Elle Fanning brought a whimsical, fairy-tale sensibility to the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 17, 2026, wearing a custom Valentino gown designed by Alessandro Michele. Known for her romantic approach to red-carpet fashion, the actress embraced an imaginative couture look that combined a butterfly-inspired bodice with a sweeping multicolored skirt and cape, creating a dramatic silhouette that felt lifted from a fantasy world.
The custom Valentino creation stood out for its distinctive shape and playful sense of movement. Its butterfly-shaped bodice served as the focal point of the design, introducing a sculptural element that contrasted with the flowing layers below. The sweeping skirt brought together multiple colors, while the accompanying cape added another layer of theatricality. Rather than relying on a single dramatic detail, the gown built its impact through the relationship between its sculptural upper half and expansive, fluid silhouette.
elle fanning wearing custom valentino at the academy museum gala https://t.co/lPekhPYfm6
— 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚 (@pradapearll) October 18, 2026
