Selena Gomez Finally Breaks Her Little Black Dress Streak With a Cherry Red Ball Gown in London

Selena Gomez finally broke her protracted streak of little black dresses at the Emilia Pérez headline gala during the BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 11. The gown that made her switch things up was a cherry red A-line dress with a scooped neckline and a twisted bow detail cinching the waist. The bold Oscar de la Renta creation nearly matched the red carpet beneath her and recalled the crimson Prada ball gown she famously wore to the 2016 American Music Awards, where she made an emotional speech about fighting to win back her mental health.

It's unclear whether the reference was intentional, but stylist Erin Walsh clearly has a handle on current color trends. Nearly every designer from Stella McCartney and Ferragamo to Proenza Schouler and Tibi incorporated the punchy red color trend into a collection last year. Now, celebrities and civilians alike are carrying the hyper-fixation into fall and winter 2024.

I have to say, it's a relief to see the Only Murders in the Building star experimenting with color again. The all-black outfits looked stunning on her, of course, but there are only so many ways to continue iterating the same look across two adjoining press tours. (Gomez's takes included everything from a tongue-in-cheek velvet Schiaparelli keyhole gown to a mini blazer dress.) Frankly, I was concerned what her hot streak might do to the supply chain ahead of holiday party season.

For a welcome dose of sparkle, she accessorized the stunning gown with a diamond pendant necklace, diamond crawler stud earrings, and two pear-shaped diamond rings.

Gomez has been working with the same glam team for years, and her latest red carpet look is a testament to their synergy. Hairstylist Nikki Lee pulled her brunette locks into a sleek high ponytail with a couple of waves left loose to frame her face. Makeup artist Hung Vanngo seemingly used warm orange and brown eyeshadows to carve out her crease, then applied a dusting of rose-colored blush to her cheeks before finishing with a glossy, nude-pink lip and laminated brows. All of the key products likely come from Rare Beauty, but given the soft matte look of her skin, I feel pretty confident saying her beat was topped off with a layer of the brand's newest launch: True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder.

It's a glorious day indeed when Selena Gomez wears color for the first time in months. Reader, we are so back.