporary red carpet dressing. The plunging bodice featured sheer lacy construction, rendered just modest enough by intricate floral embroidery that bloomed across the delicate fabric like a botanical garden preserved in thread. This romantic motif cascaded organically from the bodice onto the skirt, creating visual continuity that elevated the design beyond mere provocation into the realm of artistry.
But darlings, let’s discuss that skirt. Composed of a darker, equally translucent material, the lower half was embellished with vertical lines of shimmering purple sequins that caught the light with every calculated movement. A daring high slit traveled up one leg, offering tantalizing glimpses of Ortega’s silver platform sandal heels—because if you’re going to commit to sheerness, you might as well commit completely.
In a stroke of styling genius, Melendez introduced textural contrast through a sumptuous burgundy Rochelle Shearling Coat from DUCIE, which Ortega draped across her arms with the insouciance of someone who understands that true glamour lies in the details. The fuzzy wool shawl in that rich wine hue provided not only warmth but also a sophisticated counterpoint to the dress’s ethereal delicacy.
And then there were the jewels. Because what is a goddess without her crown jewels? Ortega’s look was elevated to celestial heights courtesy of a breathtaking 30-carat diamond drop set necklace from DeBeers—the kind of statement piece that requires no introduction and tolerates no competition. She wisely kept her additional jewelry minimal, adding only a commanding purple diamond ring that echoed the dress’s amethyst tones, along with a dazzling lariat necklace that drew the eye downward along her décolletage.
Her beauty approach embraced minimalist elegance: luminescent skin that seemed to glow from within, delicately flushed cheeks suggesting natural radiance rather than heavy-handed application, and a mauve-toned lip that served as the perfect tonal complement to her lavender ensemble. Her sleek, center-parted hair cascaded past her shoulders, framing her striking features and allowing her natural freckles to remain visible—a refreshing reminder that authenticity and glamour need not be mutually exclusive.
Ortega joined an impressive roster of Hollywood luminaries at the celebration, including Riley Keough, Lisa Rinna, Elizabeth Olsen, Jessica Biel, Heidi Klum, Brittany Snow, Kerry Washington, Laura Dern, and Olandria Carthren.
