Great Outfits in Fashion History: Keira Knightley in Valentino at the 2006 Golden Globes

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In ‘Great Outfits in Fashion History,’ Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.

When the term “method dressing” pops up, we likely think of moments such as Zendaya’s “Spider-Man” press run, Anya Taylor-Joy‘s warrior-inspired “Furiosa” looks or Margot Robbie‘s “Barbie” promo. You could even dial the clock back further, when Glenn Close hit the step-and-repeat at the 1996 premiere of “101 Dalmations” dressed as Cruella De Vil. The point is, this idea has a long precedent in Hollywood — but sometimes, it doesn’t have to be super theatrical or overt. It can be executed in the most subtle ways.

Keira Knightley is a perfect example of this: At the 2006 Golden Globes, the first-time nominee walked the red carpet in a white Valentino column gown from the brand’s Spring 2006 collection. At first glance, it seemed nothing more than a gorgeous dress, featuring a petal-shaped bow at the waist made of beads and crystals that fell into two long tassels. But upon a closer look, it gave an understated nod to her “Pride and Prejudice” character Elizabeth Bennet (which she was nominated for) with its empire-waist shape. Her Regency-esque windswept hair further brought this vision to life.

Knightley’s glam, however, was full-on contemporary: black eyeliner, gold, shimmery eyeshadow and a maude pink lip.

Give your wardrobe a touch of Knightley-inspired pieces with our curated selects below.

Hanifa Alara Dress, $379, available here

Vince Ruched Strapless Midi Dress, $425, available here

Maygel Coronel Sortilegio Dress, $510, available here

Favorite Daughter The Favorite Linen Dress, $298, available here

For Love and Lemons Mayfair Maxi Dress, $250, available here

Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making.

Tune into the Fashionista Network to join the conversation with fashion and beauty industry leaders. Sign up here.