The Academy Museum Gala showcased Hollywood glamour and inventive couture, with Hailey Bieber turning heads in a custom pink Chanel gown. The dress featured delicate beading along the neckline and a subtle slit at the back that emphasized a column silhouette. Her husband, Justin Bieber who was active on social media earlier in the day, did not attend the carpet with her.
Hailey has become a familiar face at this event, having first appeared at the gala in 2022. In conversations around her image and public style, she has framed fashion as a tool for confidence and experimentation: she credits influences ranging from travel and film to music and photography, while naming Kate Moss as a lasting sartorial reference. On dressing with her husband, she described a supportive approach: they discuss looks when needed but prioritize comfort and individuality.
Hailey Bieber’s gown and public comments
The model’s choice for the night was a soft, baby-pink custom Chanel gown with intricate beadwork tracing the neckline and a modest rear slit that kept the silhouette sleek. This look aligned with a trend at the gala where several attendees embraced pastel shades and minimalist cuts that let color take center stage. Hailey’s public remarks on style emphasize the idea of personal confidence and the freedom to experiment, and she has noted that creative sparks can arise from seemingly unrelated experiences like food or a photograph.
When discussing red carpet coordination with her husband, Hailey explained that their priority is to support each other’s individualism rather than force matching ensembles. She described a practical attitude toward partners’ outfits: the main concern is whether the other person feels comfortable and authentic in what they wear, not rigid color codes or synchronization.
Trends and notable looks on the red carpet
The evening read like a fashion exhibition, with several clear motifs emerging among attendees. A revival of structured peplums presented as architectural flourishes rather than the soft ruffles of a past decade; oversized, sharply pleated waists and graphic shapes gave gowns a sculptural quality. Designers produced silhouettes that read as near-architectural pieces—examples included exaggerated pleating and tiered waistlines that altered proportions dramatically.
Another dominant motif was baby pink. Instead of autumnal darks, many stars chose pale pastels in clean, columnar cuts that allowed hue and tailoring to do the work. Alongside these monochrome approaches, textured and three-dimensional floral details made a strong showing: gowns embellished with beaded blooms, appliqués, and pom-pom–like floral accents added movement and tactile interest to otherwise streamlined shapes.
Whimsy also appeared in butterfly motifs, where designers integrated wing-like elements and colorful, lifelike ornamentation into bodices and necklines. The butterfly details ranged from delicate appliqués to dramatic, sculptural wings, reinforcing the night’s tendency toward couture that resembles wearable art.
Gala program, awards, and fundraising results
The gala functioned as both a celebratory evening and a major fundraiser for the museum. Co-chaired by prominent figures in film and fashion, the event raised more than $14 million to support exhibitions, educational programming, and public initiatives. The formal program opened with remarks from the museum’s leadership and continued with a sequence of presentations and awards that honored filmmakers and performers for their contributions to cinema.
Highlights of the program included a Luminary Award presented to filmmaker and composer John Carpenter introduced by a fellow director. An Icon Award was given to Charlize Theron and another recognition, the Vantage Award, was handed to Colman Domingo. The evening’s entertainment featured a high-profile musical set introduced by a well-known talk show host and delivered by Taylor Swift capping off the night on a celebratory note.
Food and hospitality were managed by guest culinary collaborators and an established catering team, with a seated dinner preceding the evening’s performances and presentations. The mix of old Hollywood and new-generation attendees created a cross-generational atmosphere, and the gala reinforced its reputation as a major West Coast fashion moment where fundraising, cinema, and couture intersect.
