Salma Hayek’s look for the Kering Foundation’s gala

Salma Hayek proved (again) that a timeless LBD is anything but simple, bringing a new level of sophisticated power to the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women dinner in New York City.

Forget the expected gown. Salma Hayek’s look for the Kering Foundation’s gala was a masterclass in modern, structural elegance. The actress, a long-standing fixture in the Kering universe as wife to CEO François-Henri Pinault, chose a look that felt both classic and radically fresh. The strapless black dress, or perhaps a hybrid gown-suit, featured a sculpted, sweetheart neckline that created a sharp, architectural bustier silhouette.

The real innovation was in the skirt. The garment extended downward in a sleek, column-like form, creating a streamlined, floor-length profile. A daring, high-waisted wrap detail with prominent button accents at the hip gave the illusion of a tailored suit jacket draped over the gown, adding an androgynous, powerful edge to an otherwise feminine cut. The fabric itself appears to be a heavy, matte crepe or suiting material, giving the look a sense of gravitas and clean lines.

Hayek wisely kept the rest of her styling minimal, allowing the bold silhouette to command full attention. She wore her hair in a sleek, half-up style, with the top section pulled back to highlight her face and a long, straight cascade of hair falling down her back. Her makeup was a study in confident glamour: a soft smokey eye and a subtle nude lip kept the focus on her striking features without distracting from the outfit’s sharp lines.

For accessories, she chose a small, black box clutch and a pair of delicate, sparkling drop earrings, which provided just enough gleam to contrast with the matte texture of the dress. The overall effect was one of refined confidence—a statement that says more with structure than with embellishment. It’s a look that solidifies her status not just as a red carpet star, but as a style icon unafraid to bend the rules of black-tie dressing.