It was an unforgettable Tuesday night as Jenna Ortega, the 22-year-old star of Netflix’s “Wednesday,” took center stage on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Ortega’s striking appearance, adorned in a couture masterpiece from Oscar de la Renta’s fall 2025 collection, captivated audiences and critics alike. The design, inspired by stained glass art, was aptly dubbed “the lady in glass,” by the host. This nickname not only highlights the dress’s aesthetic allure but also hints at the complexities and discomfort that often come with high fashion.
Fashion Meets Functionality
Jenna Ortega’s ensemble, a $13,000 minidress crafted from durable plastic rather than fragile glass, evokes a powerful conversation about the intersection of beauty and practicality. As stylish as it was uncomfortable, Ortega candidly shared her experience with the dress, admitting that certain aspects caused discomfort as she sat. It brings into question the sacrifices that actresses make for the sake of fashion, especially when public appearances require both poise and pain.
Ortega’s admission, “every time I sit, there’s like pieces poking my ass,” sparked laughter from the audience, yet encapsulates the often-overlooked hardships of maintaining a glamorous image in Hollywood. The audience’s laughter revealed a shared understanding; while fashion can be stunning, it often comes at a price. This raw honesty from Ortega resonates with many who face discomfort for beauty in their own life paths, transcending beyond the realms of celebrity culture.
An Enchanting Color Palette
Intrinsically tied to her bold fashion choice was Ortega’s beauty look, featuring a sultry red lip and textured dark brown hair with a hint of red. This choice not only matched her dress but also showcased her ability to invoke a gothic glamour reminiscent of her character in “Wednesday.” The details mattered immensely; the red floral appliqué at the neckline and waist served as strokes of artistic flair, enhancing the viewer’s aesthetic experience and reinforcing Ortega’s status as a modern fashion icon.
Excitement for the Future
During her conversation with Stephen Colbert, Ortega also sparked anticipation for the upcoming Season Two of “Wednesday.” Her announcement that Lady Gaga would make a cameo appearance was met with roars of approval from the audience, emphasizing the show’s cultural relevance and the dynamic presence of its cast. While the details about Gaga’s role remain vague, the excitement surrounding her involvement speaks volumes about the show’s momentum and its ability to attract major stars.
As Ortega continues to navigate her burgeoning career, her thoughtful reflections on fashion and her openness about discomfort provide a refreshingly honest narrative in an industry often plagued by perfection. The juxtaposition of aesthetic beauty and reality is emblematic of the modern celebrity experience, where every dazzling exterior often masks the struggles faced behind the scenes. Through her unique blend of vulnerability and empowerment, Ortega invites us all to engage in a dialogue about what it means to embody beauty, both on-screen and off.