Method Dressing: The Unifying Factor Of Film and Fashion

Now that we’re officially a month into 2025, I have no doubt—it’s going to be a stellar year for film and fashion. If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that Hollywood has fully embraced the power of method dressing, turning red carpets into an extension of the silver screen. Actors aren’t just showing up in glamorous gowns and sharp suits anymore—they’re stepping straight out of their movies and into the spotlight, using fashion as a bold marketing tool. And with this year’s stacked film lineup, there’s no reason to believe the trend is slowing down.

Just think about the potential. We’ve got Sinners starring Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld, Thunderbolts featuring Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, and Jurassic World: Rebirth with Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey. The question isn’t whether method dressing will continue—it’s whether we should expect Scarlett Johansson to start channeling her inner dinosaur for the press tour. (Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past her.)

Before we dive into the stars who’ve been mastering this art lately, let’s take a moment to appreciate its origins. Back in 1992, Geena Davis walked the A League of Their Own premiere dressed as a literal baseball—yes, really—marking one of the first known cases of method dressing. Fast forward to the late 2010s, and Zendaya, along with her brilliant stylist Law Roach, took the concept and turned it into an art form. Since 2017, the duo has been crafting jaw-dropping red carpet moments that seamlessly blend fashion with film promotion. The result? Viral moments, heightened anticipation for upcoming releases, and an undeniable boost in marketing power.

Let’s talk about some of Zendaya’s most iconic method dressing moments. There was the unforgettable Dune: Part Two premiere look—a “Maschinenmensch” suit of armor from Mugler’s Fall/Winter 1995 couture collection that practically screamed sci-fi royalty. And who could forget when she stepped onto the Spider-Man: Far From Home red carpet in a custom Valentino Haute Couture gown covered in delicate black spider webs? The look was perfectly topped off with a dramatic feather mask by Pierpaolo Piccioli and Louboutin crystal pumps. Pure cinematic fashion magic.

Following Zendaya’s lead, other stars have jumped on the method dressing bandwagon, with Margot Robbie’s Barbie press tour being a masterclass in character-driven fashion. She didn’t just dress up—she fully embodied Barbie, recreating some of the doll’s most iconic outfits down to the last detail. One standout? A Vivienne Westwood couture gown inspired by the Enchanted Evening Barbie from 1990, complete with a structured corset, draped satin train, opera gloves, and a pearl choker. Every outfit felt like a love letter to Barbie’s legacy, and it paid off in spades.

With method dressing now a staple in Hollywood, the stars of 2025 have some big (and incredibly well-dressed) shoes to fill. Luckily, many of them are already known for bringing their A-game to the carpet. Florence Pugh, for instance, has already proven she knows how to dress for a role—her Dune: Part Two press looks had major space princess energy. And then there’s Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who have been perfectly color-coordinated for every Wicked event so far.

So, will this year’s stars take method dressing to the next level? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—fashion and film will be walking hand in hand once again, and we’re all here for it.