Beyond Measure: Jenna Ortega’s Architectural Balmain Masterpiece Stands Tall at Met Gala 2025
In a breathtaking display that perfectly encapsulated this year’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme, Jenna Ortega ascended the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic steps in what can only be described as a transformative sartorial moment that fused futuristic innovation with old Hollywood elegance.
The “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” starlet commanded attention in a custom Balmain creation that celebrated the meticulous artistry behind fashion’s most revered craft. Olivier Rousteing’s vision materialized as a striking metallic bustier gown ingeniously constructed from pattern-maker’s rulers—an inspired homage to the unsung heroes of couture’s ateliers.
“Jenna’s look is an ode to the art of craftsmanship, to couture, and the atelier where hands work meticulously, shaping fabric into magic,” Rousteing confided to WWD. “No symbol captures it more poetically than the metallic meter, a quiet tribute to craft and precision… The bustier gown sculpted on her body is not just a garment, but a piece of strength, a symbol of her presence as an actress, a woman, a force.”
The technical brilliance of the construction was evident in every detail, with the metallic rulers creating a mesmerizing interplay of light that shifted with Ortega’s every movement on the cream carpet. The form-fitting silhouette featured a dramatic back slit that revealed what might be the evening’s most conversation-worthy footwear selection.
In a masterstroke of styling genius, Ortega’s longtime image architect Enrique Melendez ventured into the hallowed Christian Louboutin archives to resurrect the now-legendary Nenecheritza platforms. These vertiginous silver creations boast staggering proportions—a breathtaking 160mm (6.3-inch) block heel complemented by a substantial 50mm platform—that instantly transported onlookers to the height of 1970s glamour, reimagined for fashion’s most illustrious evening.
The vintage silver showstoppers, featuring Louboutin’s signature peep-toe and delicate t-strap design, perfectly complemented the architectural elements of Ortega’s gown. Fashion enthusiasts will note that Louboutin’s current collection includes the Sandaloo—a modern interpretation with a slightly more modest 130mm heel—available at $1,295.
Ortega’s beauty styling further cemented the old Hollywood references with voluminous, cascading waves meticulously crafted by César Deleon Ramirez. Her makeup palette oscillated between classic and contemporary with a statement deep burgundy lip juxtaposed against smoky gray eye shadowing. The jewelry selection—a statement silver necklace from Grown Brilliance and delicate earrings by Hearts On Fire—provided the perfect finishing touch without competing with the gown’s inherent drama.
The actress joined an elite cadre of Balmain-adorned celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra, RosalÃa, and “White Lotus” breakout Patrick Schwarzenegger, who made his Met Gala debut in a masterfully tailored pinstripe suit accented with a surprising yellow blouse.
As the evening unfolded, Ortega’s ensemble continued to captivate fashion critics and social media commentators alike. The look stands as a remarkable testament to fashion’s dual capacity for artistic expression and technical precision—a fitting tribute to this year’s exhibition celebrating the extraordinarily refined craftsmanship that defines Black style through the ages.
Indeed, in an evening overflowing with sartorial statements, Ortega’s ruler-constructed creation serves as a powerful reminder of fashion’s transformative potential—not simply as adornment, but as a conceptual language that speaks volumes about identity, artistry and the cultural moment.
