The intricately crafted, wearable artistry of New York designer Grace Ling has enchanted even Kylie Jenner. As Jenna Ortega stepped out for the 2025 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 18th, she embraced her established gothic glamour style with a fierceness that was all her own. The Wednesday actor donned a look from Ling's spring 2026 collection—the "leaf petal couture dress," as described by Ling herself—which was recently showcased at New York Fashion Week. The silver body-ensconcing breastplate wrapped around Ortega's neck, forming a backless dress that flowed into a chocolate brown silk skirt that clung to her body like a second skin. It was ethereal, alluring, and the perfect embodiment of Jenna Ortega's unique style.
The gown was just one of many looks pulled straight from the spring 2026 runways; from Kendall Jenner in The Row to Ayo Edebiri in Chanel, and a succession of celebrities in Balenciaga, the evening's de facto dress code was fresh off the runway. Ortega's glam matched the look's moody, refined vibe, with her cherry-cold red hair crafted into a low ponytail and a sweeping set of thick side bangs by her hairstylist, Cesar Deleon Ramirez. Makeup artist Mélanie Inglessis kept up her bleached brows, with monochromatic but natural-looking skin, carved cheekbones, a smoky eye with sharp liquid eyeliner, and a taupe lip that completed the look.
Over the past year, Ortega has mastered personal style and dressing for the press and promo tour; from a reptilian skin-like Ashi Studio gown to a pirate-esque Vivienne Westwood look, a ripped-up GapStudio jersey dress to make any mid-aughts emo princess swoon, and an Ann Demeulemeester avant-garde silky grey suit. As fall approaches and gala and award seasons pick up speed, here's to many more glamorous goth looks from this fashion icon.
