Natalie Portman has had dozens of red carpet hits over the years—each ensemble more different than the one before. But throughout numerous movie premieres and award shows—not to mention hundreds of designers—there's one look that has become a Portman's calling card. And she's spent years honing it to perfection.
On May 27, the May September actor touched down in Rome, Italy, for Dior's latest Cruise fashion show. She was draped entirely in ivory ruffles, wearing a one-shoulder ball gown from the luxury label. Portman wrapped one of the gown's many chiffon layers around her neck like a scarf, before topping with an ankle-length topcoat, also in white.
With her hair pulled back in a sleek low-pony, Portman's outfit was a perfect mixture of Jackie and Black Swan, two of her most iconic films.
This outfit, while stunning, doesn't exist in a vacuum. Portman has been evolving her aesthetic for nearly two decades, wearing similar styles on various red carpets.
For example: Almost 17 years ago to the day, Portman wore another elaborately ruffled A-line dress to the annual amFAR Gala held at Cannes. The design also featured a one-shoulder neckline and several tiers of white folds, before ending in a voluminous, asymmetrical skirt.
Two years ago, Portman wore a second white ruffled style on the 2023 Cannes red carpet. She chose a cupcake-style ball gown, modeled off one of Dior's most recognizable archival dresses: the Junon. This design had a strapless embellished bodice and a scalloped skirt trimmed with navy blue sequins. (Portman nodded toward the gown again at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, in a black-and-silver recreation of another archival piece topped with a bow.)
The Academy Award-nominee has relied on Dior for almost as long as she's been in Hollywood. At today's Cruise show, held among the relics of ancient Rome, she likely found another dress to add to her ever-expanding wardrobe. Watch this space: Portman's signature look will undoubtedly continue to evolve.
