Ariana Grande Is a Polka-Dot Princess in a Whimsical Balmain Ballgown

Ariana Grande may not have worn Glinda pink last night, but she still brought the magic with some black-and-white retro glamour.

The singer enchanted the red carpet at the 2024 Annual Academy Museum Gala, stepping out in an ivory polka-dotted ballgown. Her custom Balmain ensemble featured a sweetheart neckline—made modest by a protruding layer of black tulle—as well as a full, frothy skirt that created a princess-like silhouette.

A petite bow, placed just beneath the neckline, added to the vintage charm of her polka-dotted look. Meanwhile, a thick black ribbon cinched her waist, dividing the gown’s structured top from its flouncy skirt. A strip of gray fabric bordered the bottom hem of the dress, mirroring the dark tulle details at the bust.

Grande rounded out her regal ensemble with timeless jewelry, including a diamond tennis necklace and matching drop earrings. And though the spirit of Glinda was missing in her outfit, the Wicked character appeared in the actor’s glam: A glossy pink lip offered a spot of color, while fluttering false eyelashes highlighted Grande’s brown eyes. The singer’s blonde hair was also split into a dramatic side part and swept up in a romantic updo, complete with delicately curled tendrils.

Aside from this fairytale look, Grande has embraced a soft pink palette while promoting her upcoming film Wicked. She’s slipped into everything from peony-inspired minidresses to bubbly ballgowns, and just last weekend, she hosted Saturday Night Live in a fuchsia gown from Thierry Mugler’s fall 1982 collection. We don’t blame her for taking a brief break from pink—but we will be sad to see her press tour outfits come to an end.