Sarah Jessica Parker Stuns at NYC Ballet Gala With Unique Hair Detail

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Sarah Jessica Parker
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Every autumn, one special night at Lincoln Center is dedicated to Sarah Jessica Parker. As vice chair of the New York City Ballet’s board, the ‘Sex and the City’ star has been instrumental in creating the company’s annual Fall Fashion Gala, which began in 2012 with a tribute to the iconic designer Valentino. This event has since evolved into one of the most eagerly awaited fashion highlights on the city’s calendar.

The gala pairs fashion designers with choreographers, showcasing costumes from over 30 designers, including Thom Browne, Sarah Burton, Carolina Herrera, Iris van Herpen, and Dries Van Noten. The New York City Ballet describes it as an evening that celebrates the fusion of ballet and fashion, featuring new works on stage. This year’s gala took place on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Parker graced the red carpet once again, accompanied by her husband, Matthew Broderick. TMZ shared a 25-second video of the couple posing together at the gala, crediting Instagram user @jpasc24 for the footage. The outlet encouraged viewers to swipe or closely observe the details on the back of her hair.

In the clip, Parker turns away from the camera to reveal a long braid wrapped in ribbon. She complemented this look with a pale, embroidered gown, while Broderick opted for a classic black tuxedo with a white boutonniere. The couple posed in front of the event’s New York City Ballet step-and-repeat.

Page Six also shared footage of Parker’s arrival, welcoming her to the ballet gala. The couple has been a staple at this event for years. For Parker, the hair detail is part of a tradition, as she has consistently made bold statements at this gala.

Parker’s gala outfits have sparked discussions for years. In 2023, she donned a black off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera gown featuring a ballerina-style tulle skirt and a wide satin bow in her hair. She also sported mismatched shoes, a nod to a classic ‘Sex and the City’ moment from Season 3, when Carrie Bradshaw wore two different colored Christian Louboutin heels.

That oversized bow created quite a buzz beyond the red carpet. PureWow highlighted how her nearly floor-length bow at the 2023 gala transformed the accessory from a dated relic to a must-try trend. It serves as a reminder of the significant impact a single hair accessory from Parker can have.

In 2024, she opted for head-to-toe silver, and last year, she made a striking entrance in an Iris van Herpen gown with dramatic sheer wings. Marie Claire likened the 2025 outfit to something the Black Swan might wear, marking a dramatic departure from the tea-length dresses she had previously favored.

Parker and Broderick have shared a long-lasting partnership. They met in 1991 through Parker’s brothers and have been married for nearly 30 years. At last year’s gala, Broderick also dressed classically in a tuxedo while Parker took center stage in her wings.

The gala is a family affair for the New York arts community. Parker is the event’s founding chair, and her connection with the New York City Ballet began when she attended its school. This year’s gala chairs included Emily Blavatnik as visionary chair and Stevie Nicks as honorary chair, alongside a long list of co-chairs such as Julia Fox, Diane Kruger, Billy Porter, Andy Cohen, and Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy.

Part of the allure is that Parker treats the gala as a platform for playful fashion rather than just glamorous appearances. From the tulle and bow in 2023 to the dramatic wings in 2025, each year offers her a chance to explore something new. This year’s ribbon-wrapped braid seems to be a romantic, playful twist on the bow she wore three years ago, fitting perfectly with the ballet theme.

The detail is subtle enough to be easily overlooked from the front, which is why TMZ’s tease was so effective. For fans who follow Parker’s style, it serves as a reminder that the most memorable aspects of a look can often be found at the back.

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