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Dakota Johnson news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Dakota Johnson attended the Kering Foundation's Caring for Women dinner in a plunging black Valentino gown.
The look marks her shift from a low-key summer uniform into fall fashion-season dressing.
Background
Johnson spent much of the summer in a low-key uniform of well-worn denim, simple tees, ballet flats and diaphanous Dôen, according to Vogue. Fall and fashion month arrived with her "dressing" again, and she has recently taken her brunette hair a few shades darker for the season. The dinner is the Kering Foundation's annual event, and Johnson has attended before — last year she wore a totally sheer black beaded Gucci gown.
How it unfolded
- Sep 11, 2026Johnson attended the 2026 Kering Foundation Caring for Women dinner in New York, wearing a plunging black Valentino gown with draped sleeves, a mermaid-style skirt and a navel cut-out, styled by Kate Young with Messika jewelry.
- Sep 11, 2026Coverage noted she switched up her signature hairstyle for a darker version and chose a dramatic keyhole black dress that plunged down to her waist.
- Sep 12, 2026Johnson was announced as the star of Valentino Beauty's latest campaign, for the new fragrance "Vendetta", directed by Romain Gavras.
- Sep 13, 2026Coverage recounted that after being rejected by Juilliard, Johnson landed her first major film role and built a successful acting career on her own terms.
Who’s saying what
- Expert
- Vogue's Anna Cafolla wrote that Johnson "knows when to turn it on" and called the look "Kinda witchy, and pretty perfect for the season ahead".
- Expert
- InStyle's Meg Walters said Johnson "gave her signature look a new twist" with the edgy fall hair and keyhole cutout gown.