Jenna Ortega Broke Down in Tears, Begging Her Stylist to Stop – What’s So Terrible?

Jenna Ortega has never shied away from bold red carpet fashion, but her 2025 Emmys appearance might be the one that finally pushed her to ask for a little more comfort going forward. The 22-year-old actress made headlines at the Emmy Awards on September 14, 2025, when she arrived in a show-stopping Givenchy look that was equal parts glamorous and heavy—literally.

Her stylist, Enrique Melendez, recently opened up about the details behind the look, which was inspired by the cult classic film Death Becomes Her. While the internet buzzed about Ortega’s daring outfit, what fans didn’t see was the toll it took on her physically.

A Dazzling Look Straight from the Runway

For the 2025 Emmys, Jenna Ortega wore a heavily bejeweled top from Givenchy’s couture collection, custom-paired with a sleek black low-rise skirt. The glittering upper piece, adorned with oversized jewels, was a standout on the red carpet. But as Melendez revealed in an interview on Jess Lucero’s Plus One show, the look came with an unexpected challenge: weight.

“That thing was digging into her poor collarbone,” Melendez explained, noting that the top weighed “a good 20, 30 pounds at least.”

Despite the discomfort, Ortega stunned photographers and fans alike, commanding attention with her confident pose and signature edgy flair.

Inspiration from Death Becomes Her

The Givenchy ensemble wasn’t just glamorous; it was deeply inspired by the 1992 dark comedy Death Becomes Her. Known for its satirical take on beauty, vanity, and immortality, the film’s influence brought a gothic elegance to Ortega’s look, in line with her fashion persona that fans have come to admire, especially since her breakout role in Wednesday.

Melendez said the vision was deliberate. The idea was to mix timeless couture with a slightly eerie, cinematic reference. “It was meant to be,” he said of the couture piece. “It felt like Jenna and the character she brings to life on the red carpet.”

Style Over Comfort: The Price of Couture

Though Ortega wore the ensemble gracefully, it was far from comfortable. Melendez emphasized how taxing the look was on her body throughout the night. The bejeweled top was rigid and weighed heavily against her collarbones. According to the stylist, the physical toll became noticeable as the night went on.

“By the end of the event,” he said, “she was like, ‘Enrique, I love you, but can we please do something more practical next time?’”

Her concerns weren’t about wardrobe malfunctions, which are common with such elaborate outfits. Ortega was more focused on honoring the dress code of the evening. “She actually was like, ‘I want to be respectful to the Academy,’” Melendez recalled.

Despite this being their most revealing collaboration yet, Melendez praised Ortega’s professionalism. The team took great care with securing the garment using fashion tape and close fittings, ensuring no slips occurred during the show.

Jenna Ortega’s Evolution in Fashion

Jenna Ortega’s red carpet evolution has been a sight to behold. From child star to global fashion icon, she has embraced a range of looks—often leaning into gothic, high-concept aesthetics. The 2025 Emmys look was a natural continuation of that trend.

However, Melendez has shared that Ortega’s personal style is far more relaxed than the high-fashion image she presents at major events.

“Jenna’s personal style is super simple, super streamlined. She would wear the same thing if she could every single day,” he said in a previous interview.

While red carpet events allow her to explore dramatic and couture fashion moments, her day-to-day wardrobe is quite minimalist. That contrast between personal and public style is what makes Ortega such a dynamic presence in the fashion world.

The Challenges of Dressing for Major Award Shows

Styling celebrities for major events like the Emmys isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about logistics. High-fashion couture pieces often come with structural complexities, limited mobility, and, as in Ortega‘s case, considerable weight.

“You can’t really modify something like that,” Melendez explained. “It’s a totally couture piece.”

Givenchy’s runway garments, especially those chosen for major red carpet moments, are typically made with rigid materials, unique embellishments, and silhouettes that demand poise. That often means comfort is the last thing on the priority list.

For Ortega, that reality set in midway through the evening. After hours of wearing a 20- to 30-pound top, she was more than ready to opt for something less demanding for future events.

What This Means for Future Red Carpet Looks

Following the 2025 Emmys, fans can likely expect a shift in Jenna Ortega’s future red carpet appearances. While she’s not likely to abandon bold fashion choices altogether, her request for more “practical” options suggests a potential move toward looks that balance high-fashion with physical comfort.

For Melendez, who has been working with Ortega since she was 14, this moment marks a natural evolution in their stylist-client relationship. After years of pushing boundaries together, they’re now finding new ways to blend drama with practicality.

“Sometimes,” he said with a smile, “you have to let your client’s collarbones take the lead.”

The Power of a Red Carpet Moment

Despite the physical discomfort, Jenna Ortega’s 2025 Emmys look has been widely praised by fans, critics, and fashion insiders. It sparked conversations across social media, fashion blogs, and entertainment outlets, not just for its visual impact, but also for the story behind it.

What made the look stand out wasn’t just the glittering jewels or couture craftsmanship—it was Ortega’s ability to carry such an intense outfit with elegance, even while in pain. Her poise and performance on the red carpet only further cemented her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most daring fashion risk-takers.

Final Thoughts

Jenna Ortega’s bejeweled Givenchy outfit at the 2025 Emmy Awards was more than just a fashion statement—it was a moment that highlighted the complexities behind couture fashion. It showed the commitment stars make to create memorable red carpet moments, even at the expense of comfort.

For Ortega, this look may be the last of its kind for a while, as she shifts toward more practical yet stylish options. But one thing is clear: whether she’s draped in 30 pounds of jewels or opting for something more wearable, Jenna Ortega’s place as a red carpet icon is firmly secured.