‘Only Murders in the Building’ Star Selena Gomez Stuns in Red Dress at Benefit Event

Laura Bais
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Selena Gomez’s fondness for a striking red dress is well-known. She donned a strapless red mini for her 31st birthday, a deep red cowl-neck mini at last year’s benefit, and a red floral gown for her return to the VMAs.

This week, she brought back the vibrant hue for a cause that holds special significance for her. Gomez hosted the fourth annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 14, an event dedicated to supporting the mental health charity she founded in 2020.

The fund is linked to her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, which contributes 1% of all sales to enhance access to mental health services and education for young people. It has successfully raised over $20 million and partnered with 30 nonprofits across five continents, with Gomez expressing her ambition to reach $100 million. Previous events have featured notable figures, including Jimmy Kimmel as the host last year, alongside performances from The Marías.

For this year’s occasion, Gomez opted for a custom Prada gown in a bold red shade. The strapless design featured intricate embellishments and a structured, peplum-style waist, complemented by matching red satin pumps.

The dress didn’t remain at the benefit for long. On Thursday, Gomez shared a TikTok showcasing the look set to ‘Burnin’ Up’ by the Jonas Brothers, captioning it with a nostalgic sentiment.

The timing added a fun twist. As the 2008 song reached its high heels line, she revealed her red pumps, and when the camera panned up to her shimmering dress, she lip-synced Nick Jonas’ famous red dress ad-lib before bursting into laughter. The clip reportedly garnered over 15 million views.

This playful nod recalls a memorable chapter for many fans. Gomez appeared as Nick’s love interest in the song’s June 2008 music video, and the two dated from 2008 to 2010. Although the Jonas Brothers have never officially confirmed who inspired the song, its association with Gomez has endured over the years.

Their romance blossomed shortly after Nick’s split from Miley Cyrus, characterized by its brief and on-and-off nature. Gomez has previously referred to it as puppy love, and both stars have shown they can laugh about it. In 2018, she playfully confronted Nick on BBC Radio 1 regarding a double date in Central Park, and he took the teasing in stride.

Both have moved on significantly. Nick married Priyanka Chopra in 2018, while Gomez is engaged to producer Benny Blanco. This TikTok feels less like a flirtation and more like a friendly nod to a shared pop-culture moment.

Beyond the viral video, the evening held significant meaning. Gomez took the opportunity to introduce the Katherine Short Legacy Award, honoring her ‘Only Murders in the Building’ co-star Martin Short’s late daughter, Katherine. She later expressed her gratitude for being surrounded by individuals who believe in the mission, as the fund aims to provide young people with better access to care and more support when it matters most.

The benefit has also become a highlight of her fashion calendar. Last year, she changed from a mauve mini into a burgundy one during the event, and earlier this year, she wore a pink Prada mini at a Rare Beauty launch party.

All of this culminates in a signature moment for Gomez, blending a standout look, a touch of nostalgia, and a serious mission. For fans who grew up during the Disney era, hearing ‘Burnin’ Up’ again while she wore a red dress was the ultimate throwback.

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