Jessica Chastain Honors Karl Lagerfeld in Gucci Gown & Mystery Platforms at 2023 Met Gala

When the fashion elite gathered at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 2023 Met Gala, the evening served as a high-octane tribute to the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld. Among the parade of archival homages, Jessica Chastain delivered one of the night’s most transformative moments, trading her signature copper waves for a stark, platinum blonde aesthetic.

The Oscar winner’s appearance was a calculated nod to the gala’s theme, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. By embracing the designer’s own icy palette, Chastain transitioned from her usual classic Hollywood warmth into a sharp, monochromatic vision that prioritized texture and architectural silhouette over color.

Paying homage to the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, Jessica Chastain made a stunning appearance at the 2023 Costume Institute Benefit celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2023, in New York City (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

But it wasn’t just her bleached hair that had everyone talking.

Chastain wowed in a jet-black Gucci ensemble that hugged her curves. The strapless tulle bodice gave way to an elegant velvet waistline, while the floor-sweeping skirt, made of countless layers of black sheer tulle, was divided by sheer tulle panels.

As part of her tribute to Chanel’s late creative director, the Woman Walks Ahead actress donned chunky black Gucci sunglasses, occasionally removing them for photographs.

She accentuated her outfit with a striking Gucci “Hortus Deliciarum” high-jewelry ring, a long Gucci Horsebit diamond necklace, and matching black tulle gloves just above her elbows, adding a touch of elegance.

Her makeup balanced the dramatic transformation with a smoky, sculpted eye and a soft, natural lip, letting the tribute hair take center stage.

Jessica Chastain wore a tiered black strapless gown with sheer detailing, paired with sheer black opera gloves, a statement necklace, a standout cocktail ring, and a platinum blonde wig (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)

Chastain’s outfit may have been monochromatic, but it was far from boring. The layers of tulle and sheer panels added depth and texture to her look, while the black-on-black combination exuded sophistication and glamour.

While her shoes were hidden beneath the gown’s sweeping hem, Chastain—who stands at 5 feet 3¾ inches (161.9 cm) and wears a US size 7.5—almost always opts for high heels on the red carpet, often favoring platforms for both height and stability.

With the dress constructed from multiple tiers of heavy black tulle and finished with a long train, a platform heel would have reduced the risk of snagging delicate fabric while also making the Met Gala’s steep staircase easier to navigate.

Styled head to toe in Gucci at a time when the house was defined by towering platforms under Alessandro Michele, a black Gucci platform heel would have been the most practical and stylistically coherent choice.

But the real star of the show was undoubtedly Chastain’s hair. The actress temporarily covered her trademark bright red hair with an iced platinum blonde wig, which she wore long and straight down her back.

The icy new hair shade sharpened the drama of her gown, reinforcing the look’s graphic, monochromatic impact. When asked by The Cut, Chastain was quick to note that the platinum wasn’t permanent, explaining, “It’s not forever. It’s for Karl.”

She playfully hinted at the inspiration behind her look on Instagram, writing, “Any guesses who’s my inspo for tonight?”

Although Chastain often opts for classic Hollywood glamour at red-carpet events, this is not the first time she has gone lighter with her hair.

She previously sported a similar, almost-white hue in her roles in The Help in 2011 and Dark Phoenix in 2019, before showcasing it in real life at this year’s Met Gala.

Since her 2011 Met Gala debut, where she paid homage to the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” theme in a velvet dress with lace sleeves, Chastain’s style has evolved significantly.

Jessica Chastain wearing a beautiful peacock blue silk gabardine gown designed by Prada at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016, in New York City (Credit: Sky Cinema / Shutterstock)

At last year’s event, which celebrated “Gilded Glamour,” she wore a bohemian-style ruby red Gucci gown and matching headpiece.

Over the years, Chastain has tended to stick to monochromatic looks, such as wearing a pastel yellow Prada gown with the theme “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art Of The In-Between” in 2017 and a royal blue dress with the theme “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” in the previous year.

Jessica Chastain’s Evolving Red-Carpet Style, One Pair of Heels at a Time

While her platinum-blonde Karl Lagerfeld tribute turned heads at the 2023 Met Gala, Jessica Chastain’s fashion legacy is ultimately built from the ground up.

Across premieres, award shows, and fashion weeks, she has consistently paired sculptural gowns with carefully chosen heels that balance height, elegance, and wearability. From towering Louboutins to sleek Saint Laurent pumps, her footwear choices reveal how thoughtful shoe styling elevates every red-carpet moment.

Jessica Chastain in a white Toni Maticevski Resort 2019 look, Jimmy Choo shoes, and Chopard earrings at the premiere of Dark Phoenix on June 4, 2019, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)