‘Stranger Things’ Star Maya Hawke Dazzles in Prada at the Academy Museum Gala

Tena Milakovic
Maya Hawke1
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Maya Hawke has cultivated a remarkable bond with Prada, making the fashion house her go-to for stunning red carpet appearances. The ‘Stranger Things’ actress has donned the label for some of her most unforgettable looks, including a bridal-inspired white gown at the 2023 Met Gala and a striking pink dress with a caramel chiffon cape in 2025. W Magazine even dubbed her a “Prada princess” in its look back at her best fashion moments.

The sixth annual Academy Museum Gala was held on October 17 in Los Angeles, celebrating the achievements of Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo, and John Carpenter, with a performance by Taylor Swift. Often referred to as the “Met Gala of the West,” this event follows Fashion Month, prompting guests to arrive in fresh runway styles.

Continuing her partnership with Prada, Maya Hawke graced the gala in a stunning black-and-silver sequined gown. The textured design gave the illusion of jewels cascading down her figure.

In the video from the event, Hawke showcases her column gown featuring a square neckline and short, beaded sleeves that transition into delicate fringe-like strands. The swirling pattern of black and silver sequins and beads catches the light beautifully as she moves. A member of her team is seen adjusting the hem, highlighting the effort that goes into perfecting a floor-length gown.

Her hair cascades in soft waves, styled minimally to allow the dress to shine. The overall effect is both delicate and shimmering, reminiscent of a waterfall of beads.

This isn’t the first time Hawke has embraced Prada. At the 2023 Met Gala, she paid tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld in an all-white Prada ensemble, and in 2025, she wore a pink Prada dress with a flowing sheer cape. She has also sported Prada in casual settings, such as her appearance at the Milan Fashion Week for the Prada fall/winter 2026 menswear show, where she wore a dark gray trench, navy shorts, and loafers.

Her 2026 Met Gala look marked a shift, featuring a black-and-white Dior ball gown adorned with floral details and a black headband, making it her fourth appearance at the event. Returning to Prada for the gala felt like a homecoming.

Hawke’s fashion journey coincides with a significant phase in her career. She portrayed Robin Buckley in ‘Stranger Things’ from 2019 to 2025, with the series concluding on New Year’s Eve. Her film credits include ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,’ ‘Asteroid City,’ and ‘Maestro,’ along with voicing Anxiety in ‘Inside Out 2.’

Now, she is stepping into new roles, set to portray Wiress in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ which premieres on November 20, and leading ‘Wishful Thinking,’ a surrealist supernatural romantic comedy directed by Graham Parkes that debuted at SXSW.

In addition to acting, Hawke is a talented musician, having released albums such as ‘Blush’ in 2020, ‘Moss’ in 2022, and ‘Chaos Angel’ in 2024, with ‘Maitreya Corso’ set for 2026. During a January appearance on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,’ she shared that she often writes an album while filming each season of ‘Stranger Things.’

This fusion of acting and songwriting gives her red carpet appearances a unique artistic flair, as she approaches fashion as another form of creative expression.

On a personal note, Hawke had a significant year, marrying musician Christian Lee Hutson in a surprise Valentine’s Day ceremony in New York. She wore a vintage-inspired dress with a high neck, simple straps, and a drop waist, complemented by a dramatic feather-trimmed coat and train. The guest list included her parents, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.

The couple first collaborated on her album ‘Chaos Angel’ and have been together for nearly four years.

Hawke shared the spotlight with numerous stars at the gala, including Taylor Swift, Kate Hudson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kerry Washington, Hunter Schafer, and Amanda Seyfried, alongside Jessica Lange, Kylie Minogue, and Jennifer Hudson.

In a sea of bold silhouettes, her gown distinguished itself through its texture rather than shape, creating a stunning visual that truly comes alive in motion, perfectly suited for the gala’s elegant backdrop.

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