Chain links have proven to be timelessly fashionable in the form of necklaces and purse straps, but Elle Fanning introduced us to an entirely new, larger-than-life take on the trend at the 2021 InStyle Awards on Monday. The 23-year-old actress commanded attention at the event when she walked the red carpet in a crop top designed to resemble an enormous chain link. Hailing from Balmain’s spring/summer 2022 collection, the armor-like design features dozens of dazzling jewels lining the front and wraps around the back with a much thinner gold chain.
With help from her longtime stylist, Samantha McMillen, Elle paired the spotlight-stealing top with a simple low-rise maxi skirt, platform heels, and a collection of gold Balmain rings. Somehow, against all odds, the outfit . . . really worked. Aesthetics aside, however, we do have some urgent questions about the look. First and foremost, is it even remotely comfortable to wear? Is there a built-in bra, or at the very least, some sort of fabric lining on the inside? Is it made of plastic or real solid gold? How heavy is it? While we patiently wait for Elle to hit us up with the answers to these pressing questions, we’ll be admiring all the photos of her rocking the wild top ahead. Won’t you join us?
Related: It’s Not Dramatic to Say Time Stopped When Elle Fanning Walked the Red Carpet in This Dress
