Jenna Ortega turned heads on the 2025 Emmys red carpet earlier this month, wearing a barely-there jeweled look, pulled from the runway of Sarah Burton’s first collection for Givenchy.
The top was crafted entirely of oversized gems in an abstract construction that gives the illusion of strategically placed strands of jewels hanging from her neck. Instead of the slouchy trousers that the top was styled with on the runway, the 22-year-old actress paired it with a custom high-slit black skirt for the evening.
Ortega’s stylist, Enrique Melendez, recently appeared on Jess Lucero’s Plus One podcast to discuss the bold look, sharing the very specific request she made once the night was over.
Jenna Ortega walks the red carpet at the 2025 Emmys in a barely-there jeweled look from Givenchy. WireImage
Ortega’s bejeweled top, on the Fall 2025 runway of Sarah Burton’s first collection for Givenchy. Givenchy/Instagram
Melendez revealed that the top weighed “a good 20, 30 pounds at least,” continuing, “Imagine that on your bone.”
The star, who was in attendance as a presenter, later told her stylist, “Enrique, I love you, but can we please do something more practical next time?”
“That thing was digging into her poor collarbone,” he added.
A closer look at the construction of the 20-30 pound top. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
The bejeweled Givenchy top was a head-turner from all angles. WireImage
Ortega is not alone in her red carpet weight-lifting journey. She joins the ranks of Rihanna, who wore a 55-pound Guo Pei cape to the 2015 Met Gala and Glen Close, whose 2019 Oscars gown from Carolina Herrera weighed in at 42 pounds, among other celebrities who have thrown caution to the wind in the name of fashion.
In just a few short years, the “Wednesday” actress has proven time and time again that she’s a force in the fashion world, committing to the construction and art of every garment. Melendez describes her as being “married to the moment.”
While a slightly less weighty look might very well be waiting for Ortega for her next red carpet appearance, it’s a sure bet that she’ll still bring the drama.