Jenna Ortega made a striking appearance at the New York City screening of her latest film, *Klara and the Sun*, showcasing an innovative fashion choice that has garnered considerable attention. The actress opted for a bespoke gown created by designer Elias Matso, known for its distinctive combination of steel rods and crystal beads.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jenna-ortega-klara-and-the-sun-nyc-102026-ab2af59da68e46668d68e68e65f05548.jpg)
Held at the Crosby Street Hotel on 19 October 2026, the screening allowed Ortega, 24, to discuss her remarkable dress with *PEOPLE*, describing it as a “one-of-one” creation. “It’s handmade, human-made, a lot of effort,” she shared, highlighting the artistry involved in its design.
The ankle-length gown, composed primarily of steel rods, offers a unique take on the brutalism fashion aesthetic. Ortega paired the statement piece with nude heels, ensuring that the dress remained the focal point of her ensemble. “I’ve just met the designer, and he’s so special and so cool,” she enthused about Matso. “He is incredible. This is a one-of-one dress. It’s made out of steel rods. So it’s handmade, human-made, a lot of effort.”
Ortega expressed gratitude for Matso’s dedication, stating, “He’s been holding onto this dress for me, and it’s perfect. It’s very fitting with the film, so I’m so grateful.” The designer had previously shared a video of a model wearing the striking dress on Instagram, demonstrating its intricacies with a caption that revealed the blending of materials, including crystal beads and steel.
At the film screening, Ortega was joined by her co-star Amy Adams and director Taika Waititi, further elevating the event’s star power. She was styled by Enrique Melendez for the occasion, completing her look with her classic centre-parted hair and signature smoky eye makeup. This comprehensive styling reinforced the film’s themes while showcasing Ortega’s fashion-forward sensibilities.
*Klare and the Sun*, which opens in UK cinemas on 23 October, is based on the acclaimed novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. In this dystopian science fiction narrative, Ortega plays Klara, a solar-powered Artificial Friend (AF) designed to alleviate loneliness. The character forms a poignant connection with her teenage owner, set against a backdrop that raises questions about humanity and companionship.
“I’m playing a robot, and it’s a dystopian future where no one knows what the future looks like,” Ortega explained during the event. She reflected on the contrast between the expectations of the past and the reality of the present, noting the “uncanny” elements of the film’s setting. “It’s always so funny to watch older films and think, ‘Okay, we thought we were going to have flying cars, and we thought we were going to…’ So it is a dystopian story in a world that doesn’t resemble—it’s a bit off.”
In addition to Ortega and Adams, the film features a talented ensemble cast including Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy and Steve Buscemi, promising a multi-layered viewing experience. As anticipation builds ahead of its release, both Ortega’s performance and the artistic direction of the film have sparked significant interest within the industry.
Klara, as portrayed by Ortega, embodies a modern exploration of themes of connection and isolation, resonating with contemporary audiences. The innovative design of her dress at the premiere serves not only as a fashion statement but also as a symbolic connection to her character and the film’s deeper themes.
As the release date approaches, *Klara and the Sun* is set to challenge perceptions and provoke discussions about technology’s role in human relationships, with Ortega at the forefront of this compelling narrative.