Margaret Qualley’s Backless Beaded Chanel Gown Just Won Valentine’s Weekend in L.A.

Margaret Qualley stuns in a backless, beaded Chanel slip dress with a red-to-pink ombré at her latest L.A. premiere.

Margaret Qualley knows how to make an entrance. And on Valentine’s Day weekend in Los Angeles, she didn’t just step onto the red carpet. She floated.

At the premiere of her new film How to Make a Killing, the actress leaned fully into romance with a gown that felt equal parts modern siren and classic Chanel muse. The look? A plunging, fully backless slip dress from Chanel’s 2026 Métiers d’Art collection, freshly designed by the house’s new creative director, Matthieu Blazy.

Let’s talk about the dress.

The intricately beaded gown created a subtle optical illusion, catching the light with every step. Up front, the neckline plunged with confidence, but it never felt overdone. It was balanced. Controlled. Very French-girl sensuality. The beading shimmered across the fabric in a delicate ombré wash, fading from a rich, Valentine-red at the top into a softer pink near the hem. Romantic without being sugary. Sexy without trying too hard.

And then there was the back.

Completely open. No distractions. Just a clean, dramatic sweep of skin that made the whole look feel effortless and a little daring. It’s the kind of backless moment that photographers love because it gives drama from every angle.

Qualley kept her styling smart and restrained. Dainty diamond earrings added just enough sparkle without competing with the heavy beadwork. Her dark hair was pulled into a sleek updo, showing off her shoulders and that open back. The beauty look followed suit: subtle winged liner, softly stained lips, and a fresh rosy blush that tied into the pink tones of the gown. Nothing fussy. Nothing loud. Just polished and intentional.

If you’ve been watching Qualley’s fashion evolution, this feels like a natural next step. She’s been leaning into sophisticated silhouettes with a quiet confidence that’s hard to fake.

Just last month, during Paris Fashion Week, she attended Chanel’s spring 2026 couture presentation and delivered a completely different but equally sharp look. For that event, she slipped into a sequined little black dress with a deep V-neckline that plunged almost to her ribs. It was sleek, minimal, and undeniably bold. She paired it with Chanel’s signature two-tone pumps, a black leather baguette bag, and porcelain drop earrings. Classic house codes, styled in a way that felt very her.

Her beauty that day? A slicked-back ponytail, defined brows, glowing skin, terracotta blush, fluttery lashes, glossy lips, and merlot nails. Clean. Sculpted. Slightly dramatic. She understands balance.

But this latest red-to-pink moment might be my favorite. There’s something about a beaded slip dress that always feels timeless, especially when done by Chanel. It doesn’t scream for attention. It just holds it.

Margaret Qualley isn’t chasing trends. She’s settling into her fashion lane, and it’s elegant, a little sensual, and very sure of itself. If this is the direction she’s heading, consider us fully watching.