Olivia Wilde Grounded Her Archival Chloé Violin Dress With Gold Platform Heels at the 2023 Met Gala

When the fashion elite gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 1, 2023, the theme “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” invited a deep dive into fashion history.

Olivia Wilde took the assignment literally, delivering a masterclass in archival revival that prioritized sculptural elegance over passing trends.

Following Nicole Kidman’s lead, who also looked to the past for inspiration, the Don’t Worry Darling director arrived in a custom creation that bridged the gap between 1983 and the present. Vogue China editor Margaret Zhang wore the black version of the same design with black platform heels.

Eschewing fleeting headlines for timeless craftsmanship, Wilde’s look leaned into the architectural silhouettes that defined Karl Lagerfeld’s early tenure at Chloé, grounded by gold platform heels that subtly boosted her height and provided stability as she navigated the Met’s grand staircase.

Olivia Wilde wearing a modern reinterpretation of Chloé’s 1983 Violin dress at the 2023 Met Gala with the theme Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 1, 2023 (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)

The Don’t Worry Darling director turned to current Chloé designer Gabriela Hearst to reinterpret Karl Lagerfeld’s original design, created when he was head of the French house.

Hailing from Chloé’s Spring 1983 collection, which took inspiration from music, the Violin dress was a sculptural masterpiece featuring cap sleeves and a giant violin-shaped panel in the center dotted with gold bugles and beads.

Olivia Wilde’s Violin dress was rendered in white and featured a giant gold violin panel in the center (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)

As Hearst told Vogue, “What I loved about the original design was the musical inspiration of it, and the surrealistic touch on it. There was something quite timeless that we could bring back to the Met Gala in 2023.”

The original design featured a black silhouette, but Hearst’s modern take used white and made it floor-length rather than a cocktail dress.

For Hearst, five-time Met Gala attendee Olivia Wilde was the perfect star to bring her updated version to life. “What I admire about Olivia is her intelligence, and that intelligence is paired with beauty. That combination is irresistible.”

Olivia Wilde turned to current Chloé designer Gabriela Hearst for her 2023 Met Gala appearance in what many call her “revenge dress” (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)

Hearst recounted seeing Wilde at an event, “and seeing this energy in her eyes, and I thought, ‘I would like to dress her.’”

Wilde looked stunning in the updated version of the Violin dress, which featured a high neckline, side cut-out detailing that showcased her abs, and matching glittering arm cuffs.

Wilde’s blonde hair had warm highlights and fell in glam waves around her shoulders. She completed her Met Gala outfit with shimmery makeup and chevron-shaped drop earrings.

Olivia Wilde ascends the carpeted steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a Chloé archival revival, grounding the floor-length gown with gold platform heels designed to add height and steady her stride (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)

Olivia Wilde’s Shoe Choices, Then and Now

From archival Chloé on the Met Gala steps to modern red-carpet and festival appearances, Olivia Wilde’s style evolution has consistently been anchored by thoughtful footwear choices.

Whether she’s using platform heels to balance dramatic silhouettes or opting for minimalist sandals to sharpen a look, her shoes play a quiet but crucial role in shaping each fashion moment.

If this Met Gala appearance sparked your interest, explore more of Wilde’s standout shoe and style moments below.