Scarlett Johansson redefined minimalist elegance at the “Eleanor the Great” premiere at TIFF, showcasing a custom Valentino gown by Alessandro Michele. Discover the subtle power of her look.
After bouncing between the VMAs and Venice, my attention is finally back on Toronto—and what better way to reset than with Scarlett Johansson at the premiere of Eleanor The Great on September 8, 2025. Her appearance was not merely a red carpet moment; it was a masterclass in the nuanced art of quiet luxury, a testament to her evolving personal style, and an intriguing pivot for a celebrated designer.
Scarlett has been quietly perfecting this soft-girl, minimalist streak of hers, and I’m completely here for it. At the Cannes premiere, she set the tone with a look that spoke softly but carried impact. Toronto felt like the sequel I actually wanted, a continuation of this serene narrative that feels both fresh and timeless.
Her custom Valentino gown, dreamt up by Alessandro Michele, was draped with such ease it gave us understated glamour at its best. The fabrication, a delicate, almost ethereal blush-toned chiffon, flowed with a liquid grace that truly caught the light, showcasing the masterful draping that is the hallmark of haute couture. The silhouette, with its elegant cold-shoulder detail and a gently cinched waist that flowed into a subtly voluminous train, eschewed overt theatrics. No sequins, no aggressive cut-outs—just pure, unadulterated elegance that whispered rather than shouted. As the renowned fashion critic, Isabelle Dubois, once remarked, “True luxury lies not in what is flaunted, but in what is exquisitely refined.”
And that’s the part I love most. Michele is known for his maximalist tendencies, a symphony of embellishment and audacious pattern, but with Scarlett, he read the room with an almost clairvoyant precision. She’s undeniably in her quiet, romantic era, and instead of fighting it, he leaned into it with a rare, refreshing restraint. It’s a powerful statement when a designer of his caliber chooses to edit, to distil his vision down to its most essential, beautiful elements, crafting a Valentino Custom Gown that feels both personal to the wearer and deeply significant for the brand.
The look was meticulously finished with Messika jewels, adding just the right touch of sparkle without overpowering the gown’s delicate nature. Her Messika Diamond Catcher 18K White Gold Long Earrings cascaded elegantly, catching the light with every turn, perfectly complementing the subtle shimmer of the fabric. On her finger, the Messika Born to Be Wild Ring offered a delicate gleam, while her feet were graced by Prada Silver Metallic Platform Sandals, a choice that blended modern sophistication with classic comfort, allowing the gown to truly take center stage. Her hair, styled in soft waves pulled back from her face, and her makeup, a sophisticated, natural palette, further emphasized this refined approach, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
This appearance cements Scarlett Johansson’s position as a style icon who understands the power of subtlety. It challenges the notion that celebrity style must always be loud to be impactful, proving that a well-chosen, exquisitely crafted gown can speak volumes in a hushed tone. It’s a lesson in effortless chic, a return to the roots of genuine European elegance, reminding us all that true style is an inherent quality, not merely an adornment.
