The pre-Oscars celebration hosted by Chanel in collaboration with author Charles Finch drew a who’s-who list of fashion insiders and Hollywood A-listers. At the center of the buzz was Kristen Stewart, who arrived in an edgier look that blended streetwise casual with red carpet glamour. Her outfit featured short shorts paired with a black mesh tank top detailed with sparkling rhinestones, a combination that read both daring and polished for the couture-heavy evening. The ensemble was completed with ankle boots in black leather, worn over soft socks that peeked above the boot line, and a makeup approach that heightened the eyes while keeping the rest of the face refined. This styling choice underscored Stewart’s reputation for pairing minimalist pieces with a fearless confidence, a signature that has cemented her status in contemporary fashion circles.
Nicole Kidman also attended and was warmly welcomed by Stewart during the whirlwind of photos and fashion moments. The guest list extended beyond the two leads to a constellation of stars and industry figures, including Lily James and Rita Ora, each channeling their own take on chic evening wear. Both were seen in black lace tops that balanced sensuality with a refined, tailored finish. Brie Larson and Marion Cotillard contributed to the evening’s aesthetic with ensembles that honored classic silhouettes while embracing modern textures and details. Camila Morrone, formerly linked to Leonardo DiCaprio, added star power to the crowd, while Minnie Driver and Sigourney Weaver offered veteran glamour that reminded attendees of cinema’s enduring style traditions. Actor Kevin Bacon and his wife Kyra Sedgwick appeared, joined by Idris Elba and his partner, Sabrina, among other notable filmmakers who lent the night an air of exclusive celebration.
The event followed a broader trend in Oscar season where fashion houses host intimate gatherings to mingle press, designers, and talent ahead of the awards show. The Chanel-hosted party highlighted the brand’s enduring relationship with timeless, bold fashion choices, and it provided a setting for stars to showcase personal style in a way that aligns with the house’s signature aesthetic. In this context, Stewart’s look stood out not only for its striking rhinestone embellishments but also for how it balanced edge with elegance, a balance that resonates with audiences across North America.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Oscars, industry observers noted that the entertainment world is leaning into curated, fashion-forward events that blur the lines between red carpet spectacle and intimate couture showcases. The Chanel gathering, in particular, underscored the role of fashion houses as cultural tastemakers, offering a platform where emerging trends can be tested and celebrated before they reach wider audiences. The night served as a reminder that style moments can travel quickly from private parties to global discussions of fashion and film in both Canada and the United States. The champagne-red carpet evolution, first made headline in the early 1960s, continued to influence the mood of these gatherings, signaling a shift from the traditional red to a warmer, celebratory hue that mirrors the season’s optimism and glamour. This backdrop enriched the evening’s dialogue about how celebrity style, brand storytelling, and cinematic prestige intersect to shape the broader narrative of the awards season.