Imagine stepping back into the golden era of Hollywood, where elegance and allure reigned supreme – and that's exactly what Kaia Gerber did at a glamorous event, effortlessly blending timeless charm with a fresh, contemporary edge that has everyone talking.
As the weather turns cooler and the holiday season approaches, Kaia Gerber adapts her style to match the festive spirit, setting aside her laid-back, beachy Malibu vibes for outfits that scream sophistication and sparkle. This shift isn't just about the calendar; it's a clever nod to how fashion can evolve with the times, keeping things exciting and relevant.
On Thursday, the 24-year-old supermodel graced the stage at the 2025 WIF Honors, hosted at The Beverly Hilton and backed by sponsors like MaxMara, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Amazon MGM Studios, Apple TV, Delta Air Lines, Netflix, and STARZ #TakeTheLead. Channeling her inner Chanel muse, Kaia dazzled in a striking scarlet mini dress made from luxurious silk, featuring a high square neckline, delicate spaghetti straps, and subtle darts on the bodice that echoed the structured, form-fitting silhouettes popular in the 1960s – think of it as a modern take on those iconic swing dresses that defined an era of effortless chic.
© Getty Images for WIF
Her look was meticulously curated by stylist Nancy Koté, who paired the ensemble with towering black Christian Louboutin heels, their signature red soles providing a playful contrast to the dress's bold hue. But here's where it gets even more captivating – her brunette locks were sleekly straightened and parted to one side in a retro-inspired style, courtesy of hairstylist Gregory Russell, evoking the glamorous waves of classic film stars.
Makeup artist Emily Cheng enhanced Kaia's natural beauty with a sun-kissed glow, voluminous mascara, defined contours, thick brows, and a smoky eye in warm coffee tones, creating an old Hollywood palette that highlighted her striking features perfectly. It's like painting a portrait from a bygone age, but with today's tools and techniques for a flawless, radiant result.
During the evening, Kaia presented the prestigious Icon Award to her co-star Kristen Wiig from Palm Royale, delivering heartfelt words: “Tonight, we celebrate the woman who taught us that comedy is art, that chaos is beautiful, that sheer stupidity is not only encouraged but a necessity of life, and that being unapologetically yourself might be the most iconic move of all.” This moment underscored Kaia's role in honoring trailblazers who defy norms.
And this is the part most people miss – Kaia has been embracing red hues lately, a color that symbolizes passion and power. Just last week, she attended the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's 2025 Art + Film Gala, where she wore a plunging crimson sequin Gucci gown that clung to her curves like a second skin, channeling the seductive allure of Jessica Rabbit with a contemporary 2025 flair. The floor-length dress, with its deep scooped neckline and shimmering, liquid-like sequins, made her an unforgettable presence on the red carpet, proving red isn't just for holidays – it's for making bold statements.
Featuring intricate all-over detailing that caught the light beautifully, this outfit was a masterclass in merging vintage sensuality with modern design, leaving onlookers in awe of how classic elements can feel so fresh.
© Getty Images
What do you think – is reviving old Hollywood glamour a timeless trend we should all embrace, or does it risk feeling outdated in today's fast-paced fashion world? And here's a controversial twist: Some argue that leaning into retro styles can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards from eras when diversity in representation was limited. Do you agree, or see it as a fun way to celebrate history while innovating? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you're team classic revival or prefer all-modern looks!
