Keke Palmer is still in her archive era, and I, for one, am living for it. After wowing in vintage Chanel at the SAG Awards, she’s back with another deep dive—this time in a look from the Christian Dior by John Galliano Spring 2003 Haute Couture collection.
For the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, where she presented Cynthia Erivo with her honour, Keke delivered a look that was equal parts theatrical and effortlessly glamorous. The orange corset paired with a sheer embroidered maxi skirt (complete with a fox motif and a feathered hem) is the kind of daring, high-fashion risk we love to see her take. Add in the trailing scarf cascading down her back, and it’s giving old-school Galliano drama in the best way.
Yes, the skirt is very sheer, and I know some will find it off putting. But honestly? There’s no way to line a piece like this without losing the integrity of the embroidery, and if anyone can pull off unapologetic look-at-me fashion moment, it’s Keke.
Then there’s the hair debate. Matching your outfit to your hair colour could be seen as a risky move, but in this case, it just works. The warm tones of the orange hue complement rather than compete I feel.
Do I love it? Yes. Keke is in a rich vein of fashion form right now, fully committing to this archival renaissance, and I am here for it. In fact, I actually prefer her version over the original runway look. Keep the vintage gems coming, Keke.
Stylist: Molly Dickson.
Credit: Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE / Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE
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