Nicole Kidman Steps Out in a Custom Balenciaga Gown at the Babygirl Premiere in L.A.

Last night, Nicole Kidman wore Balenciaga haute couture to the Los Angeles premiere of her new A24 drama Babygirl. The custom-made gown, crafted by creative director Demna, was inspired by the house’s spring/summer 1964 collection.

Kidman’s strapless column gown featured a fishtail hem and intricate floral detailing made of pink and ivory organza petals that were carefully hand-painted, cut, and sculpted to create a multidimensional effect. A black velvet bow belt accentuated the waist, adding a touch of sophistication that echoes some of Balenciaga’s archival designs. She paired the gown with the brand’s signature Knife pumps in black calfskin.

The original piece that inspired the gown was a long evening coat adorned with floral appliqués, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga. The coat is currently being preserved at the Thyssen Museum in Madrid. Demna’s reinterpretation of the piece involved a laborious creation process, with “24 artisans dedicating 2,850 hours” to perfect the gown’s embroidery and construction. It was initially handcrafted in India, and its final construction took place at Balenciaga’s couture atelier in Paris.

Kidman, who won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival for her role in Babygirl, has been a Balenciaga ambassador since December 2023.

She takes on a leading role in Babygirl as Romy, a CEO who risks it all when she begins to have an affair with a young intern, Samuel (played by Harris Dickinson). Reflecting on her performance, Kidman shared with Vanity Fair in August, “I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she said. “I’ve made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”