On Euphoria, Alexa Demie’s character Maddy may be known for her bodycon dresses and coordinated two-piece sets (which are so good that Cassie copies them), but off-screen, Demie has a killer style of her own. A true Balenciaga girl, she’s been almost exclusively sporting Demna’s designs for all of her recent appearances. One of our highlights are the three custom looks that Demna created for her for Euphoria’s season two premiere earlier this year, including a fiery red trench coat. But this weekend, at the star-studded Academy Museum Gala in L.A., Demie brought out a new Balenciaga look that stands on its own. “I have always been drawn to designs from the past, the silhouettes, craft and creativity,” says Demie. “I really felt that spark I’ve had for those designs in Demna’s pieces and process. I gravitate toward things that feel timeless, but also new and different. Something I have not yet experienced.”

For the glitzy affair, Demie wore a vampy look from Balenciaga’s fall 2022 couture collection (Demna’s second couture showing ever). The chosen design was Demna’s black, crystal-netted and embroidered gown, complete with a gloved bodysuit and the label’s pointy Space pumps. The dress is made of an engineered knitted fishnet that incorporated over 130,000 crystal beads, and took over 350 hours to make. Impressive craftsmanship aside, the ensemble was also just a fresh, modern take on Old Hollywood silhouettes, which she was drawn to. “The look perfectly embodied a presence from the past and future,” says Demie. “The beaded work was incredibly intricate and detailed. The entire process required math, and the women who made it really put so much love and precision into it.”

Photo: Getty Images

Demie’s favorite part of the night wasn’t just playing dress up for the red carpet, however. “It was a really beautiful event and felt special to celebrate three incredible women, two of whom I’ve watched and admired,” says Demie. The night honored Julia Roberts, Tilda Swinton, and Miky Lee, as well as the late Steve McQueen. “Witnessing Diana Ross sing in such an intimate environment—I made sure I was up front and center—was magic and emotional.”

As for what’s next for the star? In addition to making Euphoria’s third season, she’ll continue looking at scripts or projects that have stories that resonate with her. How she chooses roles is all intuitive, she says. “It can be a unique process with each project and different every time,” says Demie. “For me, the entirety of the project is important—but if it is a director I admire and trust, I can let go and find the rest along the way.”

Below, more photos from inside Demie’s Academy Museum Gala.