It was a moment of pure, polarized fashion drama. On November 17, Anya Taylor-Joy arrived at the 16th Annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles, and the red carpet effectively stopped. Wearing a sheer, white Maison Margiela Artisanal gown.
She looked less like an actress and more like a "spectral bride" from a gothic romance. From this newsroom's perspective, it was a bold, avant-garde swing that demanded attention.
Our fashion desk has dissected the look. Pulled from the Maison Margiela Fall 2025 Couture collection (designed by Glenn Martens), the gown is a technical marvel.
The Corset: A structured, anatomical bodice that exaggerated her ribcage and waist. The Skirt: A sheer, pleated white fabric that cascaded from the waist, creating a "waterfall" effect. The Cape: A diaphanous layer that gave her movement a ghostly fluidity.
Fashion insiders immediately spotted the lineage. This specific silhouette the high-neck sheer overlay and intense corsetry mirrors the look Kim Kardashian wore to the Academy Museum Gala just last month. While Kim's version included a face mask and darker tones.
Anya's interpretation was stripped back and "angelic." It proves that the same couture house can tell two vastly different stories: one of anonymity (Kim) and one of exposure (Anya).
Let's be honest: high fashion often confuses as much as it captivates. While fans praised the "high elf princess" energy, online critics were baffled by the dress's front draping.
The gathered fabric at the pelvis created a unique silhouette that some found "unsettling" and others called "art." Is it a fashion faux pas, or is it just Margiela doing what Margiela does best—subverting our expectations of the female form?
To ground such an ethereal look, the styling had to be sharp. Taylor-Joy, a global ambassador for the house, wore Tiffany & Co. diamonds, including a platinum necklace with Akoya pearls. The Vibe: She skipped the runway's face mask.
Opting for her signature "down" blonde locks and matte makeup. It was a calculated choice to let the face—and the diamonds—shine through the conceptual noise of the dress.
From this newsroom's perspective, Anya Taylor-Joy remains the red carpet's most interesting player. She refuses to play it safe. Whether you loved the "spectral" aesthetic or questioned the tailoring.
you couldn't look away. In a sea of safe strapless gowns, she brought theatre. And isn't that exactly what the Governors Awards are for?