“The Art of Self-Styling: Blake Lively’s Crystal-Encrusted Vision Steals LACMA Spotlight”
In a moment that would make Serena van der Woodsen proud, Blake Lively commanded attention at the 2024 LACMA Art+Film Gala, proving once again why she remains fashion’s most intriguing self-styled maven. The actress, who has consistently rejected the traditional celebrity-stylist relationship, orchestrated a look that married old Hollywood glamour with contemporary edge.
The centerpiece of Lively’s ensemble was a masterfully crafted chainmail minidress from Tamara Ralph’s fall 2023 collection that left fashion enthusiasts breathless. The piece, a testament to modern artisanal craftsmanship, features an intricate argyle pattern created with rose gold, pink, and topaz crystals, each diamond-shaped section connected by actual diamonds at the corners. The strategic design creates subtle peek-a-boo moments, offering a sophisticated take on this season’s transparency trend that has dominated red carpets worldwide.
But it was her choice of footwear that truly elevated the ensemble to new heights – literally and figuratively. Lively opted for Christian Louboutin’s Emilie sandals in an audacious pink hue, a $1,495 investment piece that’s already generating buzz among luxury footwear enthusiasts. The shoes, available through Moda Operandi, showcase the mastery of Louboutin’s design with their suede calfskin upper and crystalline embellishments that cascade across the strapping. The 4-inch stiletto heel provided the perfect foundation for Lively’s show-stopping appearance.
Adding drama to the ensemble was an unexpected hero piece: a voluminous topaz-colored silk taffeta cape that draped effortlessly off her shoulders. The juxtaposition of the structured cape against the fluid movement of the chainmail dress created a dynamic silhouette that photographers couldn’t resist.
In true Lively fashion, her beauty choices remained elegantly understated, with her signature blonde tresses styled in loose, side-parted waves. Her jewelry game showed remarkable restraint – multiple diamond huggie hoops and delicate studs adorned her ears, allowing the dress’s inherent sparkle to take center stage.
The event, sponsored by Gucci, brought together luminaries from across the creative spectrum to honor artist Simone Leigh and celebrated director Baz Luhrmann. With a performance by Charli XCX and appearances from stars including Anna Kendrick, Lisa Ann Walter, Lee Jung-Jae, Ricky Martin, and fashion authority Law Roach, the gala continued its tradition of merging the worlds of art, film, and fashion in support of LACMA’s mission to integrate cinema into its curatorial programming.
