Keke Palmer’s Timeless Fashion Statement at the 2025 SAG Awards
Keke Palmer made a memorable entrance at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, held on Sunday night. The actress turned heads on the red carpet with her stunning archival Chanel gown, a piece of Hollywood history that dates back to 1985. This iconic black velvet strapless gown was first worn by Jamie Lee Curtis nearly 40 years ago, at the First Annual American Cinematheque Award Salute to Eddie Murphy on February 28, 1986. Palmer’s stylist, Molly Dickson, revealed this fashion flashback via her Instagram Story, where she shared a photo of Curtis in the same historic ensemble. The gown had been sold in December 2024 by Vintage Martini Consignment in Dallas, Texas, before making its way back into the spotlight at the SAG Awards.
A Nod to Fashion History: Then and Now
Both Palmer and Curtis opted to style the gold-adorned Chanel gown with matching opera gloves, just as it was originally presented on the Chanel runway in 1985. While Curtis accessorized her look with bold, statement-making gold earrings, Palmer chose a more understated approach with her accessories. The 31-year-old actress wore delicate leaf-shaped diamond huggies from Brilliant Earth’s Jane Goodall collaboration, which added a touch of modern elegance to her overall look. This subtle yet sophisticated choice reflected Palmer’s ability to honor the gown’s timeless appeal while also making it distinctly her own.
Old Hollywood Glam Meets Modern Charm
Palmer’s 2025 SAG Awards look was nothing short of breathtaking, as she embraced the glamour of Old Hollywood with a bold, red-carpet-worthy aesthetic. Her copper-colored bob was styled to perfection, complementing the dark, sophisticated tones of the Chanel gown. Her makeup look, featuring a bright red lip and classic winged eyeliner, further emphasized the vintage inspiration behind her ensemble. Despite the gown’s decades-long history, Palmer managed to infuse it with a fresh, contemporary vibe, proving that timeless fashion truly transcends eras.
Jamie Lee Curtis: A Night of Triumph and Tributes
Jamie Lee Curtis, on the other hand, also made a striking appearance at the ceremony, where she took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Annette in the Gia Coppola-directed movie. Curtis’s sequin-covered Dolce & Gabbana gown, paired with a feather bolero, was a nod to her role in The Last Showgirl. Her look was both glamorous and symbolic, as it paid homage to her character while also showcasing her personal style. The evening was a momentous one for Curtis, as she not only won a prestigious award but also turned heads with her show-stopping ensemble.
Keke Palmer: A Role Beyond the Red Carpet
Although Palmer wasn’t nominated for an award herself, she still played a significant role at the Netflix-streamed ceremony. The Nope actress presented an award alongside her friend and fellow actor Colman Domingo. Speaking on the red carpet, Palmer admitted that presenting was “a little spooky,” but she was excited to share the moment with Domingo. Her confidence and charm on stage only added to the evening’s magic, making her a standout presence at the event.
A Sartorial Good Luck Charm and a Hope for Future Collaborations
One can’t help but wonder if Palmer’s decision to wear the archival Chanel gown was more than just a fashion choice. After all, Jamie Lee Curtis went on to win her category that night, and perhaps Palmer’s nod to Curtis’s 1986 look served as a sartorial good luck charm. Whatever the case, the moment marked a beautiful connection between two talented actresses across generations—both of whom captivated audiences with their style, talent, and grace. The fashion world would undoubtedly love to see these two icons collaborate on a future project, blending their unique sensibilities and continuing the legacy of timeless elegance they both embody.
