Elle Fanning turned the BFI London Film Festival into a runway test. The “Maleficent” actor arrived for her latest film, “Sentimental Value,” in Simone Rocha’s Spring 2026 outfit. The surprise was the styling — a black sequin dress layered over trousers and finished with crystal Manolo slingbacks.
Fanning opted for a sleek and modern glam to keep the silhouette sharp. Nevertheless, it was the eye-catching black sequin dress that set the moment for red-carpet flashbulbs and instant reposts.
Elle Fanning pairs Simone Rocha’s black sequin dress over flared trousers in BFI London photos
Elle Fanning recently donned a black sequin tank dress with a gathered drop waist from Simone Rocha SS26 at the BFI London Film Festival. She layered it over flared trousers, echoing the look’s runway styling. The actor completed the outfit with Manolo Blahnik Ramisli satin slingback sandals, a Cartier Baignoire watch, and a Panthère ring.
The twist lands first in the images — dress-over-trousers on a major carpet. In Elle Fanning’s BFI London photos shared on Instagram, the hem pools slightly over the pants. The effect reads editorial rather than traditional eveningwear, which is the Simone Rocha point. Samantha McMillen styled the look, and Gregory Russell handled hair. The up-do and clean skin keep focus on the sculpted, shimmering torso and the drape at the hips.
Footwear details sharpen the message. As reported by WWD Footwear News, Fanning chose Manolo slingbacks with a crystal-embellished side buckle. The minimal heel and slim straps balance the dress volume without competing with the sequins.
The context does matter for the headline’s “twist.” Rocha’s SS26 show proposed gowns worn over tailored garments, and Fanning brought this runway idea to the film festival. The actor’s ensemble has thus become a two-piece study in proportion and texture.
Trend-wise, crystal slingbacks are everywhere this season. WWD Footwear News notes similar pairs on Dakota Johnson and Jordyn Woods. The Hollywood favorite taps that wave while pushing a bolder layering on the carpet.
“Sentimental Value” is an upcoming Joachim Trier comedy-drama about a famed director filming his estranged daughters and their shared past. Elle Fanning plays a pivotal role, alongside Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård.
Originally reported by Santanu Das on theFashionSpot.
