Some stars wait a lifetime to make their MET Gala debut. For actress Christine Baranski, it was extra special.
Baranski celebrated her 70th birthday on the MET Gala red carpet in a tailored Thom Browne suit. She was born to Polish parents on May 2, 1952, in Buffalo, the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New York.
“It turns out I will be turning 70 at the biggest party of the year,” the actress told The Cut. “Not that it’s being held in my honor, but I’m going to pretend everybody showed up just for me,” she added.
Christine Baranski celebrates her 70th birthday at the 2022 Costume Institute Benefit celebrating In America: An Anthology of Fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022, in New York City (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)
Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Kendall Jenner in a sheer black Prada gown with bleached eyebrows, Vanessa Hudgens in a daring sheer black Moschino dress, and Kim Kardashian in Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown.
Her first-ever Met Gala outfit was a twist on the classic suits worn by high society men during the Gilded Age. It included a sequined ticket-pocket cape jacket.
The star of HBO’s The Gilded Age incorporated a white pique corset into her outfit, which took over 250 hours to make. The cape jacket and matching elongated skirt were decked out in matte black sequins, specially developed for the actress in Switzerland and hand-applied to each vent, dart, and seam at Browne’s atelier.
Christine Baranski in Thom Browne’s white pique corset, matte black sequined cape jacket, and matching skirt (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)
Baranski Embraces Modern Elegance and Gilded Age Tailoring in Thom Browne
Browne called the sequins “unique,” adding that “they’re not masculine, not feminine. They are Christine.”
“I am always inspired by people who are the best at what they do. Christine represents this. Her work speaks for itself,” said Browne of Baranski.
Amazed by Browne’s sketch, Christine told The New York Times, “When I saw Thom’s sketch, I said, ‘Oh, that’s so elegant and stately and sleek, but it’s modern, and I don’t have to drag anything around.’”
She added that she enjoys feeling “more like a gentleman in the Gilded Age than a lady” and that she “always preferred men’s tailoring in fashion to women’s.”
Christine Baranski exudes timeless elegance in a stately Thom Browne ensemble, pairing a sharply tailored corset suit with understated black heels that subtly elevate her commanding 5ft 8½ frame (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)
Styled to Perfection: Feminine Accents, Bold Beauty, and a Commanding Finish
Cristina Ehrlich styled the birthday girl, who added a feminine twist to her suit with Kwiat Diamonds and a vintage crystal brooch by Fred Leighton.
A pair of sleek black heels subtly elevated Christine Baranski’s already statuesque 5ft 8½ (174 cm) frame. At the same time, oversized Thom Browne sunglasses added a bold finishing touch to her commanding Met Gala ensemble.
The Good Fight star wore a swipe of bold red lipstick for her beauty look that matched her nail polish. She wore glittery smokey eyeshadow and styled her tresses in her signature wavy bob.
Christine Baranski adds a feminine twist to her look with Kwiat diamonds, red lipstick, and matching nail polish (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Thom Browne
Thom Browne is renowned for revolutionizing modern suiting with his signature shrunken, tailored silhouettes, particularly his gray suits that redefined menswear in the early 2000s. Here are some standout moments where celebrities embraced his distinctive designs:
Zoe Saldana Shines in Thom Browne Brogues & Beaded Gown
- Event: 2025 Met Gala
- Outfit: Zoe Saldana dazzled in a custom black-and-white Thom Browne tuxedo dress adorned with 2.7 million white bugle beads.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black and white Longwing Brogues featuring 6.6-inch block heels, adding height to her 5’7″ frame.
- Read more: Zoe Saldana’s Thom Browne ensemble at the 2025 Met Gala
Demi Moore’s Bold Fashion Moment in Sheer Thom Browne Dress
- Event: 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards
- Outfit: Demi Moore turned heads in a sheer black Thom Browne midi dress with the designer’s signature red, white, and blue striped lining.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with black heels, showcasing her daring and edgy style.
- Read more: Demi Moore’s Thom Browne look at the Spirit Awards
Jenna Ortega Channels Wednesday Addams in Thom Browne
- Event: 2023 Met Gala
- Outfit: Jenna Ortega paid homage to her Wednesday Addams role with a moody Thom Browne ensemble featuring a black corseted dress and a cropped tweed jacket adorned with gold-lined pearls.
- Footwear: She completed her look with towering black and white Oxford heels, adding a dramatic flair.
- Read more: Jenna Ortega’s Thom Browne outfit at the 2023 Met Gala
Brooke Shields’ Power Move in Gray Thom Browne Suit
- Event: Good Morning America Appearance
- Outfit: Brooke Shields exuded confidence in a gray Thom Browne suit, featuring a cropped blazer and straight-leg trousers.
- Footwear: She paired the suit with metallic silver pumps, adding a touch of glamour to her businesswear.
- Read more: Brooke Shields’ Thom Browne suit on GMA
Julia Roberts Stuns in Sophisticated Thom Browne Ensemble
- Event: 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala
- Outfit: Julia Roberts opted for an edgy, sophisticated look in a custom monochromatic Thom Browne ensemble, featuring a white pinstriped shirt, black silk corset, and a long black skirt with a trouser-like waistline.
- Footwear: Details about her footwear were not specified, but the ensemble exuded modern elegance.
- Read more: Julia Roberts’ Thom Browne look at the Academy Museum Gala
These moments highlight Thom Browne’s impact on modern fashion, with celebrities embracing his unique approach to tailoring and design.