McKenna Grace has spent much of her life in front of cameras, attending red-carpet events since she was seven. But while the actress grew up in the spotlight, feeling comfortable in the clothes she wore was not always easy. During her teenage years, severe scoliosis affected her confidence and made fashion fittings a particularly difficult experience.
Now, following spinal surgery in 2022, Grace says her relationship with fashion has changed. As she promotes The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the 20-year-old is embracing elaborate outfits, paying tribute to the franchise's previous films and finding new ways to express her love for its characters through clothing.
How Scoliosis Affected Her Relationship With Fashion
In an interview, Grace recalled being a deeply insecure teenager and described fashion as a 'source of anxiety'. Her scoliosis meant one of her hips sat higher than the other, making it difficult for dresses and skirts to fit as intended. Instead of enjoying fittings, she often needed extensive tailoring to make outfits work for her body.
The physical challenges also affected how she viewed her appearance. Grace explained that even though she exercised regularly, she struggled with the way her body looked and felt during those years. She described experiencing dysmorphia and anxiety whenever fashion was involved.
The actress underwent major spinal surgery in 2022, which she said changed both her life and her body. Before the procedure, her spinal curve measured 47 degrees. Afterwards, it had reduced to six degrees.
That change marked an important turning point in how she approached getting dressed. Rather than seeing fashion as something to worry about, Grace now enjoys the creative process and the opportunity to celebrate the films she loves.
Turning Hunger Games References Into Fashion Statements
Grace's change in attitude is particularly visible during the promotional campaign for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Playing Maysilee Donner, a District 12 tribute selected alongside a young Haymitch, she has worked with stylist Molly Dickson to create outfits filled with references to the franchise.
One of the most recognisable looks was a reworked vintage Monique Lhuillier wedding gown inspired by the dress worn by Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The original costume famously transforms during the film, making Grace's choice a particularly meaningful tribute.
She also wore a custom red Mônot gown inspired by the Calvin Klein dress Jennifer Lawrence wore to the 2011 Oscars. The reference brought the franchise's fashion history into Grace's own red-carpet appearances, connecting her promotional wardrobe with the actress who previously led the films.
Other looks have drawn on the wider fictional world. A black dress with red feathered shoulders referenced Katniss's victory-tour appearance at President Snow's mansion, while a grey-blue outfit with a cream collar recalled Jena Malone's Johanna Mason press-tour styling.
The Details Behind Her Method Dressing
Grace's references are not limited to recreating famous outfits. She has also incorporated details connected to Maysilee and the story's arena. Flowers represent the setting, black reflects District 12, and she has repeatedly worn her character's signature braid.
Butterfly motifs are another recurring feature, referencing the butterfly mutts in the arena. A mint Betsey Johnson dress, meanwhile, drew inspiration from the outfit worn by Amandla Stenberg's Rue during an interview scene in the original film.
Her playful approach has extended to more recent appearances, too. A black Versace dress decorated with polka dots, butterflies and ladybugs added another character-related detail to the promotional wardrobe, with the ladybug references linked to Maysilee.
Grace has admitted that she sometimes messages Dickson as late as 3 a.m. with fresh ideas. She describes herself as a major fan of the franchise and enjoys finding small details that other fans might recognise.
That enthusiasm was also evident at the London fan screening on 28 October, where she wore an Almée Couture gown inspired by the landscape of the film's arena.
A Newfound Confidence on the Red Carpet
The promotional wardrobe represents more than a series of carefully planned fashion moments. It reflects how Grace now approaches an experience that once made her feel uncomfortable.
With the pressure of fittings no longer defining her relationship with clothing, she can focus on the creative possibilities of each appearance. Her outfits celebrate the characters, costumes and actresses that helped shape the franchise, while allowing her to bring her own interpretation to the promotional tour.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 20 November 2026. For Grace, the campaign has offered an opportunity to combine her love of the films with a newfound enjoyment of fashion — a change that makes each red-carpet appearance feel less like an obligation and more like a chance to have fun.
