Jenna Ortega’s Dazzling Emmys Look Came With a Painful Secret—Her Stylist Reveals the Surprising, Head-Turning Detail Behind the 30-Pound Bejeweled Top That Nearly Left the Star Begging for Relief”
At the 2025 Emmy Awards, Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Wednesday, once again proved she is a red carpet risk-taker unafraid to turn heads. The 22-year-old actress arrived in a jaw-dropping Givenchy ensemble that instantly set social media ablaze: a sparkling, crystal-embellished top paired with a sleek black skirt. The look was hailed as one of the night’s most daring fashion moments, earning her endless admiration for both her elegance and boldness. But as glamorous as the outfit appeared, what viewers didn’t know was just how physically demanding it was to wear—and her stylist has now revealed the jaw-dropping detail that made the ensemble unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
Enrique Melendez, Ortega’s longtime stylist, opened up after the ceremony, explaining that the glittering jeweled top wasn’t just ornate—it was incredibly heavy, weighing between 20 and 30 pounds. The dazzling creation, covered in crystals, was so weighty that it dug into Ortega’s collarbones, leaving her in noticeable discomfort throughout the evening. “It was a stunning piece, but it was literally pressing into her shoulders and chest,” Melendez admitted, adding that the star’s effortless poise made it nearly impossible for fans to tell how much she was struggling.
What makes the story even more intriguing is that Ortega herself reportedly asked her stylist for “something practical” for her next big red-carpet appearance. According to Melendez, by the end of the night, the Emmy nominee had all but begged for a lighter outfit in the future, joking that beauty might be pain—but she’d had enough of carrying a miniature dumbbell disguised as couture.
The revelation has sparked conversation among fans about the extremes of red-carpet fashion. Social media erupted with admiration for Ortega’s ability to endure the discomfort while still radiating confidence, but many also questioned the hidden sacrifices celebrities make in the name of style. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Imagine looking that flawless while carrying 30 pounds of jewels on your chest. Jenna Ortega is superhuman.” Others sympathized, pointing out that no one should have to suffer to make a fashion statement.
Despite the weight and strain, the Givenchy top delivered exactly what it was meant to: buzz. Fashion critics hailed it as one of the standout looks of the night, comparing Ortega’s bold choice to other iconic red carpet risks that went down in history. For Ortega, it marked another moment of proving herself not just as a talented actress, but as a true fashion trailblazer.
Still, Melendez’s behind-the-scenes confession adds an unexpected twist to the story. While Ortega’s glittering top will be remembered as one of the Emmy’s most dazzling ensembles, fans now know the hidden cost of that sparkle. Beauty might be pain, but in Ortega’s case, it was nearly 30 pounds of it—a detail that makes her poise and confidence even more impressive.
