Kerry Washington brought a modern twist to Gothic romance at the Brooklyn Artists Ball on Tuesday night. Held at the Brooklyn Museum and sponsored by Dior, the star-studded event also welcomed appearances from Zazie Beetz of Atlanta, and Stranger Things actor Caleb McLaughlin, among others.
Kerry Washington at the 2025 Brooklyn Artists Ball made possible by Dior at the Brooklyn Museum on April 29
For the occasion, Washington chose a standout look from Dior’s 2025 cruise collection. — a delicate yet dramatic gown that fused sheer elegance with a romantic, vintage edge. The dress featured a flowing skirt and a sleeveless bodice crafted from sheer mesh, adorned with intricate floral embroidery woven directly into the fabric.
To accentuate her silhouette, she cinched the waist with a Dior belt, adding structure to the ethereal ensemble. Her accessories included bold gold Dior necklaces and matching footwear from the French fashion house, adding just the right amount of edge to the look.
Dior cruise 2025
Washington’s beauty look was equally captivating. Hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew styled her hair into a sleek low bun with soft tendrils framing her face. Makeup artist Billie Gene, using Dior Beauty, created a sultry glam with smoky eyes and a glossy lip finish. The overall styling was curated by Washington’s longtime collaborators Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, known for their work with stars like Jennifer Lopez.
The dress made its runway debut in June 2024, as part of a collection conceived by Dior’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Inspired by Clare Hunter, textile expert and author of Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power, the collection blended strength and softness with historic undertones.
As WWD’s Samantha Conti described in her review: “Chiuri channeled her own fascination into a handsome, wearable collection made from hard and soft elements, fit for warriors and regal ladies alike. Minidresses echoed armor with sculptural skirts, while glittering knits evoked chain mail. Sheer tops featured Elizabethan puff sleeves as a modern take on power dressing.”
Caleb McLaughlin, Zazie Beetz and Kerry Washington attend the 2025 Brooklyn Artists Ball made possible by Dior at the Brooklyn Museum on April 29.
Footwear ranged from statement boots to unzipped wellies and wader-style shoes with edgy garter strap accents — adding an unexpected, rebellious flair to otherwise delicate silhouettes.
With her Dior ensemble, Kerry Washington embodied that exact balance — timeless grace with a touch of bold defiance, making her one of the evening’s most memorable style moments.
