Ever since portraying Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Ryan Murphy’s Love Story earlier this year, Sarah Pidgeon can not escape fashion comparisons to her famed on-screen character. And it’s no wonder, given that CBK now represents the best of sleek minimalism from the ’90s—a vibe that Pidgeon herself often nails on the red carpet, via her own cool, sleek style choices.
At the 2026 Emmys last night, then, it was only fitting that Pidgeon nodded to CBK once again with her red carpet look—though this time, in a more subtler and more nuanced way. It was a big night for Pidgeon that demanded such a dressing spirit: She was nominated for the role, after all, for lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie category. “It’s a pinch-me moment,” says Pidgeon. “With Carolyn, I had the challenge of embodying someone who’s so widely known, yet also very mysterious. I think our show offered a real recognition of the powerhouse of a woman that she was.”
On the carpet, Pidgeon wore a custom lilac Chanel gown that took inspiration from the classic ’90s slip dress—a frock that CBK famously wore quite a lot in her heyday. Pidgeon’s take on the enduring classic was updated and refreshed, thanks to plunging neckline with pearl and crystal embellishments, and asymmetric bias cut. “The dress felt very celebratory, yet comfortable,” Pidgeon tells Vogue, adding that she was also drawn to its unique hue. “The color is just so beautiful—they did three different dye tests to get the right color for me. When I put it on, I felt like I was floating.” The dress required 251 hours of work.
The star finished off her ensemble with Chanel’s High Jewelry pieces, including a chameleon flower-shaped ring, and 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace. Pidgeon’s Chanel moment tonight is certainly full-circle, given she also wore the French label for the show’s New York City premiere earlier this year. Clearly, CBK’s stylish legacy is staying with the actor, and will continue to do so for years and years to come. “Carolyn has made a serious impression on me,” says Pidgeon. “Her sensibilities, opinions, and passions have rubbed off on me. So [last night,] she was with me on the red carpet.”
As for what her next big project is? The star is already booked-and-busy on a new series post-Love Story. “I’ve been working on a Netflix show called Enigma Variation,” she says. “I had a few days on set in the past couple of weeks, and it’s been such a lovely cast and crew. Some of the crew is actually from Love Story, which bas been really lovely!”
