Madelaine Petsch drew mixed reactions after stepping out at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala in a plunging black top, leaving some fashion observers questioning its unusual construction. While admirers praised the actress's daring choice, others were less convinced by the unconventional silhouette, particularly the dramatic contrast between its revealing bodice and embellished skirt.
The 32-year-old Riverdale star attended the annual event in Los Angeles on Saturday, 7 November 2026, wearing a striking Georges Hobeika ensemble from the designer's Spring 2027 collection.
The outfit combined a sculpted black halter bodice with a champagne-gold embroidered skirt, creating an unexpected balance between minimal coverage and intricate detailing. Although Petsch received compliments on Instagram, the look also attracted criticism on Reddit, where viewers questioned its unusual proportions.
Madelaine Petsch's Plunging Georges Hobeika Look Turns Heads
Petsch's Georges Hobeika creation featured a structured black halter bodice with a dramatic U-shaped neckline extending towards her waist. The fabric curved around her hips, giving the ensemble the appearance of a separate top and skirt while creating an architectural silhouette that departed from traditional red carpet designs.
The lower portion featured a champagne-gold midi skirt decorated with intricate floral embroidery and shimmering embellishments. There is delicate beaded fringe along the hem that introduces movement to the outfit, contrasting with the sharply sculpted bodice and adding an element of traditional evening wear glamour.
Petsch completed the outfit with glossy black pointed-toe heels and a delicate gold choker necklace. Her signature red hair was styled in a half-up, half-down look, with loose lengths framing her face and allowing the dramatic neckline to remain the centre of attention.
Viewers Compare the Outfit to a Swimsuit and Question Its Design
Following the gala, Petsch shared a seven-photo Instagram carousel on Sunday, 8 November, captioning the post, "last night for @lacma art + film." The photographs offered followers several views of the black-and-gold ensemble, highlighting its unusual construction and elaborate detailing.
Some Instagram followers praised the actress's fashion choice, with one admirer reportedly commenting, 'Fave look of the night,' while another declared, 'She never gets an outfit wrong.' Their enthusiasm contrasted with less flattering reactions attributed to Reddit users, who questioned whether the bodice and skirt worked together.
'She looks like she's wearing a bathing suit wrapped in a tablecloth,' one Reddit commenter reportedly wrote, referring to the contrast between the revealing black upper section and heavily embellished skirt. Another suggested that the top appeared backwards because of its unusual shape, drawing attention to the garment's unconventional proportions.
Bold Fashion Choice Divides Opinion at the LACMA Gala
Petsch was among the celebrities attending the annual LACMA Art+Film Gala, which honoured artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve this year. Her Georges Hobeika ensemble stood out for its sculptural construction, pairing a revealing black bodice with an ornate skirt instead of relying on the flowing silhouettes commonly associated with formal eveningwear.
Alongside choices by Nicole Kidman, Kylie Jenner, and Kim Kardashian, Petsch was among those who had unique evening wear showing interesting new designs to the world. And while some admirers celebrated Petsch's willingness to embrace an unconventional silhouette, critics questioned whether the dramatic neckline complemented the elaborate lower half.
Ultimately, the black-and-gold creation became a subject of online fashion discussion, and continued the provocative design choices that has been sweeping up this year's LACMA Gala.
