Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman and Paris Hilton brought three contrasting approaches to red-carpet glamour at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala, proving that even Hollywood's biggest stars have different ideas about making a fashion statement.
The annual fundraiser, held in Los Angeles on Saturday, 7 November, attracted leading figures from entertainment and fashion. Kardashian chose a burgundy Gucci gown featuring dramatic cut-outs, Kidman embraced theatrical elegance in Chanel, while Hilton delivered embellished glamour in a pale mint-green Jenny Packham dress.
Although all three wore eye-catching ensembles, their contrasting silhouettes highlighted different approaches to evening wear. From Kardashian's unexpected combination of coverage and exposure to Kidman's ballet-inspired volume and Hilton's shimmering accessories, the looks offered three interpretations of red-carpet dressing.
Kim Kardashian's Gucci Gown Balances Coverage With Daring Cut-Outs
Kardashian, 46, appeared in a floor-length burgundy Gucci gown covered in shimmering sequins. The dress featured long sleeves and a high turtleneck, creating an initially conservative silhouette. However, its dramatic open back and strategically placed waist cut-outs introduced a revealing contrast. The fitted design emphasised her figure, while the rich burgundy colour added depth to the sparkling fabric.
Kardashian completed the look with loose, tousled hair, smoky eye makeup and a matching manicure. The combination of a covered neckline and exposed back created one of the evening's more striking contrasts.
Nicole Kidman Turns to Chanel for a Dramatic Ballet-Inspired Look
Kidman, 59, took a markedly different approach, stepping onto the red carpet in a Chanel ensemble featuring a structured bodice and voluminous tulle skirt.The design came from Chanel's Spring 2027 collection by creative director Matthieu Blazy. Its bodice featured a textured, burlap-like appearance, while the layered skirt incorporated darker panels intended to suggest age and wear. The unusual combination referenced Edgar Degas' sculpture Little Dancer of Fourteen Years, bringing an artistic dimension to the actress's red-carpet appearance.
Rather than choosing a conventional floor-length gown, Kidman embraced a silhouette that made the skirt the centrepiece. Her loose high ponytail provided a relaxed contrast to the structured outfit. The ensemble also demonstrated how high fashion can incorporate historical artistic references while challenging traditional expectations of formal dressing.
Kidman's appearance was particularly fitting for an evening celebrating the relationship between visual art and cinema.
Paris Hilton Brings Mint-Green Sequins and Elaborate Accessories
While Kardashian explored dramatic cut-outs and Kidman embraced sculptural volume, Hilton, 45, chose a more embellished interpretation of red-carpet glamour. The entrepreneur arrived in a pale mint-green Jenny Packham gown decorated with intricate beadwork, sequins, and sparkling embellishments. The sleeveless design featured a fitted silhouette, with its shimmering surface reflecting the surrounding lights.
Hilton amplified the look with glittering opera-length gloves and layered jewellery, including a prominent choker necklace. The combination created an elaborate ensemble built around texture, shine and coordinated accessories. Compared with Kardashian's revealing Gucci gown and Kidman's theatrical Chanel creation, Hilton's outfit relied more heavily on decorative details. However, the extensive embellishments also risked competing for attention, illustrating how accessories can either enhance or overwhelm an evening look.
The three appearances demonstrated how celebrities can approach the same red-carpet occasion through dramatically different fashion choices. Kardashian relied on contrast, Kidman experimented with silhouette, and Hilton embraced decorative glamour. Their outfits also reflected the creative atmosphere of the LACMA gala, which honoured artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.
Ultimately, the evening offered no single definition of daring fashion. Instead, the three stars showed that a memorable red-carpet look can emerge from revealing details, unusual proportions or unapologetic sparkle.
