Jenna Ortega Swaps Wednesday’s Gloom for a Golden Silk Slip and Lace, and London Can’t Look Away at the ‘Klara and the Sun’ Premiere
Jenna Ortega has spent the last few years building a red carpet identity around the dark and the dramatic. Her gothic roles in ‘Wednesday’, ‘Scream’ and ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ have shaped a signature style full of corsetry, shadows and moody details, so any departure from that gets noticed. This time, Jenna Ortega’s golden slip dress brought a dose of sunshine to the festival circuit.
The occasion was the premiere of her new film at the BFI London Film Festival, and the contrast with her usual look was the whole point. Instead of black, she chose gold, and fans were quick to take notice.
Jenna Ortega steps out for the premiere of ‘Klara and the Sun’ [via/ GettyImages] https://t.co/2ZJzBPUEQK
— Complex (@Complex) October 15, 2026
For the ‘Klara and the Sun‘ gala on Thursday, October 15, Ortega wore a floor-grazing golden silk dress from Torlowei that looks a lot like a slip. It features a deep neckline, very thin straps and black lace detailing across the bodice, while delicate floral embellishments cascade down the skirt. The back-baring silhouette made for striking photos against the festival’s teal backdrop.
Jenna Ortega has arrived at the “Klara and the Sun” screening at London Film Festival. https://t.co/NxpxB6Ooq8
— L’avoir Magazine (@lavoirmagazine) October 15, 2026
She topped it off with a dainty yellow lace cap, a softer, more ethereal accessory than her viral veil from the ‘Wednesday’ premiere a few years ago. Her dark hair was styled in loose waves, and she finished with defined eye makeup and a natural lip. The mix of gold, lace and a hint of lingerie dressing gave the look a romantic, slightly daring edge.
Jenna Ortega in custom gold TORLOWEI Tokoni slip silk satin dress with black lace detailing and matching Aysha leavers lace cap at the premiere of the film "Kiara and the Sun" during the 2026 BFI London film festival. Styled by Enrique Melendez. 📸: Getty Images https://t.co/57SeihmcQL
— Style-Stars (@style_starss) October 17, 2026
The color choice isn’t random. In the film, Ortega plays Klara, a solar-powered humanoid robot called an Artificial Friend who is full of innocent wonder, so the sun-drenched palette fits the character. W Magazine noted that Klara’s connection to the sun helps explain Ortega’s recent affinity for golden accents on the carpet.
Florence Pugh, Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams at the ‘KLARA AND THE SUN’ premiere in London. https://t.co/arwqUGxVhJ
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 15, 2026
It’s a clever bit of method dressing. Where ‘Wednesday’ pushed her toward severe, witchy styling, this project has her leaning into warmth and light, with yellow sleeves at the photocall and gold at the gala. The result tells a story without saying a word.
The week started on October 14 with a photocall at The Corinthia Hotel, where she appeared alongside co-star Amy Adams and director Taika Waititi. Ortega wore a color-blocked look from Calvin Klein’s spring 2027 collection, with a yellow-and-white top and a black column skirt. She also brought along her black whippet, Twigs, who stole plenty of attention.
Ortega adopted Twigs from an animal sanctuary in Ireland while filming the second season of ‘Wednesday’, and she has said she likes having the dog around because she travels so much for work. The pair were nearly color-coordinated, with Twigs wearing a silky dark coat.
‘Klara and the Sun’ is Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel, a dystopian sci-fi drama about an Artificial Friend who bonds with a young girl named Josie, played by Mia Tharia. Adams plays Josie’s mother, and the cast also includes Natasha Lyonne, Steve Buscemi and Aran Murphy. The film marks a reunion for Ortega and Buscemi, who previously worked together on ‘Wednesday’ season 2.
It was shot in New Zealand from January to April 2024 under the working title ‘Tears and Rain’, and then sat on Sony’s shelf for more than 2 years. It arrives in United States theaters on October 23, after its gala screening as part of the 70th BFI London Film Festival.
Meet Klara. Your new best (artificial) friend. Jenna Ortega stars in the official trailer for KLARA AND THE SUN – only in theaters October 23. https://t.co/5YEX0ZVbsu
— Movie Coverage (@MovieCoverage_) June 22, 2026
Early reviews are mixed but generally warm toward the lead. Screen Daily called the adaptation overstuffed, but said many viewers should warm to Ortega’s endearing performance as Klara. The review added that Waititi shows a maturing of his more frenetic instincts, while noting that the film races through plot in a way that dilutes its focus on Klara’s relationship with the world.
That balance makes the press tour especially important. A quieter, more emotional role is a big change for an actress best known for deadpan horror, and the festival buzz suggests audiences are curious to see her in a different light.
Whatever the film’s final reception, her fashion has already won plenty of fans. Ortega has a knack for turning every appearance into a talking point, and this golden moment may be one of her most memorable yet. It shows that she can reinvent her aesthetic while still keeping a sense of drama.
What do you think of Jenna Ortega’s golden silk dress at the Klara and the Sun premiere?
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