Legendary ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ star looked glamorous at the inaugural Bal d’Été, a fundraising gala that helped kick off Paris Haute Couture Week on Sunday (July 6).
The exclusive black-tie event, hosted by none other than Sofia Coppola, raised funds for upcoming exhibitions at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs—the museum where the gala was held.
Among the 300 guests was the Spanish actress, Penélope Cruz, who stunned in a translucent dark blue Chanel ensemble adorned with paillette detailing.
Penélope, a Chanel ambassador, accessorized with a black bag and wore her hair in a messy updo.
Penélope Cruz donned a dark blue Chanel look at the Bal d’Été gala, which opened Paris Haute Couture Week
Naturally, the online fashion police had plenty to say about the Oscar winner’s look, with one social media user commenting, “Gypsy vibes? Not ugly, just not Chanel chic.”
Another user was less merciful. “I hate everything about this down to the mani. Call the authorities.”
A third said the outfit gave “MOB mall fashion” vibes, while someone else penned, “The dress is horrible and yet she still looks stunning. Imagine having that power…”
A separate fan gave the look a thumbs up, adding, “Absolute dream. The only thing I would change is the bag.”
The exclusive event, hosted by Sofia Coppola, raised $2.8 million for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
According to Vogue, the summer ball raised an estimated $2.8 million for the museum’s upcoming exhibition, 1925–2025: One Hundred Years of Art Deco, which opens October 22.
Other stars who attended the glitzy fundraising event included Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst, Diane Kruger, and Anna Wintour.
Penélope, who won an Oscar for Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008, is known for keeping her private life out of the spotlight, particularly when it comes to protecting her two children.
Social media reactions to Penélope’s Chanel look were mixed
Last year, she told Elle Spain that she and her husband, actor Javier Bardem, keep a “sacred rule” to shield children Leo and Luna from the public eye.
“I have a sacred rule, and that is that we do not talk about them [with the press],” she revealed.
“If one day they have a job facing the public, well, they will have to learn to deal with that. But right now, it’s not time; they are just two children whom we absolutely protect.”
Penélope and Javier began dating in 2007 after co-starring in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. The Spanish stars had previously worked together on the 1992 film Jamón Jamón.
The Oscar-winning actress revealed last year that she has slowed her work pace to focus on parenting
The mom of two—who has described motherhood as “the most radical change” she’s ever experienced—told the magazine that she wants to prioritize raising her children instead of starring in several films a year like she used to at the start of her career.
“I worked a lot before, and at a crazy pace because that’s what was required at the time, when I was doing four movies a year.
“I will never regret it. Since they were born, we do everything possible to be fully present in their upbringing. It is the most important thing for us.”
Penélope’s husband, Javier Bardem, shared that their family prefers living in Spain, where they feel respected by locals
The Ferrari actress further revealed that she’s “very tough with technology” and will not let their children, aged 14 and 12, use social media until they’re “at least 16,” citing concerns for their mental health.
Last year, Javier opened up in an Interview magazine conversation with Richard Gadd about why his family prefers to live in their native Spain instead of Hollywood.
“Personally speaking, I’ve never felt anything but love and gratitude and joy and fun on the streets,” said the Monsters actor.
“And that’s why we live here, because we feel like we are among our people.”
He said he and Penélope get recognized in Spain, but people “are used to that” so they don’t bother the couple.
The mom of two stars alongside Johnny Depp in the upcoming thriller Day Drinker, their fourth movie together
The actress is set to star in Day Drinker, the film that marks Johnny Depp’s Hollywood comeback following his trial against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
It is the fourth collaboration between Johnny and Penélope after Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express.
The thriller follows a cruise ship bartender (played by Madelyn Cline) and a mysterious day drinker (Johnny) who find themselves entangled with a criminal figure (Penélope), according to a statement from film distributor Lionsgate.
A release date has not been announced.
Penélope will also star in The Bride!, a monster film slated for release in March 2026.
The stellar cast of the movie—inspired by James Whale’s Bride of Frankenstein—includes Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Annette Bening.
Most social media users disliked Penélope’s translucent Chanel look
