Sarah Pidgeon Brings a Lilac Chanel Gown to the 2026 Emmys

The 2026 Emmy Awards stood out for the large number of first-time nominations and the names that drew attention during the night. Among the debuting candidates was Sarah Pidgeon, nominated for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her performance in Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

As Harper’s Bazaar reports, Pidgeon worked with Chanel on a custom gown that paid homage to Carolyn Bessette’s wardrobe, updating it for today’s stage. Cues of the ’90s slip dress appeared in the bias cut of shimmering silk, with a low cowl back and a drop-waist skirt sweeping over the blue carpet; the visible difference was the lilac color — one of the favorite shades of 2026 — and the modern additions by Matthieu Blazy with strands of pearls. Stylist Emma Jade Morrison completed the look with other Chanel accessories, including a diamond necklace and the Rose Tendre ring.

The Love Story project received six nominations in total, including costume design, makeup and casting; the series won the award for Outstanding Casting and is still competing for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

According to Harper’s Bazaar, also nominated in the same Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category were Carey Mulligan — in her first nomination, for Beef — as well as other well-known names like Claire Danes, Sally Field and Sarah Snook.