Sydney Sweeney Channels Kim Novak’s Iconic Look at the 2025 Met Gala Ahead of Playing Her in Upcoming Film

The actress stuns in a Miu Miu gown that pays tribute to Novak’s iconic style while also honoring Met Gala co-chair Colman Domingo’s directorial debut, showcasing a blend of Hollywood history and modern fashion.

Sydney Sweeney made a striking fashion statement at the 2025 Met Gala, where she not only paid homage to one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars but also hinted at her upcoming role in an eagerly anticipated film. The actress, best known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, turned heads on the red carpet in a dazzling black Miu Miu gown that evoked the legendary style of Kim Novak.

Sweeney’s gown, with its sparkling black fabric and asymmetric boob cutout, was inspired by a dress worn by Novak in the 1967 film The Legend of Lylah Clare. The actress shared a snapshot of Novak in the original gown to her Instagram stories just before stepping onto the Met Gala carpet, giving fans a glimpse of the inspiration behind her show-stopping look.

Novak, one of the biggest screen sirens of the 1950s, is known for her mesmerizing performances, especially her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. The dress that Sweeney wore was a modern reimagining of the two-piece ensemble worn by Novak in The Legend of Lylah Clare, but with a contemporary twist—Sweeney’s version was a one-piece gown, sleek and daring in its design.

The look also had a deeper connection to the theme of the evening, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” as it nodded to Colman Domingo, one of the event’s co-chairs. Domingo, who is making his directorial debut with Scandalous, a film about the real-life 1957 romance between Kim Novak and Sammy Davis Jr., was honored by Sweeney’s thoughtful tribute. In the film, Sweeney will star as Novak, portraying the tumultuous love affair that was scandalized by the press and the studio system. The film’s setting will shine a light on an era of Hollywood history that continues to fascinate audiences.

Sweeney’s dedication to Novak’s legacy extends beyond the red carpet. She will not only star in the film but is also attached as a producer, ensuring that the story of Novak and Davis Jr.’s forbidden love will be brought to life with authenticity and grace. David Jonsson, known for his role in Industry, is set to portray Sammy Davis Jr.

The gown Sweeney wore also had a connection to a broader history in Hollywood. The sparkling black dress was not only worn by Novak in The Legend of Lylah Clare, but it also made an appearance three decades earlier, worn by Joan Crawford in the 1937 film The Bride Wore Red. The film, directed by Dorothy Arzner, is often considered a pioneering moment in feminist film history, making the dress a symbol of both timeless glamour and the breaking of boundaries in the film industry.

As the Met Gala celebrated Black style and cultural excellence, Sweeney’s dress bridged the gap between old Hollywood elegance and contemporary fashion. While her portrayal of Kim Novak is still in the works, fans of both actresses are eagerly anticipating the film’s release. Scandalous has already garnered buzz, and the team behind it is set to attend the Cannes Film Festival later this month to shop the film to international markets.

Although production has yet to begin, with no projected release date in sight, Scandalous promises to be a stunning exploration of love, scandal, and the complexities of Hollywood in the 1950s. With Sweeney’s dedication to channeling Novak’s iconic style, it’s clear that the actress is more than ready to take on this exciting role.