The Breakout Style Moment You Missed: Jackie Tohn’s Moody Showgirl Look Steals the Imagemaker Awards
While Hollywood’s usual suspects arrived at Thursday evening’s InStyle Imagemaker Awards in predictable red carpet fare, it was Jackie Tohn who delivered the night’s most deliciously unexpected sartorial surprise. The actress, currently riding the wave of Netflix’s runaway hit Nobody Wants This, stepped onto the Bel Air carpet in an ensemble that can only be described as dark showgirl chic meets autumnal seduction—and darlings, we simply cannot stop thinking about it.
Tohn’s interpretation of the little black dress deviated gloriously from convention, opting instead for a sparkly midi-length silhouette that skimmed just past her knees with the kind of vintage-inspired glamour that feels simultaneously timeless and utterly current. The glittering fabric caught the light with every movement, but the true revelation—the piece that elevated this from merely pretty to absolutely commanding—was the plum-hued corset detail cinching the bodice. This rich, moody accent provided exactly the kind of unexpected color play that separates the fashion followers from the fashion leaders.
In a gesture that would surely earn a nod of approval from style maven Taylor Swift herself, Tohn doubled down on the drama with matching over-the-elbow gloves in black—a touch of old Hollywood sophistication that referenced everyone from Rita Hayworth to Dita Von Teese. The accessories spoke to a woman who understands that true glamour lies in commitment. She completed her look with strappy black heels and a severely slicked-back bun that showcased her bone structure while allowing the outfit to command center stage.
The timing of Tohn’s red carpet triumph couldn’t have been more poetic: the Imagemaker Awards took place on the very same evening that season two of Nobody Wants This dropped on Netflix. In the series, Tohn portrays Esther, the delightfully high-strung sister-in-law to Adam Brody’s Noah—a role that has proven transformative for the actress both professionally and personally.
“When I was younger, and I was a stand-up comic, I always had to go out of my way to make sure people knew that I had, like, value,” Tohn revealed to InStyle ahead of the season two premiere, her vulnerability as refreshing as her fashion choices. “But being on a show of this magnitude has made me feel accepted and validated and enveloped in a way that’s made me not have to try so fucking hard, right?”
That newfound confidence translated seamlessly into her red carpet presence. While actresses often lament uncomfortable costume choices, Tohn embraces the transformative power of clothing. “You just need to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing and it brings the confidence into the performance,” she explained, noting the stark contrast between her revealing evening look and Esther’s perpetual turtlenecks. “I also think it informs the performance a lot. What you’re wearing and who you are.”
The Imagemaker Awards proved to be a veritable who’s who of Hollywood elegance, with Heidi Klum arriving in a zip-up gown, Jessica Biel selecting an asymmetric silk top, Kerry Washington daring in peplum, and Jenna Ortega going full sheer. George Clooney even made a surprise appearance alongside Adam Sandler to present Laura Dern with her award.
Yet amid this constellation of A-list glamour, it was Tohn’s dark showgirl moment that lingered in our minds—proof positive that sometimes the most memorable fashion statements come from those brave enough to color outside the lines.
