The 2024 Toronto Film Festival saw a dazzling array of A-listers walking the black carpet, showcasing a range of sartorial brilliance and some intriguing choices. From classic elegance to edgy risks, these celebrities turned heads with their unique style moments. Here’s a roundup of the most notable looks before the festival concludes on Sunday.
Hold Your Breath Premiere
Sarah Paulson continues her reign as a red-carpet icon, this time in a navy Schiaparelli Fall 2024 Haute Couture suit that has solidified its place in her personal fashion hall of fame. The jacket, entirely embroidered with tonal trompe l’oeil feathers tipped with contrasted grey pearls, is an avant-garde masterpiece that plays right into Sarah’s element of dramatic elegance.
This look echoes the fashion magic of her legendary Prada gown from the ‘Ocean’s 8’ premiere, proving Sarah’s ability to seamlessly embody bold, artistic couture with ease. This ensemble was daring, detailed, and decidedly Sarah.
The Piano Lesson Premiere
Joan of Arc-inspired warrior looks dominated the black carpet this week, and Danielle Deadwyler’s Dior Resort 2025 metallic embroidered dress was the latest iteration of this trend. The dress, paired with a leather belt, oozed strength and regal power while maintaining an air of feminine grace.
While this aesthetic might be becoming a bit overplayed, Danielle still managed to stand out by embracing the armoured elegance. Her commanding presence elevated the look, giving it fresh energy.
Without Blood
Salma Hayek delivered a classic bombshell moment in a figure-hugging Gucci Rosso Ancora sequin gown featuring an asymmetric neckline. The gown was reminiscent of her look at the 2023 Baby2Baby gala, giving me a delightful sense of déjà vu.
While the silhouette wasn’t groundbreaking, Salma knows how to make a simple yet glamorous gown feel like a revelation. The way it hugged her figure and the sparkle it exuded on the black carpet made this one of the night’s most captivating moments.
Heretic Premiere
Sophie Thatcher has cemented her status as a rising star with her neo-gothic aesthetic, and this Dion Lee Fall 2024 hooded flame lace gown felt like a natural extension of that style. The gown’s sheer, backless design and bold hood created a dramatic silhouette, while the flame embellishments added an otherworldly touch.
Sheerness can often feel overdone, but this look was a rare win. Sophie’s confident styling and the unapologetic embrace of the theme made this one of the most striking outfits of the night.
The Friend Premiere
Naomi Watts also embraced the sheer trend, wearing a Dior Pre-Fall 2024 black embroidered dress. The dress was an elegant statement, but what truly elevated this look were the boots she paired it with—unexpected, edgy, and perfectly styled for this Dior creation.
This was another sheer win, proving that when done right, the trend can still feel fresh.
The Listeners Premiere
In a world where Schiaparelli is often synonymous with bold, maximalist designs, Rebecca Hall proved that the brand can do understated elegance just as well. Her long-sleeved gown, half velvet and half crepe, was a masterclass in minimalist sophistication.
The dress wasn’t screaming for attention, but Rebecca’s graceful styling would have ensured that it quietly commanded the room. It was a refreshing example of restraint done right.
The Last Showgirl
Kiernan Shipka brought a touch of romantic elegance to the black carpet in an Elie Saab Resort 2025 halter neck dress. The crochet bodice was a highlight, showcasing the designer’s impeccable craftsmanship, while the flowing skirt added softness to the look.
Kiernan’s look was a picture of ethereal beauty, striking the perfect balance between youthful charm and classic sophistication. She continues to be one of the most consistent stars when it comes to red-carpet elegance.
Billie Lourd opted for an Oscar de la Renta dress that, while beautiful, could have benefited from more floral appliques around the hemline. The dress had potential.
Went Up the Hill Premiere
Vicky Krieps, who came to our attention during Cannes Film Festival, took a more muted approach in a Chanel Fall 2024 printed dress. The look felt surprisingly subdued, especially compared to the high standard she set at the earlier festival. The Chanel brown and black toe cap boots, in particular, felt like an afterthought and didn’t quite match the mood of the dress.
William Tell Premiere
Golshifteh Farahani kept things simple yet chic in a Givenchy Fall 2024 suit. The suit was sophisticated and understated, with the six buttons on her jacket adding just the right amount of detail. Paired with a gold jewel, Golshifteh embodied her usual refined elegance. I’m glad she opted for black over the runway navy trousers.
The Wild Robot Premiere
Catherine O’Hara has an innate flair for blending humour with elegance, and her ONE OF by Patricia Voto ensemble was no exception. The Hilda jacquard jacket, inspired by traditional matador style, paired beautifully with a voluminous midi-length skirt. The floral vine design added a touch of vintage romanticism, but the overall silhouette felt fresh and modern.
Catherine always brings something uniquely her own to the red carpet, and this look was no different—timeless yet bold.
The Road to the Golden Globes
Ana de Armas has had some fashion misses lately, but her Givenchy Fall 2024 floral cloqué asymmetrical dress was a step in the right direction. While not a showstopper, the asymmetrical design and subtle floral detailing redeemed her red carpet run, giving her a much-needed win.
The dress wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was a quiet success that reminded us why Ana is still one to watch.
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