Jenna Ortega's 20–30-Pound Emmys Bejeweled Top Sparks Red-Carpet Debate
Bejeweled Givenchy creation worn by the Wednesday star weighed 20–30 pounds and prompted reflections on red-carpet risk-taking
Jenna Ortega arrived on the 2025 Emmys red carpet wearing a bejeweled top from Givenchy's Fall 2025 collection by Sarah Burton. The sculptural, oversized-jewel piece was designed to read as strands of gems hanging from the neck, giving a barely-there illusion. Ortega paired the top with a custom high-slit black skirt, choosing a formal look that contrasted with the runway styling. She was on hand as a presenter for the ceremony.
The top weighed about 20 to 30 pounds, according to Ortega's stylist, and its construction was described as an architectural bold choice. The weight, resting against the collarbone and shoulders, drew attention to both the craftsmanship and the physical demand of wearing such an accessory. After the event, Ortega asked Melendez for something more practical next time, joking that the weight was digging into her collarbone. A close-up view of the piece highlighted the way the gems were arranged to create the illusion of dangling strands from the neckline.
A closer look at the top's construction showed an abstract, lattice-like framework that supported the gemwork and allowed the piece to catch light from multiple angles. Ortega's stylist described her as married to the moment, a phrase Melendez used to summarize the actress's commitment to bold, artful wardrobes. The look's drama extended beyond the red carpet, signaling Ortega's growing influence in fashion circles and her willingness to push couture boundaries for a televised event.
The moment was part of a broader trend on red carpets, where designers push the edge of wearability for moments of high spectacle. Ortega isn't alone in wearing heavy, sculptural pieces on major nights. Past examples include Rihanna's 55-pound Guo Pei cape at the 2015 Met Gala and Glenn Close's 42-pound Carolina Herrera gown at the 2019 Oscars. These comparisons underscore how some stars lean into significant physical demands to achieve iconic visual statements, a hallmark of the fashion-as-performance dynamic that has become central to awards-season culture.
In the months ahead, Ortega's team is expected to weigh practicality with spectacle as she continues to chart bold, fashion-forward territory. The 22-year-old actress has established herself as a force in the industry by embracing the construction and artistry of garments, rather than simply wearing them. While she may opt for less weighty options in the future, her willingness to take fashion risks will likely remain a signature element of her public appearances.
