Fashion history was made on Hollywood’s biggest night as Elle Fanning became the first person to wear Sarah Burton’s Givenchy at the 2025 Academy Awards. Marking a defining moment in both of their careers, the actress dazzled in the designer’s inaugural haute couture creation as Givenchy’s new creative director.
Stepping onto the red carpet at the 97th Oscars, Fanning embodied elegance in a custom gown that paid homage to the legacy of the storied French house. The moment was even more poignant as it preceded Burton’s much-anticipated debut Givenchy show in Paris on March 7. “Sarah has become a dear friend and collaborator,” Fanning shares. “This year is my first time attending the Academy Awards, and it’s an incredible honor to be the first woman to wear a Sarah Burton couture Givenchy design.”
A Match Made in Fashion Heaven
Burton and Fanning share a unique creative synergy, one that has evolved over years of collaboration. “There’s always an emotion, a feeling when you put on the clothes,” Burton reflects. “Fittings are the most important part to me—that’s when everything comes to life.” For Fanning’s Oscars moment, the process was no different. The two meticulously narrowed down sketches before Burton personally flew to Los Angeles for the fitting. “We’ve done this before for Cannes, but I will never tire of watching her work—cutting and draping right on my body,” Fanning says. “Among the five dresses, there was one white toile that was so effortlessly elegant, we all silently knew it was the one.”
A Timeless Tribute with a Modern Edge
Inspired by Hubert de Givenchy’s first collection, Burton reinterpreted a 1952 lace dress once worn by model Ivy Nicholson. “It all starts with silhouette,” Burton explains. “I’ve been revisiting the origins of Givenchy—its stripped-back modernity—and it felt like the natural direction to take.”
The resulting masterpiece was a breathtaking gown crafted from white French Lyon lace and silk tulle, cinched at the waist with a black grosgrain bow. While the nod to the house’s heritage was evident, Burton infused contemporary elements, including a structured corset, a reimagined 1950s bra, and a sweeping Watteau-train cape. “It felt like kismet,” Fanning says. “Another first, inspired by a first.”
The look was perfected with vintage Cartier pieces, including a 1958 choker and watch, further amplifying its timeless allure.
A Fashion Affair to Remember
Fanning and Burton’s partnership is one of mutual admiration. The actress has been a steadfast supporter of the designer, previously turning to Burton—then at Alexander McQueen—for standout moments, including her showstopping crystal-encrusted ball gown at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. She also made a statement at Burton’s final McQueen show, seated front row in a historic tortoiseshell-corseted Bee dress from spring 2013. “I love Elle’s bold choices, her creativity, her talent,” Burton says. “I couldn’t have imagined a better collaborator for my first Givenchy couture creation.”
An After-Party Look to Dance the Night Away
For the Vanity Fair after-party, Fanning continued her Givenchy streak, changing into a second custom look. This time, she embraced a sultry yet sophisticated black Chantilly lace dress, echoing elements of her Oscars gown, including a cape detail and ’50s-inspired bust, while adding a modern twist. The ankle-length silhouette, adorned with black sequins and a hint of red, was the perfect balance of elegance and after-hours allure. She completed the look with a Cartier High Jewelry necklace and a striking Coussin de Cartier ring.
With her first Academy Awards appearance, Elle Fanning not only cemented herself as a style icon but also ushered in an exciting new chapter for Givenchy under Sarah Burton’s visionary leadership. One thing is certain—this is just the beginning of an unforgettable fashion era.
