Sabrina Carpenter Just Revived a Legendary 1964 Dress—And the Internet Is Obsessed

At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, Sabrina Carpenter turned heads with a breathtaking ensemble that paid tribute to one of Hollywood’s most iconic costume designers.

The singer and actress arrived in a custom baby blue satin gown by Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson, a look that drew direct inspiration from Edith Head’s legendary design for Shirley MacLaine in What a Way to Go! (1964).

The carefully curated outfit, complete with a Chopard diamond necklace and feathered detailing, was widely praised as a masterful blend of classic Hollywood elegance and contemporary red carpet glamour.

THIS REFERENCE??? SABRINA CARPENTER IS THAT GIRL pic.twitter.com/8Yv779Rn4y

— pop culture gal (@allurequinn) February 2, 2025

Fans and fashion critics alike gushed over Carpenter’s look, cementing her status as one of the best-dressed celebrities of the evening.

A Modern Take on an Iconic Design

Carpenter’s gown featured a sleek, backless silhouette with an abundance of powder blue ostrich feathers cascading around the hem and hips. The halter-style neckline, crafted from a dazzling pear-cut diamond pendant by Chopard, added a layer of opulence to the already striking ensemble.

The design was a clear nod to Edith Head’s original creation for What a Way to Go!, in which Shirley MacLaine’s character, Louisa May Foster, wore a similar feathered gown in a vibrant shade of pink. Head, an eight-time Academy Award-winning costume designer, was known for her ability to create timeless, show-stopping looks, and Carpenter’s tribute was a testament to her lasting influence on the fashion industry.

Her stylist, Jared Ellner, meticulously reinterpreted the look to fit modern red carpet standards while maintaining the essence of vintage Hollywood glamour. The decision to use baby blue instead of MacLaine’s pink allowed Carpenter to make the look her own while still honoring the past.

A Beauty Look Rooted in Old Hollywood

To fully embrace the vintage aesthetic, Carpenter’s beauty team carefully crafted a look reminiscent of the 1960s. She wore her hair in a sleek faux bob, echoing Shirley MacLaine’s elegant coiffure in the film. Her makeup was kept soft and timeless, featuring a subtle winged liner, rosy cheeks, and a nude-pink lip that enhanced her natural features without overpowering the dress.

This attention to detail further solidified the theme of Old Hollywood glamour, proving that Carpenter and her team had carefully considered every aspect of the look. The combination of vintage-inspired hair, makeup, and styling transported audiences back to the golden age of cinema while maintaining a fresh and contemporary feel.

Social Media Erupts with Praise

The internet was quick to react to Carpenter’s show-stopping look, with fans and fashion enthusiasts flooding social media with admiration. Comments ranged from emotional awe to humorous appreciation for her styling team’s dedication.

One user wrote, “I’m tearing up, how is she so beautiful?” Another tweeted, “THIS is how you bring back old Hollywood! And not that grandma BS Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande be wearing.”

Others praised Carpenter’s stylist, Jared Ellner, for his impeccable work. “Sabrina’s stylist is working really hard right now—I hope both sides of his pillow are cold and he keeps his hair for the rest of his life.” Another fan added, “I really love her & her team—they are killing her looks/theme.”

Beyond aesthetic appreciation, some users acknowledged how well Carpenter integrates cultural and media references into her fashion choices. One tweet read, “I still haven’t listened to Sabrina’s album (I need to ASAP tbh), BUT I love her looks!!! They’re always so fun and I love how much she and her stylists reference other media!!! If you don’t know, she references The Nanny* a fair amount (and the fits go hard).”

Sabrina Carpenter’s Place in Modern Fashion

Carpenter’s ability to seamlessly blend nostalgia with contemporary fashion has positioned her as one of the most exciting style icons of her generation. Unlike many red-carpet looks that prioritize boldness over coherence, her Grammy ensemble demonstrated a deep understanding of fashion history while remaining entirely relevant.

Her tribute to Edith Head’s design was more than just a fashion statement—it was a celebration of cinematic and costume design history. At a time when many celebrities experiment with avant-garde or risk-taking outfits, Carpenter’s look was a reminder that classic elegance never goes out of style.

As the dust settles on the Grammys red carpet, one thing remains clear: Sabrina Carpenter’s homage to What a Way to Go! was one of the most memorable fashion moments of the night. Whether through her music or her impeccable style, she continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide.