A Closer Look at Elle Fanning’s Risk-Taking Critics Choice Look

Elle Fanning was undeniably one of the best-dressed stars in attendance at the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards this Sunday. Fanning—whose Hulu series, The Girl From Plainville, was nominated for Best Limited Series—chose an unexpected take on the 19th-century bustle skirt from Alexander McQueen. Perfect for a 21st-century It-girl!

Fanning is no stranger to retro silhouettes. Her silky Gucci slip dress at last year’s Golden Globes, for instance, channeled Grace Kelly’s sleek style; as did the Dior ensemble she wore to the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. But for the Critics Choice, Fanning and stylist Samantha McMillen were drawn to McQueen’s romantic version of the bustle, a garment from the early-to-mid 1870s consisting of a pad or frame worn underneath a skirt to exaggerate the hips. Turns out, they spotted it on the spring 2023 runway back in October and have been eyeing it for an awards show ever since. “I’ve worked with Elle for over 10 years, and we always look for something authentically ‘Elle’,’’ says McMillen. “We both loved this dress from the spring 2023 collection—a strong, powerful silhouette with soft whitework embroidery referencing the artist Hieronymus Bosch.”

A closer look reveals intricate embroidery inspired by Bosch’s 15th- and 16th-century oil paintings. You could say the dress, then, doubles as art. This approach to the red carpet is one we will likely continue to see Fanning for the rest of awards season. And even more likely is another McQueen gown to do so. “There is always that duality in Sarah Burton’s designs that resonates with us both,” teases McMillen.

Below, a closer look at Fanning’s Critics Choice dress.