Jenna Ortega Wears Custom Elias Matso to Screening
The 24-year-old actress wore a crystal and steel dress at a New York City film screening.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Fashion
Actress Jenna Ortega donned a one-of-one custom dress by designer Elias Matso for a film screening at the Crosby Street Hotel in New York City. The garment was selected to align with the themes of the upcoming adaptation directed by Taika Waititi.
Why it matters
Ortega chose the custom look specifically to mirror the thematic elements of the film adaptation, which is based on a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. The choice highlights the collaboration between actors and designers to create visual narratives that complement storytelling.
The custom dress is a one-of-one handmade piece featuring a plunging halter neckline. It is constructed from a sheer skirt composed of steel rods and fringe made of crystals.
The players
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega is a 24-year-old actress known for her roles in film and television.
Elias Matso
Elias Matso is a designer who created the custom, one-of-one dress featuring steel and crystal elements.
Taika Waititi
Taika Waititi is the director of the film adaptation featured at the screening.
Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro is an author whose novel serves as the source material for the film adaptation.
The details
The dress design is intended to reflect the aesthetic of the film adaptation, which is based on the 2021 novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. The garment serves as a unique centerpiece for the event, showcasing a modern intersection of structured materials and traditional red-carpet fashion.
Timeline
The source novel was published in 2021.
The screening took place on October 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
This outfit reflects the growing trend of thematic costume design where stars collaborate with designers to create pieces that act as visual extensions of their film projects. Such curated appearances are increasingly used to bridge the gap between high fashion and cinematic storytelling.
The use of industrial materials like steel rods in couture demonstrates a shift in red-carpet trends that may influence upcoming retail styles. Fans of the actress and designer may see these avant-garde elements filtered into more accessible fashion lines in the coming season.
The takeaway
The use of structural materials in red-carpet fashion creates a distinct visual language for film promotions. Readers interested in fashion can look for how designers utilize non-traditional elements like steel and heavy crystals to create durable, eye-catching garments.
Further reading
For more trends in high-profile wardrobe choices, visit the United States Fashion section.
