An Oscar winner for her performance in Black Swan, Natalie Portman often chooses gowns in midnight black when she steps out on the red carpet - to great effect. She's been seen in outfits ranging from those which could fall under the category of classically sophisticated to more quirky looks that defy the conventions of Hollywood glamour.
The actress refuses to be pigeonholed as shy and retiring or to mindlessly promote trends or styles that aren't really her. Natalie is known for being able to play roles of great depth and often relies on black to look chic and flawless. Christian Dior is a firm favorite and she has been the face of many of its campaigns.
Here we take a look at some of Natalie’s most recent outfits that - while black is the recurring theme - show off her daring style.
The dark side of the moon
This mesh dress with asymmetrical neckline and wide skirt of embroidered lace, by Dior of course, caused a sensation when she appeared on the red carpet at the premiere of Lucy in the Sky, at the Toronto International Film Festival. The outfit was almost as dramatic as her performance as troubled astronaut Lucy Cola in the movie..
That LBD moment
The women's rights activist appeared on The Tonight Show in this little black dress by Givenchy. It was this label that created Audrey Hepburn’s enduring look in Breakfast at Tiffany's, a star Natalie is often likened to.
Darkly fun
To announce that she would again play the role of Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder, to be released in 2021, Natalie chose this fun Dior design with skull motifs from the Resort 2020 collection of her favorite French fashion house. The strapless mini dress with wide skirt made her look smart in front of the good-humored and deeply passionate Comic Con audience.
Mystery revealed
This design by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior counterbalances the sobriety of a high neck and all-over black with a see-through maxi skirt. The deep split and bright metallic motifs gave the actress an air of sensuality and enchanting mystery at the premiere of Avengers: Endgame, in which she plays scientist Jane Foster.
Eloquent embroidery
Natalie was recognized at the Variety Power of Women event for her contributions to the Time's Up movement. On this occasion, black served as a backdrop for the fairytale displayed on the skirt of this lovely Dior dress.
Jardín nocturno
The mother of Aleph and Amalia wore this LBD by Dior to the Vox Lux premiere at the Austin Film Festival. In the movie she plays an exuberant pop star named Celeste. To distance herself from her character, Natalie opted for this sober design which is saved from being plain by the flower embroidery.
A highly talented actress
This little black dress, from the Cruise 2019 collection by Dior, risks seeming plain due to the simple silhouette and lack of detailing. However, it's the cape that lends an air of drama and instantly gave the multi-award-winning actress a hint of royalty that goes perfectly with her confident, ready-for-anything attitude.
A dark fairy tale
The Israeli-born artist shines through the black tulle clouds of this gown from the pre-fall 2018 collection by Valentino. The fairytale design blends dreamy sophistication with a timelessness.
Froufrou noir
The wife of French choreographer Benjamin Millepied attended the L.A. Dance Project gala in a Dior dress that
oozes froufrou
, a term that signifies elegance, femininity, decorum and a classic vibe and reminds us of the legendary French labels' New Look.
Black is a favorite with a certain breed of fashionista and Natalie Portman shows it's anything but boring. Black adapts to any style and its richness can be brought out through other features of the design.
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