A Golden Globe nominee for her role as Catherine the Great in the Hulu hit, The Great, Elle Fanning had plenty to smile about heading into awards season. Still, 2021 has meant changes for everyone. This year Hollywood’s annual slate of celebrations has moved online to meet COVID-19 safety requirements. The shift means Fanning and the show’s creative team won’t have a glitzy night on the town, but they’ve been too busy filming season 2 to mind much. “I am in London filming, so not having to get on a plane is a relief,” shared Fanning via email. “But I do miss the big red carpet and getting to be with friends, family, and peers. Hopefully, we’ll be able to throw a big party next year!” 

Despite being a Hollywood veteran at the age of 22, this year marks Fanning’s first trip to the Globes. To mark the occasion, she didn’t skimp on fashion. Her love of old Hollywood cinema and its stars informed her choice of ensemble: a custom, mint-green Gucci gown by Alessandro Michele. “I am so in love with this look,” says Fanning. “For my first Golden Globes, I really wanted to create an old Hollywood glamour look. I have always loved the classic glamour of women like Grace Kelly and wanted to pay homage to them for my first time.” 

Kelly’s fans will undoubtedly see parallels between Fanning’s Gucci and the chiffon number by Edith Head which Kelly wore to pick up her Oscar for The Country Girl in 1956. To truly capture the retro aesthetic, Fanning’s stylist Samantha McMillen added on vintage pieces from Fred Leighton. The diamond and platinum tassel earrings, natural pearl and diamond bracelet from 1915, and platinum pinky ring from the 1920s added to the effect, as did Erin Ayanian Monroe’s understated makeup and sleek hair by Lorraine Glynn. “My makeup artist Erin and I always like to keep my skin quite natural and glowing, with the emphasis on the eyes. The glowing skin keeps the look modern,” explains Fanning. “For my hair, Lorraine and I decided to do a sleek ballet bun, a classic look to showcase the jewelry and dress.” 

The regal combination of dress, jewelry, and beauty choices made for a standout look that honored both a real-life royal and the fictionalized empress Fanning portrays. While it’s lovely to wear a one-of-a-kind Gucci gown and a vault’s worth of retro gems, Fanning’s biggest thrill of the evening was seeing the hard work of The Great’s cast and crew honored. “I am so unbelievably proud and grateful that people have responded to our show in such a positive way!” she says. “Playing Catherine has been the most incredible experience, and I’ve known from the beginning how special this project is. Every actor is brilliant, Tony Macnamara’s writing is constantly challenging us, and we have the best crew in the world! But to have audiences react this way, and understand how special it is, is the most wonderful gift.” 

Hair: Lorraine Glynn
Makeup: Erin Ayanian Monroe
Styling: Samantha McMillen
Dress & Shoes: Gucci
Jewelry: Fred Leighton