If there’s one leading lady who is sure to make major waves in the near future, it’s Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot, aka Wonder Woman. Starring opposite Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill in the superhero epic Batman v Superman, the 30-year-old has already suited up for her character’s spin-off flick (and the first of two Justice League films) due out in 2017. And while we know her alter ego’s signature look includes a pair of natty and powerful cuffs, Gadot’s secret weapon appears to be working with stylist Micaela Erlanger on perfecting her red carpet moments. “Gal is so dynamic and talented,” says Erlanger. “And with this being her first foray onto the carpet, we really wanted to go for it and bring the glamour.”
This resulted in three stellar situations, starting with a floor-length floral stunner from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture for the film’s Mexico City premiere. “[It] was a no-brainer,” says Erlanger, who’d spotted the gown at a couture press day in Los Angeles. The frock features elements of Amal Clooney’s post-wedding ceremony dress, including a raised front hem for a bit of leg reveal, but with floral-embellished straps and twists for a feminine touch. “Sometimes, you know when you have the dress,” Erlanger continues. “It was flawless on her—the hem, the embroidery, the drama of that train!”
But when time came for the star to attend the film’s New York premiere, Erlanger wanted to “up the momentum.” “We chose looks that felt appropriate for each city,” she says. Channeling a couture Rockette in a heavily embellished Balmain minidress, Gadot looked like a fashion superheroine. “With the premiere taking place at Radio City, it felt appropriate to go short and sparkly,” adds Erlanger, who punctuated the look with jewels from Fred Leighton for extra wattage.
And then came London: “Our grand finale took our breath away,” says Erlanger of Gadot’s Prada red panne velvet evening dress with crystal-embroidered straps. “The velvet, the embellished shoulders, and the color—it was sensational!” With the actress set to continue touring across the globe to promote the film, no doubt plenty more superhuman looks are in store.
