Ava Phillippe’s Y2K Siren Call: The Rise of Metallic Minis

Let’s be honest, the Y2K aesthetic can be a tricky thing. It can lean towards the twee or the downright tacky. But Phillippe’s version? It was polished, sleek, and utterly chic. The dress, a metallic silver, was a form-fitting silhouette that hugged every curve, but it was the details that made it sing. The subtle, sweet glimmer of crystals at the neckline’s base provided a textural juxtaposition against the dress’s shimmering, liquid-like fabric. Then, the ruching throughout—a technique I’ve seen make a dramatic comeback in both Paris and Milan—created a beautiful, almost sculptural effect. It was less a dress, and more a second skin, a look that perfectly captured the “mermaid trend” without becoming a costume.

And the hair, magnifique. Her brunette waves weren’t fussy; they were natural, a soft counterpoint to the high-wattage dress, proving that sometimes the best accessory is an undone elegance. Her makeup, too, was a study in contrasts: a soft, luminous base against bold brows and a perfectly lined eye. It’s a trick I’ve always appreciated—the juxtaposition of innocence and something a bit more… knowing.

This isn’t just a one-off moment. This metallic revival has been simmering for months. I remember talking to a designer in a quiet Milanese atelier back in the spring, and even then, there were whispers of a return to shine. Then, in July, WWD’s Ari Stark wrote of the fall 2025 couture collections, noting how a “number of designers added razzle-dazzle, lifting the mood by way of metallics.” It’s a sentiment I agree with completely. While black will always be the uniform of the discerning fashion crowd, sometimes you need a little light, no? And this is a trend that allows you to glow. We saw Tyla last year at the Met Gala in a Balmain creation of sand that had a similar texture, and even Kristin Cavallari’s recent foray into vintage John Galliano had that unapologetic aughts energy.

Phillippe’s look also spoke in perfect sartorial harmony with her co-star, Dakota Johnson, who wore her own silver metallic strapless Gucci dress to the “Splitsville” premiere. Both women, in different ways, proved that the metallic look is adaptable—a floor-length gown for the dramatic, and a playful mini for the after party. This is not about a single silhouette, you see; it’s about a feeling. A sense of optimism, a kind of digital-age glamour that we are all craving. For more on the biggest moments in film and entertainment, from the main event to the after parties, explore our full red carpet gallery.

The Look: A Breakdown

1. The Dress: A ruched metallic silver minidress with a form-fitting silhouette and a sweetheart neckline adorned with crystal details.

2. The Vibe: Y2K glamour meets mermaidcore.

3. The Accessories: Keep it simple. A minimal black bag and unfussy hair allow the dress to be the star.

4. The Beauty: A soft, luminous face with defined brows and eyes. The look is more about attitude than excessive product.

5. The Cultural Context: A nod to the Y2K minidress aesthetic, as seen on stars like Tyla in custom Balmain and Kristin Cavallari in vintage Galliano. It’s a testament to the return of shiny, celebratory fashion.