‘Forbidden Fruits’ Star Lili Reinhart Trades Rom-Com Sweetness for Armani Elegance at the Academy Museum Gala
Lili Reinhart has spent the past few weeks living fully in rom-com mode. The former ‘Riverdale’ star leads Prime Video’s ‘The Love Hypothesis’, an adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s bestselling 2021 novel that found a massive following on BookTok.
Directed by Claire Scanlon from a screenplay by Sarah Rothschild, the film casts Reinhart as Olive Smith, a Ph.D. candidate who stumbles into a fake-dating scheme with Tom Bateman’s surly biology professor, Adam Carlsen. Reinhart also served as an executive producer on the project.
‘The Love Hypothesis’ premiered on Prime Video on September 23 and earned mixed to positive reviews. Critics noted that while the film follows a familiar formula, its humor and the palpable chemistry between Reinhart and Bateman make it a satisfying comfort watch.
Reinhart turned the promotional run into a fashion moment of its own. Throughout the press tour, she paid playful homage to classic romantic comedies through her outfits, creating what many fans saw as a rom-com style time capsule. With that tour behind her, Reinhart changed gears for the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala on October 17 in Los Angeles.
Lili Reinhart on the carpet at the Academy Museum Gala https://t.co/DigEur60gQ
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) October 18, 2026
According to The Zoe Report, Reinhart took a break from rom-com references and wore custom Giorgio Armani. The floor-length gown featured slim straps and a fluid column shape, with a beige base covered in a black floral and vine-like pattern.
She styled the look with a loose, textured updo and delicate jewelry, keeping the focus on the dress’s intricate print. The result felt noticeably more grown-up and moody than the bright, playful looks she wore while promoting her latest film.
The choice of designer wasn’t a surprise. Reinhart wore Armani Privé to the 2024 Venice Film Festival premiere of ‘Babygirl’, with makeup courtesy of Armani Beauty, and she has appeared in the brand’s Gen A beauty campaign alongside ‘Riverdale’ co-star Camila Mendes.
Lili Reinhart at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala https://t.co/yNXDwvXSth
— JumpTrailers (@JumpTrailers) October 18, 2026
Armani also proved to be one of the evening’s defining labels. Sabrina Carpenter wore a custom cobalt blue Armani gown with Chopard jewels, while Rami Malek and Belmont Cameli also turned to the Italian house.
Reinhart’s understated approach matched the overall mood of the evening. The Zoe Report observed that this year’s gala was comparatively low-key, with many stars opting for classic silhouettes elevated by texture, draping and modern proportions.
The gala raises funds for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and honored Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and John Carpenter this year. Reinhart joined a guest list that included Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber, Ana de Armas, Demi Moore and Léa Seydoux.
Reinhart first rose to fame as Betty in ‘Riverdale’, before branching out into film with projects like ‘Chemical Hearts’, which marked her first executive producer credit. ‘Look Both Ways’ followed as her second producing credit.
Lili Reinhart at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala last night. https://t.co/ak0wUGbBuf
— Lili Reinhart Nation (@reinhartnation) October 18, 2026
With ‘The Love Hypothesis’, she has stepped confidently into the leading-lady spotlight while also shaping projects behind the scenes. Her Armani gala moment showed that she can move just as easily from playful rom-com charm to sophisticated red carpet elegance.
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