Penélope Cruz, 51, Elevates Classic Black With a Plunging Dress Twist
Penélope Cruz recently proved that she is still a reigning queen of the red carpet, making a major fashion statement in London on Wednesday, February 25. The actress stepped out for a photocall to promote her latest project, The Bride!, wearing a striking look that was fresh off the Jacquemus Fall runway.
The long-sleeved black shift dress featured a daringly low neckline and a unique skirt made entirely of shredded ribbons, which added a playful texture to her polished look. She paired the avant-garde garment with classic pearl chandelier earrings and simple black pumps, ensuring all the focus remained on the dress’s architectural details.
To complete the look, Cruz showed off a sleek, shoulder-grazing bob with soft side-swept bangs, a hairstyle she first debuted during Paris Haute Couture Week in January. Her makeup was equally sophisticated, featuring her signature dark eyeliner, bronze eyeshadow, and a subtle pink lip that kept the overall aesthetic grounded and chic.
The first Jacquemus piece from the latest runway just hit the carpet! pic.twitter.com/lr3SoyqFZw
— Up Next (@upnextdesigner) February 25, 2026
While the Jacquemus look was the star of the London photocall, Cruz has long been known as a dedicated brand ambassador for Chanel, a role she has held since 2018. Just a month ago in Paris, she attended the Chanel Haute Couture show in a sheer pointelle bodycon dress paired with a matching cardigan.
Whether she is channeling old Hollywood glamour at the Oscars or emulating the iconic plaid styles of Clueless, the Oscar winner remains a versatile and bold presence in the fashion world. Now that she has officially entered her fifties, Cruz has been vocal about how much she values her health and her friendships over any worries about aging.
She told Elle that people have been asking her about her age since she was in her twenties, but she feels more comfortable talking about it now than ever before. Now, it makes more sense to discuss turning 50, she noted. It’s a huge, beautiful thing, and I really want to celebrate that with all my friends. It means I’m here and I’m healthy, and it’s a reason to have a party.
The actress has plenty to celebrate professionally as well, with The Bride! scheduled to hit theaters and IMAX on March 6. The film, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, is a punk-rock reimagining of the classic Bride of Frankenstein lore set in 1930s Chicago.
In the movie, Cruz stars as Myrna Mallow, a detective who becomes entangled in the chaotic world of Frankenstein’s monster, played by Christian Bale, and his newly resurrected companion, portrayed by Jessie Buckley. The star-studded cast also includes Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, and Jake Gyllenhaal, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the season.
Cruz has described the project as a feminist inversion of the original myth, where the Bride wakes up with a voice of her own rather than being a silent creation. Beyond this gothic romance, Cruz is already looking toward the future, having recently signed on for a new Nancy Meyers comedy alongside Jude Law and Owen Wilson, which is currently slated for a Christmas 2027 release.
She is also set to reunite with her husband, Javier Bardem, on the big screen later this year in a psychological thriller titled The Bunker. Directed by Florian Zeller, the film centers on an architect whose life is upended when a billionaire hires him to build a high-stakes survivalist shelter.
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