British actress Carey Mulligan has recently taken an unexpected turn in fashion. On the red carpet, she stepped away from her signature understated style in favour of a bold art-inspired ensemble. The appearance, which coincided with the premiere of Netflix's Beef season two, marked one of her most experimental fashion moments in recent years.
Known for favouring clean lines and pared-back elegance, Mulligan surprised fashion observers by embracing texture, colour, and print in a statement look by Dries Van Noten. The ensemble signalled a shift towards more expressive dressing, aligning with a broader trend towards more experimental red carpet style.
A Striking Shift From Minimalism
Mulligan's red carpet wardrobe has long been associated with minimalist labels and refined silhouettes. Designers such as Prada and The Row have frequently defined her public appearances, often characterised by neutral palettes and streamlined tailoring.
At the London screening of The Ballad of Wallis Island in May of last year, she turned to Prada for a minimalist black satin gown with a cowl neckline that matched her preference for classic silhouettes and simple red carpet dressing.
During the 2025 British Independent Film Awards, Mulligan wore a Prada ensemble again that continued this pared-back approach. She was wearing a sage green satin gown with pleated silk georgette details.
However, at the Beef season two premiere in Los Angeles just this month, the actress chose a look that was very different from those usual minimal styles.
Carey Mulligan Embraces Effortless Minimalism in Prada at the London Gala Screening of 'The Ballad of Wallis Island'https://t.co/TvTa96AAEF pic.twitter.com/Xs8CYwHqCb
— Red Carpet Fashion Awards (@Fashion_Critic_) May 29, 2025
Mulligan Wears Brocade and Pixelated Prints
The dress came from Dries Van Noten's Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, designed under creative director Julian Klausner. It fused traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements. The main feature was a strapless, two-tone brocade bodice with rich floral patterns in gold and teal shades.
Below the structured top, the silhouette transitioned into a midi-length skirt with a pixelated floral print. The motif blended shades of pink, green, burgundy and cream, creating a visual effect reminiscent of digitised artwork or abstract mosaics.
The look was defined by the contrast between tapestry-like fabrics and digitally-inspired patterns. The mix of traditional textiles and modern print techniques gave the outfit a layered, almost painted effect, while still keeping a modern feel.
Mulligan was styled by Danielle Goldberg, who kept the styling simple so the dress remained the focal point. Mulligan paired the dress with metallic gold sandals that added a subtle touch without taking attention away from the detailed design.
Accessories were minimal, with delicate diamond stud earrings providing understated sparkle. Her makeup was looking natural and her short blonde hair was effortlessly styled.
Red Carpet Fashion Embraces Artistic Experimentation
Mulligan's appearance also underscores a wider movement within red carpet fashion. Celebrities increasingly embrace unconventional silhouettes, textures, and artistic references. Events linked to film and television premieres in particular have become platforms for more experimental styling choices.
Stylists and designers are also responding to this shift by creating collections that mix historical influences with modern techniques, as seen in this Dries Van Noten creation. The combination of brocade, embroidery, and pixelation demonstrates how traditional motifs can be reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
For Mulligan, the look reflects both her personal style development and the current direction of fashion, which places more value on individuality.
Defining Moment in Mulligan's Style Evolution
While the actress has consistently delivered polished red carpet appearances, this latest look stands out for its boldness and originality.
By moving away from her usual aesthetic, Mulligan has demonstrated versatility and a willingness to engage with more expressive fashion. And as the promotional cycle for Beef season two continues, this appearance could suggest a possible shift in her style direction.
In a landscape where red carpet fashion often goes between safe and sensational, Mulligan's modern art-inspired ensemble strikes a compelling balance. It is rooted in craftsmanship but still feels clearly modern.
