HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Michelle Yeoh attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

After becoming the second ever woman of colour to nab the prestigious ‘Best Actress’ award at the 2023 Oscars, Michelle Yeoh has returned to the Academy Awards as dazzling as the gilded statue itself.

A lot can change in a year—look at the historic 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike for proof—but as in the case of Yeoh’s red carpet presence, time also has a way of making things get better. Though Yeoh’s attendance at the ceremony wasn’t tied to a specific project or campaign, the actress looked right at home on the step-and-repeat of Hollywood Boulevard’s Dolby Theatre.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Michelle Yeoh attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

For the occasion, Yeoh modernised codes of the industry’s golden age with a body-conscious custom gown from Balenciaga couture. The dress, designed by the French maison’s creative director Demna, was entirely comprised of two-toned metallic sequins.

The asymmetrical silhouette began with rows of gunmetal metallic accents that fell into a diagonal wave of silver beads. The silhouette was completed by an eye-catching train and black opera gloves.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Michelle Yeoh attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

The 61-year-old’s selection of Balenciaga for Hollywood’s night of nights should come as no surprise to fashion savants. As you’ll recall, she was appointed as ambassador for the house in November 2023.

Speaking on the creative synergy with the luxuriate, Yeoh revealed: “Wearing Balenciaga makes me value the artistry and craftsmanship behind every piece.” “The brand embodies a sense of originality and relevance while always remaining true to its heritage as a couture atelier,” she remarked before adding, “It is an honour”.

Honestly, the honour of watching Yeoh make sartorial history should be ours. She truly is everything (everywhere, all at once).