The Museum of Modern Art’s 2025 Film Benefit, presented by Chanel, honoured Sofia Coppola to celebrate her work. With a room full of ambassadors and friends of the house, the night promised refined elegance.
Drop-Waist Dilemma
I was most excited to see Lupita Nyong’o in Matthieu Blazy-era Chanel, but this Spring 2026 dress wasn’t the moment I hoped for. Yes, this look worked on the runway, but I don’t think this drop-waist silhouette is working for her. Even swapping out the shoes — thank goodness — couldn’t save the silhouette from feeling a little deflating. It’s not the dark backdrop. I can see the dress clearly. It’s simply not doing what it needs to do for her.
Shimmering Serenity
Elle Fanning, on the other hand, was the night’s breath of fresh air. In a room of midnight-black dresses and moody lighting, she floated in wearing her signature soft, luminous palette. Her shimmering Chanel Spring 2026 draped dress struck that sweet spot between ethereal and elevated— the exact lane Elle thrives in. The pink metallic pumps were perfect. She glowed. Truly.
Muted Minimalism
Sofia Coppola stayed firmly in her wheelhouse, choosing a black sequined dress from the same Chanel Spring 2026 collection. No draping — just a clean, elongated silhouette. It’s very Sofia: minimalist, unfussy, quietly chic. If Elle was the chandelier, Sofia was the candlelit table — both luminous, just in completely different ways.
Pajama Purist
Rose Byrne arrived in full Chanel PJs. And listen, I’ve defended the dressed-up pajama trend many times, but this didn’t feel elevated — it felt literal. The cami underneath pushed it even further into bedtime territory. With different styling, this could’ve read cool and louche, but the execution leaned more “late checkout” than “MoMA gala.”
Velvet Restraint
Olivia Wilde is still deep into her pared-back era, shelving sheerness for winter, and honestly? I can’t be mad at it. Her strapless velvet gown was simple, elongated, and quietly striking. No statement jewellery, no overthinking — just a dress doing exactly what it needs to do
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