When it comes to red carpet fashion, few stars command attention like Angelina Jolie—and her recent appearance at the Paris premiere of her film Couture was no exception. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some hailed her Givenchy gown as a masterpiece of opulent elegance, others questioned whether the semi-sheer design crossed the line into overly daring territory. Either way, one thing is certain: Jolie’s fashion choices always spark conversation.
For the premiere, Jolie opted for a midi dress from the French luxury fashion house Givenchy, now under the creative helm of Sarah Burton. The gown was a study in botanical opulence, with shimmering silver embroidery, intricate beadwork, and delicate tassels strewn across its sheer fabric. And this is the part most people miss: the dress’s formfitting silhouette and short cap sleeves were seemingly weighted down by its lavish embellishments, yet it managed to exude both grace and drama. A fringe-detailed hem added an unexpected playful touch, which Jolie balanced effortlessly with minimalist black heels and stud earrings.
Her beauty look was equally refined: blond-highlighted hair styled in soft, cascading waves with a side part, and makeup that emphasized lined eyes and a soft lip. It was a look that let the dress—and Jolie’s undeniable star power—take center stage.
But let’s not forget the film itself, which has a deep, almost symbiotic connection to the fashion world. Couture follows filmmaker Maxine Walker (played by Jolie), who travels to Paris Fashion Week to shoot a documentary. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she’s diagnosed with breast cancer, leading her path to intersect with a makeup artist and model. Here’s the thought-provoking question: Does the film romanticize the fashion industry, or does it peel back the curtain to reveal its complexities?
Director Alice Winocour partnered with Chanel during production, gaining unprecedented backstage access to the iconic fashion house’s shows and workshops. Chanel even allowed key scenes to be filmed in its haute couture salons in Paris, providing the wardrobe for a pivotal fashion show sequence. “With every project, I enjoy delving into a world that’s new to me and approaching it almost like a documentary,” Winocour told WWD ahead of the film’s Toronto International Film Festival premiere in September 2025.
As Couture hits theaters on February 18, it’s clear that Jolie’s on-screen and off-screen personas are intertwined with the world of high fashion. But we have to ask: Is this film a love letter to the industry, or a subtle critique? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s just getting started.
