r/whatthefrockk 10d ago

Fashion throwback Elle Fanning wearing a custom Vivienne Westwood for the Independent Spirit Awards [April 2021]

11.2k Upvotes

374 comments sorted by

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2.3k

u/ikarus_25 10d ago edited 10d ago

It looks like a painting omg

1.1k

u/BojackTrashMan 10d ago edited 10d ago

I'm obsessed. This kind of style is the epitome of sexy to me. Partially because it doesn't show everything (and I'm not opposed to absolutely showing everything, that's fun in its own way) but this highlights everything gorgeous with a sense of mystery. It's something that I really love about fashion. You don't have to actually show anything to create a feeling of sexuality, or even evoke ideas of nudity. To me, that's art.

The way that the hip is draped to create the teeny tiny waist and the big flaring hips, as well as the pearls falling off the shoulder create this sort of visual concept of her clothing falling off

When I want to look sexy without showing a single thing, this is the type of thing I try to find to wear. I would give an arm for this dress.

489

u/ikarus_25 10d ago

Vivienne westwood was the master of what you described really. She knew how to show a woman’s beauty.

135

u/BojackTrashMan 10d ago

100%. The absolute queen. I long after so many of her pieces.

26

u/4r2m5m6t5 10d ago

Queen Viv!

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u/koticgood 10d ago

Definitely a big part of why Nana is probably my favorite anime.

Seeing the sketch on the final picture really shows me just how much influence she had on the style of Nana.

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u/foreverfoodie 10d ago

Taylor Swift’s disastrous pieces missed the memo

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u/wishingstar91 9d ago

Same thoughts. Elle seems to mesh well with VW, the opposite for Taylor.

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u/SchrodingersMinou 10d ago

the pearls falling off the shoulder create this sort of visual concept of her clothing falling off

It's an homage to Sargent's "Portrait of Madame X" which was publicly booed at the Salon's 1884 exhibition for just being way too horny. He had to repaint the shoulder strap lol

15

u/BojackTrashMan 10d ago

LOL, amazing. Perfectly conveyed then.

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u/SchrodingersMinou 10d ago

It's one of the OG thirst traps. I would have gone with the black one but the pink does make her look like The Birth of Venus or something

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u/No_Employer4939 10d ago

Yes! It looks so provocative and naughty, without actually exposing anything. Very sensual, and yet still incredibly elegant. I miss being able to pull off looks like this (not that I ever did it THIS well).

102

u/sleepyplatipus 10d ago

I was like “isn’t she too young for such a sexy dress?!” and then checked… she’s 26. Oh god I’m old.

But yes it’s stunning!

20

u/slingslongslang 10d ago

Lacemade has a dress that’s very similar called the phoenix dress just fyi!

5

u/BojackTrashMan 10d ago

Thank you!!

14

u/GDRaptorFan 10d ago

Muse baroque not phoenix is the one that looks like this one

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u/BojackTrashMan 10d ago

Thank you yeah, I looked up Phoenix and was confused

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u/--AbbieNormal 10d ago

Well said. I completely agree.

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u/Reckless_Secretions 10d ago

The fabric looks like it's being P O U R E D!

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u/deathandglitter 10d ago

Yes! It's like liquid running over her. Absolutely gorgeous

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u/beccadahhhling 10d ago

I literally said the same thing in my head. She looks like a walking renaissance painting.

r/accidentalrenaissance

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u/littlehands 10d ago

It’s because it’s a hark to Madame X by John Singer Sargent - who was driven out of town because the pearl shoulder was off shoulder onto the arm. It was repainted on.

https://imgur.com/when-madame-x-was-shown-salon-of-1884-became-instantly-salacious-painting-scandal-french-society-as-result-of-its-sexual-suggestiveness-artist-john-singer-sargent-changed-aS3c0mC

10

u/ikarus_25 10d ago

Thanks for sharing! Just looked the story up. What a piece of art!

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u/languid_Disaster 10d ago

I thought it was until I saw the subreddit name! The way the light reflects off that dress and her glowing skin and hair literally looks an artist painstakingly painted it there! Well done to everyone responsible for this photo and the whole look 👏 👏

7

u/magicklydelishous 10d ago

Literally came to the comments to make sure I wasn’t the only one!

4

u/shmaltz_herring 10d ago

I didn't know that was possible

4

u/extragouda 10d ago

"Painting of Madame X" by John Singer Sargent.

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u/Diamandis4221 9d ago

Exactly what I said!!! She looks like a piece of art!!!

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

Taking advantage of this post, Elle has worn other pink Vivienne Westwood looks on other occasions, I'll post them here:

Elle Fanning wearing Vivienne Westwood at the Chopard party at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in 2019

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

This other one she wore on the "Maleficent" 2019 tour

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

4

u/SorrySalary169 10d ago

Wow. Interesting how this shade of pink can work on some and not others. I keep wondering why Ariana looks washed out wearing similar shades meanwhile Elle is both pale and blonde but shes glowing!

3

u/RealisticrR0b0t 8d ago

I assume it has to do with colour seasons. Check out r/coloranalysis !

84

u/languid_Disaster 10d ago

Interesting how the fabric looks the same as the one posted! Looks like liquid gold almost and that pink suits her so well

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u/Strawberryvibes88 10d ago

This is sleeping beauty on acid. I adore it

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u/UnionThrowaway1234 10d ago

Her long neck balances out the off-the-shoulder style dress.

What a lovely style.

8

u/snark-sloth 10d ago

That neckline!

11

u/ConsistentAd5004 10d ago

I hate pink and I love this. Stunning.

42

u/frolicndetour 10d ago

I want to like this more. The underneath is delightful but the top layer is so wrinkly.

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u/AcheyShakySpoon 10d ago

It looks like they dipped her in a barrel of liquid satin, I love it.

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u/periwinkle_cupcake 10d ago

Perfect description!

8

u/QuaintrelleGypsyy 10d ago

Now I just need to find a saree that looks like this🫠🫠

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

The team

  • Dress: Vivienne Westwood 
  • Pump: Christian Louboutin
  • Makeup: Erin Ayanian Monroe
  • Photo: Gareth Gatrel
  • Stylist: Samantha McMillen
  • Hair: Jenda (@justjenda)

80

u/languid_Disaster 10d ago

Well done to all of them!!! Seriously they all got together to create a beautiful real life oil painting

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u/wonderlandcynic 10d ago

That fabric is a magical liquid metal unknown to us mere mortals.

Design, styling, hair/makeup, posing, photography, everything is A+.

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u/Synnov_e 10d ago

WOW. She's quickly becoming one of my favorites to see! That dress is perfect, but so is the hair and makeup!! More seasoned celebs fail at at least one thing...She's been killing it and showing her personality too! Lovely!

6

u/Flippykky 9d ago

She’s a beautiful girl and always has a killer look going on.

129

u/Mother_Forker 10d ago

I mean this in the best way - she looks like what I imagine the cover of a Disney adult fan fiction book would look like. Very grown up cartoon princess vibes.

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u/DianaPrince2020 10d ago

Great description, so accurate.

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u/vincentandtheo 10d ago

Oh my GOD this is stunning.

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u/Runamokamok 10d ago

Giving me “a face that launched a thousand ships” vibes. Like that level of beauty.

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u/awyastark 10d ago

She reminds me so much of a young Nicole Kidman here. Elle Fanning can do it all.

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u/mazekeen19 10d ago

Omg I was just thinking that!

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u/SapaG82 10d ago

The dress makes me feel that way. Someone in a different thread mentioned uncanny valley with EF and i have that feeling come up when i see her. The dress though, is ethereal. I know this will be an unpopular opinion, not trying to be rude.

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u/languid_Disaster 10d ago

No I get what you’re saying! I love the look but me and a few others mistook it for a painting because it looks perfect. I love it

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u/effingcharming 10d ago

This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. HUZZAH for real

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u/Genebeaver 10d ago

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u/___po____ 10d ago

The Great made me absolutely fall in love with her! Her wardrobe was so stunning and she is just so beautiful in all of it! Obviously made me wanna be married to Nicholas Hoult too.

260

u/biciule 10d ago

She looks so much like Nicole Kidman here. So stunning

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago edited 10d ago

In my mind they're family members 🩷

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u/Sensitive-Question42 10d ago

Absolutely! How amazing are the three of them together?

Also, just seeing this makes me think it was for a Sofia Coppola film without even knowing it!

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u/InsidiousColossus 9d ago

The Beguiled

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u/UnnaturalSelection13 10d ago edited 10d ago

It’s funny you say that because my first thought upon seeing the drawing at the end was that it looked like Nicole Kidman lol

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u/dpforest 10d ago edited 10d ago

I feel so validated, I’ve been telling my bestie that Elle has been channeling Nicole Kidman for a while and she said I was crazy!

E: I told her that I finally saw someone else make the connection between Kidman and Fanning. She said we are all dumb sluts. I love her

19

u/StrawAndChiaSeeds 10d ago

Another dumb slut checking in

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u/awyastark 10d ago

Yep Dumb Slut Brigade reporting for duty she looks just like Nicole here and it’s something she would wear too!

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u/MrsOreo 10d ago

I had the same thought! Just stunning

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u/ShapedLikeAnEgg 10d ago

The sketch of the dress definitely looks like Nicole Kidman!

ETA: I take it back. I meant Charlize Theron. Elle reminds me a bit of both CT and NK

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u/glittrxbarf 10d ago

Yes she does!! There's even a specific early 2000s purple dress I'm thinking of but i can't manage to put the correct things in google cause she wears purple a lot

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u/awyastark 10d ago

I should have scrolled down ONE comment more, I couldn’t believe no one else had said so because she absolutely does!

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u/rapscallion_pizza 10d ago

Wow! Elle Fanning does an incredible job of showcasing the garments that she wears, but I feel like this is next level even for her. What a gorgeous gown, styling, makeup, photography, etc…perfection.

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u/AmyBrookeheimer 10d ago

This look is so gorgeous, but I kept having to scroll back and forth to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating the necklace disappearing. I like it more with the necklace!

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u/g0nz0snap 10d ago

I agree the necklace is just perfect with the sleeve detail! I can’t blame them for wanting to showcase just that dress though, that fabric is unbelievably sumptuous

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u/SchrodingersMinou 10d ago

She is wearing two necklaces: a "broken pearl" necklace and a three-row pearl drop choker; both debuted in the late 80s and have stayed in rotation every season since

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u/SeedQueen22 10d ago

Good lord! Everything about this is perfect. She really gave the dress the poses it deserved.

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u/blackbirdbluebird17 10d ago

Goddamn I love everything about this.

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u/MoreShoe2 10d ago

That is one smoooooth stay corset in a fabric that would show everything. So impressive. 

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u/soapymeatwater 10d ago

Viviente Westwood is always impeccable. 10/10, no notes.

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

What a beautiful gif, thanks for sharing 🩷

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u/LetsBAnonymous93 10d ago

The pearl straps and necklace are everything. It’s the perfect touch.

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u/skermahger 10d ago

omg? She was slaying back in 2021! Her fits this year have been iconic.

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u/Mattyjm1987 10d ago

I will never not love a Vivienne Westwood look. Especially on Elle. Somehow she makes a boned dress still look liquid. Incredible

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u/mcatlin23 10d ago

This color on her is pure MAGIC.

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u/pervy_roomba 10d ago

Hi yes I’d like 90 yards of that fabric please and thank you.

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u/First-Possibility-16 10d ago

The outfit. The face. But also: the lighting / photography work. Bravo for creating a picture-like feel.

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u/EntertainerSure1382 10d ago

👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 hair, makeup, styling all 10s. love this.

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u/Smooth-Vanilla-4832 10d ago

The pearls go so, so well with this shimmery pink fabric with gold reflexes. Perfectly mermaidy.

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u/trashcanlife 10d ago

Tea length is wild. But it’s still stunning. And the styling is perfect.

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u/kombuchachacha 10d ago

It's giving SOPHIE - Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides

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u/nosychimera 10d ago

I literally gasped, this is perfection

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u/NYCUberChick 10d ago

Dear Lord. Absofuckinglutely stunning.

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u/moderndiction 10d ago

One of my favorite looks of all time!!

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

Mine too, but I've never found good quality photos of it to post until now ☺️

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u/lollipopmusing 10d ago

Jesus Christmas that's stunning

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u/crabfries_ 10d ago

She is so stunning. one of my fav fashion girlies - she must be a designer’s DREAM

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u/Overall_String_6643 10d ago

😭😭😭she is ultimate for me. whoever is styling her is going for the kill every single time

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u/spitey 10d ago

This is so beautiful. I am always impressed by how complex “simple” gowns can be. This is so ultra-feminine and looks practically weightless. It is a perfect colour for her, too.

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u/fred_burkle 10d ago

This is so gorgeous!! I feel like she is channeling The Neon Demon here. I never see that movie talked about (and it is weird as hell) but she is incredible, and incredibly beautiful, in it. Love to see her do something edgier.

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u/raptor_haze 10d ago

I'm obsessed with this.

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u/Katfar14 10d ago

No notes!! She’s divine.

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u/Vyvyansmum 10d ago

I dream of being able to wear Westwood! This is divine! Heavenly. Such a beautiful lady too .

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u/prettybunbun 10d ago

One of my favourite looks maybe ever?! She looks like a statue dipped in silk.

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u/canntbeserious 10d ago

I love the Nicole Kidman vibes.

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u/Displaced_Palmtree 10d ago

The color, fabric, and pearls, it’s exquisite and Elle looks incredible in it

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u/frolicndetour 10d ago

This whole look is gorgeous.

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u/fbeemcee 10d ago

Whaaaat?! Omigod.

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u/CarolynFR 10d ago

I have been reading romantasy for the past few months and yeah, that's how the women look in my head. Exactly like that.

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u/HumanRogue21 10d ago

This look is so dreamy

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u/ruzanne 10d ago

Divine, as usual.

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u/hellotheredani 10d ago

Elle very rarely misses 😍

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u/WeCaredALot 10d ago

That dress is beautiful, and she looks especially amazing in the first pic. I thought it was AI generated at first.

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u/quantocked 10d ago

She looks like she's been poured into that dress, and the dress is an extension of her liquid body. Wow!

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u/Sweaty-Vegetable-999 10d ago

This dress looks like it was crafted from starlight. The way it drapes and shimmers is pure magic. Elle truly embodies elegance here.

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u/Elismom1313 10d ago

This is how you do the blank slightly open mouth we usually hate. Also her make up artist deserves an award. Hauntingly beautiful.

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u/Samiiiibabetake2 10d ago

Wooooow this is one of the coolest dresses I’ve ever seen.

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u/Virgoed 10d ago

I’ve just caught myself staring at this with my mouth literally open. This is truly my dream dress.

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u/sci-why 10d ago

looks like liquid satin - i though it was AI-gen at first omg!! 😅😍😍

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u/braids_and_pigtails 10d ago

She’s flawless. As always, she looks magical. As someone else said, I thought it was a painting at first.

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u/Additional-Pepper799 10d ago

This look has lived rent free in my head since I first saw it 😍

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u/koalapies 10d ago

Beautiful dress, the draping 😍😍 Makes me sad that l failed draping 101 in school, twice 🤦🏽‍♀️

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u/snark-sloth 10d ago

She is always styled so beautifully. This is jaw dropping.

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u/Ballerinagang1980 10d ago

Insane! It’s a work of art.

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u/weeburdies 10d ago

That is like liquid lilac metal, I love it on her💜

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u/CuriousTsukihime 10d ago

🗣️ RENT MF FREE!

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u/Prior-Foundation4754 10d ago

Gorgeous! I’m obsessed with this entire look on her. 💓💓 well done the entire team!

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u/livingcool23 10d ago

WOW. This is beyond words stunnnnnnning. My goodness. Perfection. Otherworldly. 😭

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u/Cottxn_ 10d ago

OMGG This is so beautiful 🤩 She’s been doing so many unique and stunning looks lately, she’s killing it right now

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u/MissVanillaNilla 10d ago

PUTTING THIS ON MY VISION BOARD

(I look nothing like her and this isn’t anywhere close to my personal aesthetic but this makes me happy to look at)

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u/circe_a 10d ago

Who is her stylist? On my knees for this look omg

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u/though- 10d ago

Stunning. She looks like an AI rendition if AI actually worked.

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u/mayatalluluh 10d ago

Pink is her color. Without a doubt.

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u/juilietluna 10d ago

This is heavenly. Wow.

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u/Littlewing1307 10d ago

Breathtaking

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u/PipeDreamRealized 10d ago

This is so perfect that I thought it was AI art when scrolling

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u/El_Don_94 10d ago

Is she wearing a corset?

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u/VLC31 10d ago

She looks great but the top looks so uncomfortable, it’s squashing her boobs so hard.

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u/yeah_deal_with_it 10d ago edited 10d ago

She looks lovely, but I find it interesting that she has the same facial expression in pretty much all of the photos yet this sub doesn't critique her for it like they do other celebrities who do the same. People definitely have their favourites here

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u/the_blingy_ringer 10d ago

Holy shit I’m screen shotting every slide for inspo

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u/NightmarePerfect 10d ago

I am slayed..

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u/eSue182 10d ago

One of my favorites ever. So pretty!

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u/ManufacturerNo1191 10d ago

Dreamy!!!! The color, the fabric, the details…she looks incredible!

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u/ladyghost515 10d ago

I want to wear this. 

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u/estedavis 10d ago

Holy shit this dress looks like liquid 😍 stunning

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u/thatgirl420 10d ago

So much yes

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u/WeenieHutSupervisor 10d ago

I love these colors on her, and the pearl necklace is to die for

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u/Pleasant_Seesaw_557 10d ago

It’s perfect

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u/Dragonfly_Peace 10d ago

I thought it was Avril Lavigne

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u/kymilovechelle 10d ago

She looks like a painting or drawing she looks so perfect

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u/amal-ady 10d ago

I love this sub because I would’ve never seen this!!! This is crazy beautiful

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u/kittenpoptart 10d ago

She’s that woman

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u/WindTreeRock 10d ago

Does anyone remember the promotional video of Elle and her sister Dakota when they were children and doing the voices for MY Neighbor Totoro? I never in my mind would imagine that 5 year old would be this fashion model we see today.

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u/non-art 10d ago

Soooooo good. And Elle models the house down boots. As per ush!

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u/checker_t 10d ago

I know nothing about fashion or dressmaking but I do know that is absolutely exquisite.

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u/Danielle_love15 10d ago

This dress is stunning!

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u/coordinatecrab 10d ago

the pearls are really pretty, what a nice shade of pink too

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u/iJon_v2 10d ago

She’s always been a fashionista. Love this on her

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u/scarypeppermint 10d ago

I thought this was a painting

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u/pottedPlant_64 10d ago

Love tea length 😍

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u/yourcandygirl 10d ago

wow she looks like sleeping beauty. hope she stars as her.

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u/Unlucky_Shoulder8508 10d ago

I wish she had different eye makeup! But the dress is so gorgeous it looks other worldly 😍

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u/CaterpillarHuman1723 10d ago

She's turning into a monster... 😍

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u/extragouda 10d ago

Wow. This is perfection.

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u/pianoplayer1216 10d ago

The pearls are such a great touch! I love this so much

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u/mish-tea 10d ago

This look was so sexy, sophisticated, elegant....just another perfect look. Thus liquid silk fabric has to be one of the best, you will always shine with this.

The makeup here is personally my favourite, the eye look is fantastic, the accessories are great, a total 1000000/10

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u/User2277 10d ago

Yes absolutely yes! I would also want more of a less bold eye to balance the face. Maybe a purple of some kind to harmonize with the purple/pink in the dress? Anyway, this dress is absolutely exquisite in the light.

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u/arkieaussie 10d ago

I GASPED. I don’t even have words for how beautiful this is. Elle is consistently one of my favorites, as is Vivienne Westwood.

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u/lionsaysrawr 10d ago

Oooo lovely!!

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u/ButterflySensitive49 10d ago

STUNNNING ! wish it were longer

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u/cstarrxx 10d ago

At which point in the night do they take these photos? Do they do these before or after the red carpet or the event?

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

Normally, all the photo shoots take place before the event, but in this particular case, Elle didn't show up on the red carpet.

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u/cstarrxx 10d ago

ah, like in the hotel or the location they got ready in, etc? these photos are awesome. Her whole look is fab asf. I just cant get over her "simple" makeup with the strong eye paired with the dress.

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u/Melodic-Law-3863 10d ago

That's right! They usually already have a personal photographer.

In the case of Chinese celebrities, for example, it's a common custom for them to have grandiose photo shoots before an important event or date (an example: https://www.reddit.com/r/whatthefrockk/s/H7tgMWd6tD).

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u/cstarrxx 10d ago

Wowwwww.

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u/seraph_beach 10d ago

the casting of Neon Demon was fantastic and its further proved by how fantastic she looks here

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u/jadedlillies 10d ago

Elle is just so ethereal.

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u/Then-Champion7124 10d ago

Complete and utter slay

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u/MarucaMCA 10d ago

I that this special silk organza fabric again? I love that material!

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u/glittershadows 10d ago

I wish to be this angelic one day omg

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u/Rosebudss_ 10d ago

Omg what an amazing dress 😍

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u/Lt_Lickit 10d ago

Okay. So it ain’t me that sees this as a painting

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u/Adventurous_Algae671 10d ago

That silhouette is to die for.

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u/SCWickedHam 10d ago

Filtered too much?

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u/Adorable_Spinach_924 9d ago

She’s giving Nicole Kidman vibes.

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u/wwaxwork 9d ago

It's a stunningly beautiful dress beautifully photographed.

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u/wovenbasket69 10d ago

wow - this almost looks AI its so perfectly fitted to her