Tessa Thompson showcased her distinctive fashion sense at the Critics Choice Association’s annual celebration of Black Cinema & Television in Los Angeles. Known for her thoughtful approach to style, Thompson’s choice of a striking sculptural babydoll dress drew admiration, illustrating her knack for blending artistic flair with meaningful concepts.
Working alongside stylist Karla Welch, Thompson sported a standout creation from designer Rachel Scott’s spring 2026 collection for Diotima. The dress featured a layered design, beginning with a pink nylon bodice accented by purple trim. Over it, a molded overlay crafted from red faux feathers added dramatic flair, characterized by its signature swooped hemline, a hallmark of the Diotima brand. The dress was held in place by delicate spaghetti straps, enhancing its whimsical aesthetic.
Thompson’s fashion statement was not just visually impressive but also thematically rich. The actress, who received the Actress Award for her performance in director Nia DiCosta’s adaptation of the classic play “Hedda Gabler,” complemented her outfit with playful bubblegum pink sandals. The gravity of the role she portrayed, often compared to that of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, deserved a similarly striking ensemble.
Scott’s recent collection was inspired by the vibrant Carnival traditions of Trinidad, reflecting the sensual and expressive nature of the over 200-year-old celebration. While the garments were not direct representations of carnival costumes, they captured the spirit of eroticism and the fluidity of identity associated with the event. “Carnival is super sensual,” Scott remarked ahead of her runway presentation, noting its resistance to conventional norms.
Thompson’s dress subtly referenced the Baby Doll character, representing feminine power and sexuality, which provided a stark contrast to the internal struggles of her character, Hedda Gabler, who grapples with feelings of entrapment in her domestic life. This juxtaposition of themes underscored Thompson’s talent not only as a performer but also as a fashion icon, further solidifying her reputation for deliberate and impactful style choices on the red carpet.
