Lily Gladstone is no stranger to using fashion as a form of storytelling. The Oscar-winner often champions Indigenous designers, so her choice for the opening gala screening of The Wedding Banquet at the 2025 BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival immediately stood out.
Instead of her usual nod to heritage-focused labels, Lily took a different route, opting for a striking black duchess satin mermaid gown from Simone Rocha’s Fall 2025 collection.
Some might interpret the padlocks and chains as giving the dress a straightjacket-like feel, but I see something much more intentional. Fashion is always in dialogue with culture, and this look feels like a statement—addressing the ongoing conversation in fashion about gender, freedom of expression, and the blending of toughness with femininity.
Given the setting, it’s hard not to read into the symbolism: the chains could represent breaking free from societal expectations, while the dramatic mermaid silhouette keeps the look rooted in romance.
Lily choosing Rocha for this event also feels deeply thoughtful. The designer’s work has long explored themes of gender and tradition, often subverting expectations with unexpected materials and silhouettes. It’s a perfect match for a festival that celebrates LGBTQIA+ stories and the fluidity of identity.
And while I don’t have official confirmation on her statement earrings, I’d bet they’re by an Indigenous designer. Because even when stepping into a new aesthetic, Lily never loses sight of her roots.
Stylist: Jason Rembert.
Credit: Dave Benett/WireImage / Vogue.com
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