The 2025 Met Gala showcased a dazzling array of fashion statements, but none quite as bold as Jenna Ortega's striking dress, crafted entirely from metal rulers. This year's theme, "Tailored for You," inspired a plethora of interpretations, yet Ortega's avant-garde approach truly stole the show.
Held on May 5, 2025, at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met Gala is renowned for its extravagant displays of creativity. Ortega, the star of Wednesday and Beetlejuice, made a memorable entrance in a futuristic silver gown designed by Olivier Rousteing of Balmain. The dress, a shimmering sheath, was ingeniously constructed from classroom rulers, meticulously cut to various lengths and linked together to form a plunging bustier and a form-fitting silhouette.
Ortega's ensemble was not just a testament to innovative design but also a thoughtful homage to craftsmanship. As Rousteing explained, the inspiration for the dress came from the humble measuring ruler, a tool symbolic of tailoring and precision. "This dress is a poetic, feminine, and reverential take on the theme," he noted, highlighting the artistic vision behind the creation.
To complement her metallic masterpiece, Ortega adorned herself with elegant accessories, including silver Hearts on Fire earrings and diamond rings, all harmonizing with her silver Christian Louboutin pumps. Her long hair was styled in meticulous Old Hollywood waves, while her makeup featured smoky eyes and a plum-lined lip, creating a soft contrast against the boldness of her dress.
The Met Gala red carpet was bustling with A-listers, and while many attendees adhered to the tailored theme through traditional suit variations and accessories like pinstripes and blazers, Ortega's outfit stood out as a daring deviation from the norm. This innovative approach to fashion is what has made Rousteing's designs a focal point at the Met Gala for years. Last year, he created a viral sensation with Tyla's hourglass-shaped dress made of sand, showcasing his flair for the dramatic.
Ortega's bold fashion choice was emblematic of the evening's spirit, which celebrated not only individual creativity but also the art of tailoring and the cultural significance of Black style, highlighted by the gala's exhibition titled "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This theme resonated throughout the night, with many guests opting for experimental and sculptural outfits that pushed the boundaries of traditional fashion.
Among the other standout looks was Janelle Monáe, who donned a meta, multi-layered suit by Thom Browne, and André 3000, who made a statement in a grand piano outfit—yes, you read that right! The evening was a showcase of theatricality and extravagance, with celebrities embracing the opportunity to express their unique styles.
After her stunning appearance on the red carpet, Jenna Ortega shifted gears for the after-parties, shedding her ruler dress for a tailored black blazer-bodysuit. Photographed arm-in-arm with fellow actor Sabrina Carpenter, Ortega's new look was a chic contrast to her earlier ensemble, further emphasizing her versatility and fashion prowess.
As the night unfolded, it became clear that the 2025 Met Gala was not just about showcasing luxury but also about celebrating the craftsmanship and creativity that go into fashion. Ortega's ruler dress, with its clever design and thoughtful execution, encapsulated this ethos perfectly. It was a reminder of how fashion can transcend mere aesthetics to tell deeper stories about culture, identity, and artistry.
The buzz surrounding Ortega's dress and the overall flair of the Met Gala has left fashion enthusiasts eagerly anticipating what next year's event will bring. With designers like Rousteing at the helm, one can only imagine how the themes of innovation and creativity will continue to inspire future generations of fashion.
