The ascent of Taylor Russell is one many in Hollywood aspire to. The Canadian-born actress has been on the rise since starring in films like A24’s Waves and Escape Room in 2021, but it was with the 2022 Luca Guadagnino-directed film Bones and All that Russell officially arrived. The off-beat romantic horror (which co-stars Timothee Chalamet) received a 10-minute standing ovation at Cannes and won big at last year’s Venice Film Festival including a win for Russell for best young actor. And while Russell’s acting chops are drumming up enough buzz, the actress has opened up a whole new lane through her fashion. A good press tour largely goes unnoticed, but a great one can make a star. By the end of Bones and All’s festival circuit, Russell emerged as a one-to-watch It-girl, serving up hit after hit on the red carpet. Styled by Ryan Hastings, she donned a series of one-of-a-kind looks, including archival Alaia and Vivienne Westwood, along with a slew of couture looks from Schiaparelli. Needless to say, the fashion industry has taken notice: Harper’s Bazaar and W Magazine covers quickly followed. Bookending such a big year, the actress became a Global Ambassador for Loewe last November. “I’ve never been so inspired by someone. It was the start of a very special friendship and I just thought, she has to open the show. I’m so proud she agreed,” said Loewe Creative Director Jonathan Anderson of the appointment. If Anderson is obsessed with you, you’re definitely doing something right. . Russell’s sleek and cool-girl glamour has certainly generated some excitement over here, too. Below, see some of her pivotable red-carpet moments, along with 6 outfit ideas we’re unashamedly borrowing from the rising star.
In Balenciaga Couture at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy.
In vintage Ralph Lauren at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy.
In Alexander McQueen at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy.
In Schiaparelli at the Moet & Chandon Holiday Season Celebration in New York City.
In Loewe at the 2022 AFI Fest in Hollywood, California.
In Schiaparelli at the 66th BFI London Film Festival in London. .
In custom Loewe at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California.
As 21st century as Russell’s approach to red carpet dressing is, the actress also employs hints of old Hollywood glamour. Take her now-signature long pixie cut, with its perfectly coiffed bangs, evokes memories of Leslie Caron and Diahann Caroll in the 50s. But aside from that, Russell’s glamour is never over the top—it’s dialed up just where it needs to be like this Schiaparelli mini dress simply accessorized with a simple black pump and red nails.
Having Loewe pieces on standby doesn’t seem like a bad way to live, and for a Bones And All screening hosted by the brand’s creative director, Russell fulfilled her ambassador duties in a full Loewe look. Its puffy leather bomber jacket has been christened as an It-piece of the year, so it makes sense that it would eventually make its way on Russell.
Evidently, the actress is a big fan of leather. And she took it one step further combining three big seasonal trends into one ultimate casual ‘fit. Styling an oversized blazer with a raw hem maxi skirt and Adidas Samba sneakers, Russell proves she can do lowkey just as well as sultry elegance.
For an appearance at Loewe’s menswear show last year, Russell amped things up with buckled leather pants and a see-through flesh-toned turtleneck and a coordinating nude coat. It’s an intriguing mix of hard and soft, which may explain why it has all of our attention.
A vintage red-carpet moment just hits differently—case in point, this archival Vivienne Westwood skirt suit. Revisiting runway history is a key aspect of why Russell is such a fashion force—you never know if you’re going to get a gown straight from Couture Fashion Week, or a prim and proper suit from the 80s. The actress keeps us guessing, and that’s hard to do in Hollywood.
Digging into the fashion crates again, Russell pulled out this glorious Tom Ford-era Gucci jacket from its spring-summer 2004 collection. Originally worn with an embellished midi dress on the runway, she styled it almost 20 years later the way a cool girl would: with fitted jeans and simple heeled sandals.
