Zoe Saldana’s return to Pandora has been so long in the making that I had to check my own archives. The first time I covered Avatar: Fire and Ash was back in August 2024.
In that time, Zoe has completed an entirely separate press tour, swept through awards season, and won an Oscar for Emilia Pérez. So saying this world premiere has felt like a long time coming would be an understatement.
But when the moment finally arrived in LA, she didn’t let me down.
Zoe tends to take a more understated route on the red carpet, so seeing her unleash her inner Anja Rubik in this Saint Laurent Resort 2026 gown — slashed clean to the hipbone — was not on anyone’s bingo card. Certainly not mine. But goodness, does it work. If you’re opening a global press tour, this is exactly how you plant the flag: go big, start strong, and let everyone know the tone from the jump.
Now, about that slit. I can already feel your collective side-eye brewing. And yes, it’s a lot of leg — but she is wearing tights. And between this and the look book’s version (which involves what can only be described as speedo-adjacent styling), I know which option I prefer.
What I love most is the subtle nod to the film in the palette. The deep teal feels smouldering and elemental, and that burnt-amber bow reads like a quiet flicker of fire against the smoke. Add Cartier jewels and Saint Laurent Kate sandals, and the whole thing lands in that sweet spot between sensual and sleek.
A daring start to a long-awaited tour — but is the slit a thrill, or a step too far?
Stylist: Petra Flannery.
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