Teyana Taylor turned heads at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday, 17 October, wearing a striking Schiaparelli gown featuring a sculpted breastplate with embossed nipple details. It drew attention from some fans for its unconventional approach to red carpet glamour.
The look showcased the label's signature flair for surrealist fashion, but its daring details also sparked debate among fans. While some praised Taylor for embracing an artistic design, others questioned the exposed anatomical elements and overall styling.
Details Behind Teyana Taylor's Schiaparelli Gown
Taylor's gown was designed by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli's Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2026-2027 collection. The pale-blue creation combined a glossy, silicone-moulded bustier with a sheer maxi skirt embroidered with stretch-tulle flowers.
The sculpted breastplate was the outfit's most striking feature, with its lifelike shape and embossed nipple details giving the bodice an almost anatomical appearance. Its rigid construction contrasted with the delicate skirt, creating a balance between futuristic armour and romantic couture. The skirt was adorned with three-dimensional floral appliqués in a gradient that shifted from pale blue to brown, with rhinestones adding extra sparkle.
Taylor completed the look with beige pointed-toe patent leather stilettos, diamond earrings and a pixie cut. Her frosty eye makeup and glossy rosy-brown lipstick complemented the cool tones without distracting from the gown's unusual construction.
Teyana Taylor at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala. pic.twitter.com/hZlBm7pOos
— 21 (@21metgala) October 18, 2026
Hit or Miss? Fans Share Their Verdicts
Many fans were impressed by Taylor's ability to carry such an unconventional design, praising both her appearance and the gown's artistic details. One admirer wrote: 'Schiaparelli was made for Teyana'. Another declared: 'This is what art truly is'. Others were equally enthusiastic, describing Taylor as beautiful and breathtaking while calling the dress stunning.
However, others felt the entire ensemble did not quite work, despite praising Taylor herself. One critic called the dress 'hideous', adding that the sheer material did not match her skin tone. Another raised similar concerns, writing: 'Why did they not switch out the white sheer fabric and replace it with lining that matched her skin tone???' The contrast between the mesh and her skin became a recurring criticism, with some suggesting that a different fabric choice could have made the outfit look more cohesive.
The breastplate's fit also sparked discussion, although one commenter defended the spacing around the chest by explaining that rigid structures can sit differently from natural curves. Others questioned the gown's proportions, while one fan argued that different shoes would have completed the look more successfully.
Zendaya's Similar Breastplate Look Revisited
Taylor's appearance also drew comparisons with Zendaya, who wore a Schiaparelli breastplate gown during the London press tour for The Odyssey in July. The two looks came from the same Autumn/Winter 2026 couture collection, explaining their similarities.
Zendaya looks ethereal in Schiaparelli for London premiere of ‘The Odyssey.’ 🤍
— Glitter Magazine (@glittermagazine) July 6, 2026
The actress walked the carpet in a sparkling gown, complete with a breastplate that was just debuted by Alex Cosani hours earlier at the Schiaparelli FW26 runway show. #Zendaya #TheOdyssey… pic.twitter.com/MD6CXEgYjk
Zendaya's version featured a white breastplate paired with a skirt finished with faded ombré beaded fringe that created a gradient effect. Meanwhile, Taylor's blue design incorporated delicate floral appliqués. Although both looks embraced sculptural bodices, their contrasting colours and finishes gave each outfit a distinct identity.
The comparison also highlights Schiaparelli's continued interest in architectural silhouettes that blur the line between clothing and sculpture.The two looks shared the same design elements but differed in their styling details. These subtle variations showed how the same couture collection could create distinct red carpet moments.
