While the original 1999 film—shot right here in Sydney—was lauded for its iconic costuming, sparking the increase in leather trench coats, sensual latex and ultra-micro blackout sunglasses across international runways and celebrity street style, the stars took the coveted aesthetic in stride, bringing the cyberpunk realness to the red, or rather green, carpet.
Leading the charge is heartthrob Keanu Reeves who, just like a fine wine, only gets better with age. Reprising his role as the protagonist Neo, Reeves’ signature lob was on display, with the actor donning a simple suit and tie for the occasion.
The overall highlight for us was Carrie-Anne Moss’ custom Oscar de la Renta gown—truly the definition of understanding the assignment. “Oscar de la Renta” embroidered in Matrix-esque silver and green into the custom pleated silk chiffon gown itself, echoing the film's coded ‘digital rain’. This meta dress literally brought The Matrix to the red carpet and we could not be more here for it.
Elsewhere, Jada Pinkett Smith wore a jaw-dropping fire-engine red bandeau dress with accompanying larger-than-life train—one of the biggest red carpet trends of 2021. Jaden Smith, who was his mother’s date, looked like a young Morpheus with a black three-piece suit, and black frames.
New additions to the franchise Priyanka Chopra, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Groff and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II also made an appearance. If this red carpet isn’t a sign to put our names on the waiting list of Balenciaga’s 90s inspired Fall 2022 collection “The Lost Tapes” then we don’t know what is.
The Matrix Resurrections will be released in cinemas on December 25.
If you don’t mind us, we’ll be spending the rest of the day rewatching this trilogy.
