The Unexpected Pastel: Jenna Ortega Trades Dark for Delicate in Donatella’s Final Collection
In a captivating departure from her signature gothic aesthetic, Jenna Ortega illuminated CinemaCon 2025 in a confection of spring pastels straight from Versace’s Spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection. The “Death of a Unicorn” starlet, known for her typically somber sartorial choices, demonstrated her remarkable versatility with a look that married whimsical color with sophisticated tailoring—a testament to Donatella Versace’s final vision before her recent departure from the creative helm of the iconic Italian house.
Ortega’s ensemble centered around a sumptuous double-breasted blazer in the most delicate shade of lilac, masterfully juxtaposed with micro shorts in a deeper plum hue. The structural precision of these pieces created a captivating silhouette that balanced playfulness with power—an increasingly significant trademark in Ortega’s evolving style narrative.
The brilliance of this look, however, lay in its thoughtful layering and meticulous details. Beneath her tailored outerwear, Ortega wore a silky button-up featuring a distinctive brown center panel set against a swirling yellow paisley print—an unexpected element that introduced a subtle Americana sensibility to the otherwise European-influenced silhouette. A slim chocolate brown belt with the Versace logo emblazoned in gold cinched her waist, creating a harmonious connection between the disparate pieces.
Her accessories reflected the same attention to refined luxury. Pastel purple platform ankle-strap heels, adorned with Versace’s signature “nastro Gianni” bow and iconic Medusa emblem, elevated both her stature and the ensemble’s luxe quotient. The statement silver bangle and metal collar necklace introduced a contemporary edge that prevented the look from veering into saccharine territory—a styling choice that demonstrates Ortega’s innate understanding of sartorial balance.
Perhaps most intriguing was her beauty look, which featured an almost ethereal absence of brows—either concealed or precisely plucked to create a hauntingly beautiful canvas that directed all attention to her penetrating gaze. This unexpected choice reinforced Ortega’s reputation as a beauty chameleon willing to experiment with transformative techniques.
This pastel vision marks a fascinating evolution for the 22-year-old actress, whose red carpet appearances typically embrace the macabre elegance befitting her roles in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “X.” The dramatic pivot suggests a deliberate strategy by Ortega and her stylist, Enrique Melendez, to showcase her range beyond the darkness that initially defined her image.
As fashion observers, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in Ortega’s style journey—one that demonstrates her willingness to embrace contradiction and challenge expectations. This ’70s-inspired Versace moment suggests a new chapter for Hollywood’s reigning goth princess, proving she can command attention in pastels just as effectively as in black.
With this single appearance, Ortega has positioned herself as fashion’s most intriguing chameleon—capable of embodying both Wednesday Addams’ brooding intensity and this candy-colored vision with equal conviction. As her “Death of a Unicorn” promotional tour continues, fashion enthusiasts await with bated breath to see what transformations lie ahead for this emerging style icon.
