Scarlett Johansson Defends Her Decision to Wear Marchesa to the Met Gala

Update, 5/8, 6 p.m.: After making headlines for wearing Marchesa to the 2018 Met Gala, Scarlett Johansson defended her decision. "I wore Marchesa because their clothes make women feel confident and beautiful, and it is my pleasure to support a brand created by two incredibly talented and important female designers," the actress told People (opens in new tab).

The brand, co-founded by Georgina Chapman, has received little recognition at major events since her ex-husband, Harvey Weinstein, became embroiled in scandal, so Johansson's public nod to the fashion house last night didn't go unnoticed.

Marchesa released its own statement to People, saying, "We are truly honored that Scarlett chose to wear Marchesa for the Met Gala. She is an amazingly talented actor who has incredible style and presence. It was wonderful to work so closely with her in creating this custom look."

Original post, 5/8, 10 a.m.: Scarlett Johansson wore a Marchesa dress to the 2018 Met Gala (opens in new tab). The burgundy, off-the-shoulder style was adorned with floral embellishments, which trailed down the side of her gown. The ombre look spoke to Marchesa’s brand aesthetic for sweet, feminine creations. And while the selection is beautiful, it's notable because it makes Johansson the first star to wear the fashion house—co-founded by Georgina Chapman, Harvey Weinstein's ex-wife—at a major event since the Weinstein scandal.

Last year, shortly after news broke about Weinstein's alleged sexual harassment and assault of women, his wife's label came under fire, too. It was reported that the film producer had forced several Hollywood celebrities to wear his wife's designs; if they didn't, he would threaten their careers.

Felicity Huffman and Jessica Chastain confirmed this news (opens in new tab). While Huffman complied with Harvey's requests, Chastain says she defied Weinstein and chose not to wear Marchesa to the premiere of The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby. Instead, she wore a blue Atelier Versace gown (opens in new tab). Later, Weinstein publicly taunted her (opens in new tab).

Chapman filed for divorce from Weinstein following the allegations, and the two reached a settlement (opens in new tab) in January. Still, since the news came out, many in the fashion world wondered if any star would wear Marchesa ever again. Judging from last night, the answer is yes. It's worth noting that the star who chose to step out in Chapman's creation, Johannson, has been vocal about supporting the #MeToo movement (opens in new tab) and the Time's Up campaign (opens in new tab).

Here, more images of the star looking stunning in the ethereal creation and happy on the arm of new(ish) beau, Colin Jost (opens in new tab).