In case you missed it, Amanda Seyfried graced the 2025 Joy Awards in Riyadh this past month wearing a debut look from Alessandro Michele's Valentino Garavani Spring-Summer 2025 Pavillon Des Folies collection. The appearance marks one of the most significant red carpet moments for Michele's debut collection, showcasing the house's storied codes with his own distinctive maximalist sensibility.
The gown's composition embodies the savoir-faire of the house: multiple tiers of silk chiffon in Valentino's signature rosso create a dramatic silhouette. A prominent noir grosgrain bow at the waist serves as a refined punctuation. The neckline, adorned with intricately pleated rosettes, displays Michele's facility with the house's traditional techniques while pushing them into contemporary territory. The design eschews the runway version's keyhole detail, offering a more classical evening wear interpretation that maintains the collection's theatrical spirit.
Michele's inspiration drawn from 18th- and 19th-century pleasure gardens manifests in every detail of the gown. "I think that fashion is the embellishment of the garden that is life," the designer explained to WWD during the collection's September debut. This philosophy is evident in the calculated excess of the garment – each tier, fold, and embellishment serving his maximal-yet-refined aesthetic.
Seyfried's styling choices complement the gown's stunning appearance: metallic platform sandals provided height without competing with the dress's drama, while diamond drop earrings added subtle sparkle. Her beauty look – focused on mascara, subtle blush, and a soft cranberry lip – offered a modern counterpoint to the gown's historical references.
The appearance builds on Michele's growing momentum at Valentino, following Apple Martin's custom gown for Le Bal des Débutantes – the first celebrity commission of his tenure. Since succeeding Pierpaolo Piccioli in 2024, Michele has methodically explored Valentino's archives, telling WWD, "It's a real house with a real owner, with his chair, his table. It's like you are a guest, so you need to do a deep dive."
At the Joy Awards, Seyfried joined a constellation of global talents including Christina Aguilera and Anthony Hopkins, yet commanded attention in Michele's masterful creation. As the designer continues to shape his vision for the historic maison, this red carpet moment suggests a promising fusion of tradition and innovation that positions Valentino at the forefront of luxury fashion's evolution.
