Known for her bold roles and even more daring fashion choices, Evan Rachel Wood has captivated audiences with her talent and fearless sense of style. Over the years, she’s used her red carpet appearances as a platform for self-expression, powerfully blending elegance with edge.
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But beyond the glitz and glamour, Wood’s fashion evolution tells a deeper story of resilience, transformation, and advocacy. After bravely coming forward with her experiences as a survivor of sexual and domestic abuse, she has become a fierce voice for change, using her platform to raise awareness and fight for victims’ rights.
From gender-fluid tuxedos at the Golden Globes to dramatic gowns on the red carpet, Evan Rachel Wood’s fashion is far more than aesthetic—it’s symbolic. Let’s take a look at how her style has mirrored her personal journey and public activism.
Evan Rachel Wood exudes sleek autumn elegance in pointed-toe heeled ankle boots and a teal coat while filming Westworld on New York City’s High Line on October 5, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)
For years, Evan Rachel Wood didn’t specifically say who her abuser was, but it soon became very clear that it was none other than her ex-fiancé, goth rocker Marilyn Manson.
In March 2022, the actress appeared in a heart-wrenching documentary series, Phoenix Rising, where she detailed the awful abuse she experienced at the hands of her ex.
How Evan Rachel Wood Met Marilyn Manson at 18: The Beginning of a Controversial Relationship
The pair first met at a party hosted at the Chateau Marmont, a swanky Los Angeles hotel well known for its sordid history, telling Elle in August 2007 that they found solace in one another’s presence since both of them were “hiding in the corner or a party neither of us wanted to be at.”
At the time, Manson was still married to burlesque performer Dita Von Teese but still pursued a friendship with Wood, who says that they became “movie buddies.”
Marilyn Manson and girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood coordinate in edgy all-black ensembles, with Evan adding a bold pop of color in crimson pants and Manson opting for a skull-print tee and leather trench (Credit: Stefan Trautmann / WENN)
Their High-Profile Romance Sparks Media Attention and Scandal
However, Dita Von Teese filed for divorce from Marilyn Manson in December 2006, with some sources citing his growing connection with Wood as a factor. Wood and Manson began their relationship when she was 18 and he was 37.
“I met somebody that promised freedom, expression, and no judgments,” she told Rolling Stone, adding that she was craving excitement and chose to travel the world with him despite concerns from others.
Marilyn Manson and girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood make a striking appearance at his Eat Me, Drink Me album listening session in Berlin on April 20, 2007, with Evan in a red satin pleated skirt, black satin-lapel blazer, and Mary Jane heels, while Manson opts for rocker-chic leather and towering platform boots (Credit: Stefan Trautmann / WENN)
Graphic Music Video and Allegations of Non-Consensual Acts
As their relationship became public, Wood appeared as Manson’s love interest in his “Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)” music video, which stirred controversy due to its graphic nature.
In the documentary Phoenix Rising, she alleged that the scene involved non-consensual acts that were not part of the original agreement, describing the experience as traumatic and unprofessional.
Manson’s lawyer, Howard King, denied the claims in a statement to The Guardian, calling her account false and disputing the allegations.
Evan Rachel Wood decorated her low bun with fresh flowers at the 70th Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 17, 2018, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
Abuse Allegations and Legal Testimony
While the public criticized Wood throughout the relationship, she later revealed that the worst abuse came from Manson himself. Early on, Wood had described their relationship to Elle as “healthy” and “loving,” but red flags emerged after a brief breakup and reconciliation in 2008.
In a 2009 interview with Spin, Manson himself admitted to engaging in manipulative behaviors and described violent fantasies, further fueling concerns about the abusive nature of their relationship.
Marilyn Manson and Evan Rachel Wood step out in coordinating edgy-glam looks, with Evan turning heads in a metallic brocade pencil skirt, black sleeveless blouse, and classic black stilettos, while Manson sticks to his signature style in head-to-toe black leather (Credit: O’Neill / White / INFphoto)
Unfortunately, no one seemed to call him out on it. Manson and Wood reconciled and became engaged in January 2010 but called it quits for good after just eight short months.
Coming Forward: Testimony, Advocacy, and Legal Battles
In 2018, Wood testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee to advocate for the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. She described experiencing escalating mental, physical, and sexual abuse, including severe manipulation, threats, and ritualistic control by her abuser.
Evan Rachel Wood wears a black APM Monaco mono dragon tail sliding ear jacket and Melinda Maria earrings (Credit: Sara De Boer / startraksphoto)
Wood continued to speak publicly, but it wasn’t until 2021 that she explicitly named Marilyn Manson, writing in an Instagram post that he had groomed and abused her for years.
In the Phoenix Rising documentary, Manson’s former assistant Dan Cleary also voiced support for Wood’s claims, stating that he had witnessed her being emotionally broken during their relationship.
Wood’s allegations include a pattern of severe physical and psychological abuse throughout their time together.
Evan Rachel Wood has long shown a soft spot for Christian Louboutin’s iconic red-soled heels, often incorporating them into her bold yet elegant looks. For the Westworld Season 3 premiere, she turned to the luxury brand again, perfectly pairing her striking Versace gown with classic black So Kate pumps that complemented her gothic-glam aesthetic.
Evan Rachel Wood in a black beaded Versace dress and Christina Louboutin’s ‘So Kate’ pumps for the Premiere Of HBO’s “Westworld” Season 3 held at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 5, 2020, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
👠 Celebrities Wearing Louboutin “So Kate” Pumps (Available at Nordstrom):
- 📍 Khloé Kardashian’s go-to nude ‘So Kate’ pumps — she often opts for the sleek nude version to elevate her outfits.
- 🌈 Rainbow Stripe So Kate glitter suede pumps — these candy-colored beauties are eye-catching and bold.
Public Support and Backlash: Rose McGowan Joins the Survivors
In Phoenix Rising, Wood also revealed that she terminated a pregnancy in 2011, describing the experience as emotionally painful and complicated by Manson’s abusive behavior at the time.
Despite receiving support from many fans and fellow survivors, Wood has faced legal challenges from Manson’s team.
Marilyn Manson and Dita Von Teese bring dramatic flair to the red carpet, with Manson in a striking gold blazer and chunky loafers, while Dita stuns in a sculpted taupe cocktail dress paired with black satin peep-toe heels and her signature retro waves in New York City (Credit: Dara Kushner / INFGoff)
Dita Von Teese, who was married to Marilyn Manson for about a year in the early 2000s, stated on Instagram in 2021 that her experience with him differed from Wood’s allegations.
Dita wrote that the public allegations did not reflect her personal experience during their seven-year relationship, adding that she left the marriage in 2006 due to infidelity and drug abuse. She also emphasized that “abuse of any kind has no place in any relationship” and encouraged survivors to seek healing.
Marilyn Manson and his girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood leaving the opening of his exhibition at Brigitte Schenk Gallery in Cologne on June 27, 2007 (Credit: WENN)
Several women have stepped forward to share their Marilyn Manson abuse stories. CAA has dropped him, the talent agency known as Creative Artists Agency, and an FBI investigation into the sexual and emotional abuse allegations against Marilyn Manson has been requested by California State Senator Susan Rubio.
Evan Rachel Wood channels old Hollywood glam in a red satin skirt, tailored black blazer, and leather gloves, while Marilyn Manson embraces his signature gothic edge in a skull-print tee and long leather coat at his album listening party (Credit: WENN)
Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, issued a denial on Instagram. “Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality,” he said.
“My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misinterpret the past, that is the truth.”
Rose McGowan, who was engaged to Marilyn Manson for two years before their relationship ended in 2001, also voiced her support for Evan Rachel Wood.
In an Instagram post, McGowan expressed sympathy for the alleged victims and criticized the entertainment industry for enabling abuse, calling it a “cult” that protects powerful figures. She publicly stood with Wood and others who have come forward, urging people not to shame survivors for the time it may take to speak out.
Their appearance at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is widely regarded as one of the most daring and iconic red carpet moments in history.
Manson wore a bold leopard-print suit with a red faux fur collar, while McGowan turned heads in a sheer, chainmail-style mesh dress designed by Maja Hanson. She paired it with a leopard-print thong and strappy stilettos that elongated her petite 5ft 3 (160 cm) height. However, McGowan looked short next to Manson, who is 6ft ¼ in (183.5 cm).
Marilyn Manson and Rose McGowan deliver one of the most daring red carpet moments in history, with Manson in a bold leopard-print suit with a red faux fur collar and McGowan making headlines in a barely-there chainmail-style mesh dress and strappy stilettos (Credit: WENN)
In January 2025, it was reported that Marilyn Manson would not face charges following a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Los Angeles County District Attorney cited a lack of conclusive evidence and expired statute of limitations.
Following years of public scrutiny, Evan Rachel Wood has focused on reclaiming her narrative through activism and bold fashion choices. Her evolving style reflects both resilience and self-expression, blending elegance with edgy flair.
Red Carpet Fashion Evolution: From Gothic Glam to Empowered Style Icon
Evan Rachel Wood sweeps her hair to one side as she attends Art of Elysium’s seventh annual Heaven Gala held on January 11, 2014, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
In January 2014, Evan Rachel Wood made a dramatic entrance at Art of Elysium’s seventh annual Heaven Gala as she debuted her cool new rocker look.
At 26, she went theatrical in a Moschino Cheap and Chic outfit, which included a shimmery ruby blazer and black cigarette pants.
Evan styled it with a white shirt, black leather fingerless gloves, smoky eyes, glossy pink lips, an embellished clutch from Rodo, and earrings from Anito Ko.
She swept her short hair to one side and styled it in retro-glam waves, finishing her look with black patent leather Christian Louboutin “Zazou” brogues that subtly elongated her 5ft 6 ¼ (168.3 cm) frame and perfectly complemented her US shoe size 9.
Evan Rachel Wood’s feet in black patent leather Christian Louboutin brogues (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
👞 Jessica Alba’s Casual Brogue Moment:
- 📍 Jessica Alba paired white AGL brogues with blue jeans and a long white cashmere cardigan, showcasing how brogues can elevate laid-back street style while keeping things effortlessly chic.
👢 Kristen Stewart’s Edgy Red Carpet Brogue Boots:
- 📍 Kristen Stewart rocked black Delphine brogue boots by Dr. Martens at the JT LeRoy premiere, blending punk-rock attitude with classic brogue detailing.
👜 Helena Bonham Carter’s Whimsical Platform Brogues:
- 📍 Helena Bonham Carter stepped out in platform black brogues with brown soles for a London screening—proving brogues can be both sophisticated and delightfully quirky.
👠 Gigi Hadid’s Brogue-Inspired Prada Ankle Boots:
- 📍 Gigi Hadid landed in Tokyo wearing brogue-inspired Prada leather ankle boots, blending classic perforations with modern, travel-ready silhouettes.
Christian Louboutin Brogues and Evan Rachel Wood’s Statement Shoes
The “Zazou” brogues from Christian Louboutin featured stacked heels, pointed toes, lace-up fronts, and signature red leather soles. While this style is sold out, similar Christian Louboutin designs are available at Mytheresa.
Christian Louboutin “Zazou” Brogues in Black Patent Leather, $795
Christian Louboutin “Zazou” Brogues in Leopard Print, $854