Jenna Ortega commanded attention at the annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, October 18. The 23-year-old star of "Wednesday" arrived in a striking haute couture creation.
She chose a design by Grace Ling. The ensemble featured a chocolate silk skirt paired with a silver, leaf-shaped bodice that subtly revealed her side bust. Ortega completed her look with Tacori jewelry and a custom Hammitt bag.
Grace Ling had first showcased this specific piece, named the Leaf Petal Couture Dress, during her Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show. Ortega’s stylist, Enrique Meléndez, publicly lauded Ling on social media.
Meléndez called Ling "a true genius" in an Instagram comment. Ling replied, thanking Meléndez for his "magic" and stating Ortega looked "fabulous."
Ortega’s glamorous styling for the evening also included a messy low ponytail with side bangs. She wore bleached eyebrows, smoky eyes, and taupe lips. This sophisticated presentation highlights her evolving approach to beauty.
The actress elaborated on her beauty preferences in an August interview with Vogue. She noted her natural inclination for clear lipstick. She described it as both "safe and consistent."
Conversely, Ortega stated that red lipstick "feels like armor" and is "quite a statement." She explained that she began experimenting more freely with her beauty choices after starring in Netflix’s "Wednesday" and Tim Burton’s upcoming "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice."
Previous roles, she revealed to Vogue, sometimes made her feel restricted. She felt unable to wear certain lip colors without seeing the character.
"Right now, I’m in a big exploration phase in my life," Ortega commented. "I don’t want to feel tied to anything in particular. When you have the opportunity to play, why don’t you?"
This philosophy extends to embracing her natural appearance. In a L’Officiel Vietnam profile last month, Ortega shared her childhood as a tomboy uninterested in makeup.
She now views makeup as a tool to highlight her innate beauty rather than to "fix" herself. Ortega enjoys letting her skin "breathe" and showing her freckles. She sometimes adds "just a touch of intense lipstick."
Ortega also sees makeup as a means of self-expression and appreciation. She believes "it’s about being able to see yourself in a new light." Makeup, she added, provides "a beautiful gift" by allowing one to change their appearance.
Her adventurous spirit also shapes her clothing choices. In a 2023 interview with Dazed, she reflected on her childhood style. She recalled feeling she dressed "better" as a child.
She would attend school in "plastic shoes, feather boas" and was enthusiastic about "flashy socks and sequined vests." Fashion, Ortega emphasized, made her "feel like an authentic person." She concluded that "you get a sense of identity when you wear the right outfit." Her recent red carpet appearance vividly embodies this personal style philosophy.