Pierpaolo Piccioli dressed four celebrities in Balenciaga for the 2025 Academy Museum Gala, marking the first time his Spring 2026 debut has hit the red carpet. This quartet of looks perfectly illustrates Piccioli’s vision for Balenciaga — one that leans toward softness, and romance. Gone are the days of deconstruction and grunge.

Elle Fanning, Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga Spring 2026, Academy Museum Gala 2025, Balenciaga feather skirt, Elle Fanning Balenciaga, Elle Fanning Academy Museum Gala, Academy Museum Gala Best Dressed, Academy Museum Gala red carpet, Frazer Harrison/WireImage

Feather-Like

I was surprised not to see Elle Fanning in McQueen or Valentino, but this Balenciaga Spring 2026 look — featuring a blush-pink oversized top and a red feather-like skirt — creates a dreamy balance of whimsy and modernity that feels closely aligned with her style. The soft volume and unexpected texture work beautifully on her. While I’m glad the runway’s red velvet flip-flops weren’t an option, I would’ve loved to see her experiment with a shoe colour other than black.

Balenciaga Spring 2026

Tessa Thompson, Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga Spring 2026, Academy Museum Gala 2025, yellow floral dress, Tessa Thompson Balenciaga, Academy Museum Gala Best Dressed, Academy Museum Gala red carpet, Tessa Thompson Academy Museum Gala,Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty Images

Sunshine sculpted

Tessa Thompson’s yellow Balenciaga Spring 2026 strapless dress, made entirely of layered 3D floral appliqués, with its playful structure, was pure Piccioli — architectural yet uplifting. However, the look needed better footwear to complete the fantasy; her choice of simple black pumps felt too heavy for such a joyful design.

Balenciaga Spring 2026

Academy Museum Gala Best Dressed, Academy Museum Gala red carpet, Naomi Watts, Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga Spring 2026, Academy Museum Gala 2025, feather gown, Naomi Watts Balenciaga, Naomi Watts Academy Museum GalaTaylor Hill/FilmMagic

Minimalism takes flight

Naomi Watts glided down the carpet in a pale mint Balenciaga Spring 2026 column gown trimmed with ostrich feathers. It was a masterclass in minimal drama — soft, sculptural, and perfectly suited to her serene style. The clean lines balanced the whimsical feathers, proving that quiet luxury can still turn heads under Piccioli’s romantic direction.

Balenciaga Spring 2026

Academy Museum Gala Best Dressed, Academy Museum Gala red carpet, Rachel Sennott, Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga Spring 2026, Academy Museum Gala 2025, purple dress, Rachel Sennott Balenciaga, Rachel Sennott Academy Museum GalaTaylor Hill/FilmMagic

A violet rebellion

Rachel Sennott’s Balenciaga deep violet shirt dress was bold in colour but not quite in character. I love the hue, but the dress doesn’t entirely feel like her vibe. She tried to inject personality by unbuttoning the neckline, but I think a seat at the Saint Laurent or Valentino table would have aligned more with her slightly irreverent style.

FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.