Jenna Ortega turned heads at the New York City screening of her upcoming film Klara and the Sun by stepping out in an unconventional, sculptural gown crafted entirely from steel rods. The 24-year-old actress attended the promotional event on Monday, October 19, at the Crosby Street Hotel, appearing alongside her co-star Amy Adams and director Taika Waititi.
A One-of-a-Kind Creation by Elias Matso
The eye-catching garment was designed by emerging corsetier Elias Matso. Featuring a bold halter silhouette with a deep V-neckline, the dress incorporates thin vertical steel rods strung with silver beads alongside subtle stripes of sunshine yellow, pink, and pale blue. Below the hips, the structured rods transition into a loose, fringe-like hem that moves fluidly with every step.
Speaking about the garment to reporters, Ortega praised the designer’s intense craftsmanship and dedication. “He is incredible,” Ortega said. “This is a one-of-a-kind dress. It’s made out of steel rods. So it’s handmade, human-made, a lot of effort. And he’s been holding onto this dress for me, and it’s perfect. And it’s very fitting with the film, so I’m so grateful.”
The Connection to ‘Klara and the Sun’
Ortega’s choice of a metallic, machine-inspired outfit offered a direct nod to the core subject matter of her new movie. Directed by Taika Waititi and adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel, Klara and the Sun stars Ortega as Klara, an “Artificial Friend”-a solar-powered robot companion designed to stave off loneliness.
In the film, Klara hopes to find a permanent home and forms a deep, loyal bond with a troubled young girl named Josie, played by Mia Tharia. Amy Adams co-stars as Josie’s mother, navigating a complicated family dynamic marked by past loss. The wider ensemble cast features Aran Murphy, Steve Buscemi, and Natasha Lyonne.
Press Tour Fashion Choices
The steel-rod gown marks the latest high-profile fashion moment in Ortega’s press tour for the sci-fi drama. Her promotional looks have consistently played upon themes from the movie:
- London Film Festival (October 15): Wore a custom honey-gold Torlowei slip dress featuring black lace and a matching lace cap.
- Rome Film Festival: Stepped out in a vintage 1966 Pierre Cardin “Target” minidress featuring a red, yellow, and black bullseye that echoed the sun motif on the film’s official poster.
- New York Screening: Debuted Elias Matso’s beaded steel-rod gown, offering a mechanical, avant-garde aesthetic that mirrored her robot character.
- Sony Pictures is scheduled to release Klara and the Sun theatrically in the United States and the United Kingdom on Friday, October 23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jenna Ortega’s dress made of at the New York screening?
Jenna Ortega wore a one-of-a-kind dress constructed from handmade steel rods strung with beads, designed by Elias Matso.
Who designed the steel-rod dress?
The sculptural garment was designed by corsetier Elias Matso, known for his work on custom bionic and wet-look fashion pieces.
What is ‘Klara and the Sun’ about?
The film follows Klara, an Artificial Friend portrayed by Jenna Ortega, who seeks to bring light and healing to a grieving family and a young girl named Josie.
Who stars alongside Jenna Ortega in the film?
The movie stars Mia Tharia as Josie and Amy Adams as Josie’s mother, alongside supporting cast members Aran Murphy, Steve Buscemi, and Natasha Lyonne.
When is ‘Klara and the Sun’ released in theaters?
Sony Pictures scheduled the theatrical release of the film for Friday, October 23, in the United States and the United Kingdom, with select international releases rolling out slightly earlier.
