The “Babygirl” actress brought a spectacular Chanel tutu to the carpet, but as commenters examined what the billowing skirt and open-toe heels left exposed, a curious pose with her hands gave them something else to question, and their observations got MUCH more personal than a fashion critique.
Nicole Kidman, 59, attended the LACMA Art+Film Gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles, California, on November 7, 2026, in a frothy ballet-inspired Chanel creation that deserved every flash, complete with a playfully messy ponytail.
Yet commenters studying everything from her face to the very bottom of the photos suggested that certain exposed areas told a VERY different story, while a gesture with her hands prompted a question far stranger than whether those shoes matched her dress.
Nicole Gave Her First LACMA Gala the Full Chanel Treatment
For her debut at the fundraiser, Nicole chose a taupe-and-cream dress from Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel Spring/Summer 2027 collection, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
And goodness, she committed to the tutu: the skirt spread out from her hips in layers of semi-sheer tulle, with uneven lengths giving the whole creation a delicious sense of movement even while she stood still.
The bodice brought some discipline to all that froth.
Long sleeves accompanied a corseted shape with structured boning, while the raw edge of the neckline gave the top an unfinished softness that worked beautifully against its precise construction.
That combination deserved a proper look.
The fitted torso gave the skirt room to be gloriously excessive, and the high-low hem kept the dress from swallowing every glimpse of the woman wearing it.
Nicole also resisted giving the outfit an overly formal hairstyle.
Her messy high ponytail loosened up the ballet references, adding a playful finish to a gown that already had plenty of personality.
Before going inside, she posed beside Chris Burden’s “Urban Light” installation, which served as the evening’s red-carpet setting.
Alex Consani, Kim Kardashian, and Paris Hilton were among the other familiar faces who attended.
Chris Burden’s iconic “Urban Light” installation along Wilshire Boulevard—a landmark assembly of 202 restored vintage street lamps—glowed in an amber hue at LACMA on January 19, 2021, serving as the illuminated backdrop for museum arrivals before transforming into the star-studded entrance for the 2026 Art+Film Gala | Source: Getty Images
All That Tulle Inspired Praise and a Very Different Comparison
Such an extravagant skirt was always going to invite opinions, and the reactions on Instagram covered rather a lot of ground.
One admirer wrote, “Babygirl’s in control- she feels like Nicole 🔥🔥❤️.”
The long sleeves and covered bodice earned their own endorsement.
“Class act … not half naked,” another commenter wrote, appreciating a red-carpet choice that found its drama in shape and volume.
There was something wonderfully theatrical about that much pale tulle, but the same airy proportions inspired a much less flattering interpretation.
“She looks like an egg that exploded,” one person declared.
An exploded egg was a BRUTAL review for a Chanel tutu.
Still, the contrast between those reactions captured how differently people read the same outfit: a beautiful ballet fantasy to some, a difficult silhouette to others.
A close-up of Nicole Kidman at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala spotlighted her luminous red-carpet glam, diamond stud earrings, and softly framed updo as online critics zeroed in to scrutinize her features. | Source: Getty Images
The shorter portions of the skirt also left Nicole’s legs visible, drawing a remark that moved away from the design entirely.
“Eeeeek chicken wingette legs 🤮 [sic],” another commenter wrote, directing the criticism at her body.
That was where the conversation began getting more personal.
And on another post, even the parts of the look below the tulle became a subject of debate.
Taking the critique beyond fashion to directly target Nicole Kidman’s physical appearance, a commenter on Just Jared’s Instagram reel took aim at her exposed limbs beneath the high-low skirt, writing, “Eeeeek chicken wingette legs 🤮” | Source: Instagram/justjared
The Shoes Drew Criticism, Then the Comments Got Personal
Nicole finished her gala outfit with black, open-toe heels, bringing a dark accent beneath the taupe-and-cream skirt.
Against such an elaborate gown, the footwear was comparatively restrained, and at least one viewer clearly wanted something else.
On a second Instagram post, a commenter asked, “Black shoes is all they could do with that dress? Terrible choice. [sic]“
The exposed feet, however, prompted scrutiny that had little to do with coordinating accessories.