When Oscars attendees choose their red-carpet looks, they usually take one of two routes: Select a look from a top runway collection or create something custom with their favorite house. Jada Pinkett Smith opted for the first path, wearing a jaw-dropping gown from a collection fashion insiders have hoped to see on Hollywood's biggest night.
Pinkett Smith walked the red carpet at the 94th Academy Awards in a long-sleeved emerald gown that cascaded from a ruched bodice to a full, ruffled skirt. The architectural dress comes courtesy of the spring/summer 2022 couture collaboration between Jean Paul Gaultier and Glenn Martens of Diesel and Y/Project. Pinkett Smith kept her accessories simple, wearing sculptural silver earrings and a gold ring embellished with an emerald stone. From beneath her voluminous skirt, we caught a peek of a green satin heeled sandal.
When Pinkett Smith walked the red carpet for the premiere of King Richard, she went for a flowing and romantic Vivienne Westwood gown. To cheer on the film she executive produced at the Academy Awards, she went in the opposite direction. The Gaultier dress's many ruffles and folds gave the illusion of motion and taffeta-adjacent lightness—but the gown was actually stiff and heavy, according to the red-carpet telecast.
"We rarely have the opportunity to put together such elaborate silhouettes," Martens said about the collection including Pinkett Smith's gown. "For me, couture means pure beauty and elegance."
Pinkett Smith embodied that vibe while walking the carpet with her husband, Will Smith, who opted for a Dolce & Gabbana suit. The couple is attending the Academy Awards in support of King Richard: Will Smith is nominated for Best Actor, and both Smiths are credited as executive producers on the film—meaning they'll take home a statue if it wins Best Picture.
One thing is for certain: This gown is a best-dressed winner.
Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.
