Jenna Ortega recently made a captivating appearance at the 2025 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, showcasing her distinctive gothic-glam aesthetic. She donned a custom-designed piece by New York-based designer Grace Ling, a renowned artist known for her sculpted, wearable creations. Ortega's ensemble, a silver body-contouring breastplate that elegantly transitioned into a flowing chocolate brown silk skirt, was a standout. This sophisticated look, pulled directly from Ling's Spring 2026 collection, perfectly encapsulated Ortega's unique style, blending ethereal beauty with a touch of dark allure. Her presence at the gala, alongside other celebrities sporting fresh-from-the-runway designs, highlighted a growing trend of immediately incorporating new collection pieces into high-profile events.
The centerpiece of Ortega's outfit was Grace Ling's 'leaf petal couture dress', which had only recently debuted at New York Fashion Week. This intricate design featured a metallic breastplate that enveloped her torso and extended to form the back of a dress, merging seamlessly with a clingy silk skirt. The choice underscored Ortega's consistent commitment to a dark yet glamorous fashion sensibility, a style she has cultivated and refined through various public appearances. Her stylist, Enrique Melendez, played a pivotal role in selecting this avant-garde piece, ensuring it aligned with Ortega's established image while pushing creative boundaries.
Beyond the dress, Ortega's overall presentation at the gala was meticulously curated to complement her moody, sophisticated attire. Her hair, styled by Cesar Deleon Ramirez, featured a cherry-cold red low ponytail adorned with bold side bangs, adding to the dramatic effect. Mélanie Inglessis, her makeup artist, enhanced her look with bleached brows, a natural yet sculpted complexion, sharp cheekbones, a smoky eye with precise liquid eyeliner, and a subtle taupe lip. This cohesive approach, from fashion to beauty, solidified her as a fashion-forward icon who consistently delivers memorable and thematically coherent looks.
Ortega's fashion journey over the past year has been a masterclass in personal style, marked by a series of striking outfits for press tours and premieres. From a reptilian-textured Ashi Studio gown to a pirate-inspired Vivienne Westwood ensemble and a nostalgic Gap Studio jersey dress, she has consistently embraced unique and often edgy designs. Her recent appearance in an avant-garde silky greige suit by Ann Demeulemeester further showcased her versatility and fearless approach to fashion. As the fall season progresses and the gala and awards circuits intensify, expectations are high for Ortega to continue delivering more glamorous gothic statements, cementing her influence in the fashion world.
The selection of Grace Ling's design for such a prominent event demonstrates the rising influence of emerging designers and the desire among celebrities to make immediate fashion statements directly from the runway. This trend was evident across the gala, with other stars like Kendall Jenner in The Row and Ayo Edebiri in Chanel, along with numerous celebrities in Balenciaga, all sporting pieces fresh from their respective Spring 2026 collections. Ortega's choice not only highlighted her individual style but also underscored a broader movement in celebrity fashion, where immediacy and exclusivity of new collections are increasingly prized on the red carpet.
Jenna Ortega's appearance at the 2025 Academy Museum Gala in Grace Ling's innovative 'leaf petal couture dress' exemplifies her consistent embrace of a gothic-glam aesthetic. Her meticulously coordinated look, from the sculpted silver breastplate and silk skirt to her cherry-red ponytail and dramatic makeup, showcased a harmonious blend of edgy sophistication and ethereal charm. This choice, echoing a broader trend of celebrities wearing fresh-from-the-runway pieces, solidified her status as a distinctive fashion icon who skillfully integrates new designs into her personal style narrative, promising more captivating ensembles in the seasons to come.