Keke Palmer’s SAG Awards Look Is a Timeless Ode to ’80s Chanel Elegance

Keke Palmer has always been one to command attention on the red carpet, but for the 2025 SAG Awards, she delivered a sartorial masterpiece that was both timeless and bold. Stepping onto the Shrine Auditorium stage in Los Angeles, the multi-hyphenate talent embodied vintage glamour in a Chanel archival gown from the French fashion house’s 1985 collection. The moment was a lesson in modern elegance, proving that true style transcends decades.

The dress, originally worn by Jamie Lee Curtis at the 1986 American Cinematheque Awards, featured a sleek, slim-fitting silhouette in classic black velvet. But the real pièce de résistance? An ornate gold neckline with botanical-inspired detailing that shimmered under the lights. To elevate the old-Hollywood drama, Palmer paired the strapless dress with long black opera gloves that extended beyond her elbows, adding an extra dose of sophistication. She grounded the look with pointed-toe black pumps, a choice that seamlessly tied together the ensemble.

Styled by the ever-impeccable Molly Dickson, Palmer accessorised minimally yet intentionally. She opted for a dazzling pair of Brilliant Earth earrings, ensuring just the right amount of sparkle without overpowering the archival gown. But it was her beauty look that truly sealed the deal.

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Palmer’s voluminous short waves framed her face in a way that felt both fresh and nostalgic, a nod to the power dressing of the ‘80s but with a contemporary edge. Her makeup was a masterclass in classic glamour—bold brows, a sultry smoky eye, and the ultimate finishing touch: a bright red lip that added a modern, femme-fatale allure.

Palmer, who took the stage to present alongside Sing Sing nominee Colman Domingo, solidified her place as a modern-day style icon. Her look wasn’t just about paying homage to the past—it was about reinterpreting it for today’s red carpet, reminding us all that archival fashion is more than history; it’s an ongoing narrative.

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Keke Palmer’s Chanel moment was not just a red-carpet look—it was a statement. A celebration of fashion’s cyclical nature, a tribute to the icons before her, and, most importantly, a declaration of her own rising legacy in Hollywood. And in true Palmer fashion, she did it all with effortless confidence and grace.