Brianna LaPaglia Golden Globes Dress: The Real Story Behind the Revenge Look

She walked out onto the carpet and basically stopped the collective breath of the internet. Brianna LaPaglia, known to most of us as Brianna Chickenfry, didn't just show up to the 82nd Annual Golden Globes. She made a statement. After a year of headlines that felt more like a tabloid fever dream than a real-life romance, her choice for the Brianna LaPaglia Golden Globes dress in 2025 was more than just fashion. It was a reclamation.

Honestly, the energy was different this time. In 2024, she was there, but it felt like she was playing a part. This year? She looked like she finally owned the room. People are calling it the "ultimate revenge dress," and for once, the hyperbole actually fits.

The Metallic Gown That Changed the Narrative

Let’s talk about the actual garment because it was a technical marvel. Brianna wore a bronze, metallic Maria Lucia Hohan gown that looked like liquid metal poured over her frame. It wasn’t just "shiny." It had this sculptural, Greek goddess vibe that managed to be both incredibly high-fashion and deeply personal.

The bodice was a corset-style masterpiece. It featured a plunging sweetheart neckline that was, frankly, risky. But that’s Brianna. She’s never been one to play it safe, especially now that she’s calling her own shots. The ruched detailing cinched her waist in a way that felt intentional, leading down to a softly draped skirt with a subtle middle slit.

It showed off her tattoos. All of them. In a world where stylists often try to cover up "distractions," her styling duo, Danielle & Alix, leaned into them. The contrast between the formal, shimmering bronze and the ink on her arms created a look that was uniquely her.

Why This Dress Hit Differently

You can't talk about the Brianna LaPaglia Golden Globes dress without mentioning the elephant in the room: Zach Bryan.

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Earlier in 2024, Brianna dropped a bombshell on the BFFs podcast. She claimed that during the previous year's Golden Globes, her then-boyfriend Zach Bryan had allegedly tried to control what she wore. She described a night that should have been a career highlight turning into a "tug of war" with her emotions. According to her, he hated her 2024 dress—a sheer, sparkling ivory number—and even unfollowed her because of it.

• 2024: Sheer, sequined, ivory, and allegedly a source of major conflict.
• 2025: Bronze, metallic, plunging, and worn with a "don't care" attitude.

There’s something powerful about a woman returning to the scene of a bad memory wearing exactly what she was once told not to wear. She chose "risqué." She chose "eye-popping." And most importantly, she chose it for herself.

The Last-Minute Switch

Here’s a detail most people missed. This wasn’t even her first choice.

Brianna revealed on her Instagram Stories that she actually had a different outfit lined up. The original look was a sheer silver halter dress with a keyhole cutout. Her makeup artist, Alexis Oakley, even shared a snap of the initial glam. But at the eleventh hour, she pivoted to the Maria Lucia Hohan gown.

Why the change? Sometimes you just put something on and it feels like the version of yourself you want the world to see. The bronze gown felt heavier—metaphorically and literally. It had more "armor" to it.

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The Bling Factor

To round out the look, she didn’t skimp on the accessories. She was decked out in lab-grown diamonds from With Clarity. We’re talking:

1. A $4,199 pair of four-prong diamond stud earrings.
2. A 108-diamond bracelet.
3. Multiple anniversary and eternity rings that probably cost more than a mid-sized sedan.

She paired the dress with light pink lace-up kitten heels. A bit of a soft touch against the hard metallic of the dress.

Standing Solo (With a Little Help from Josh)

While she walked parts of the carpet solo, she was also joined by her co-host Josh Richards. He kept it simple in all-black, basically acting as the perfect minimalist backdrop for her high-shine moment.

It was a far cry from the "crying to Grace [O'Malley] the whole night" vibes of the year before. She looked happy. She looked like she was having fun. She even managed to snag a selfie with Cynthia Erivo. If that’s not a glow-up, I don’t know what is.

What This Means for Red Carpet Culture

For a long time, influencers on major red carpets were looked down upon. They were the "invitees," not the "stars." But Brianna has bridged that gap. She’s using these platforms to tell a story that resonates with millions of women who have felt controlled or diminished in relationships.

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The Brianna LaPaglia Golden Globes dress wasn't just about the designer or the price tag. It was about the fact that she didn't have to delete her photos this time. She didn't have to apologize for having cleavage or showing her skin.

How to Channel the Look

If you’re looking to capture that "revenge" energy without the Hollywood budget, here’s the breakdown of what made it work:

• Texture is King: Metallic fabrics reflect light and create a "shield" effect. Look for lamé or pleated satins.
• Structured Corsetry: The reason the plunging neckline worked was the internal structure. If the dress doesn't have it built-in, a good corset underneath is non-negotiable.
• The Updo: She went with a messy bun with face-framing curls. It keeps the focus on the neckline and the jewelry.
• Confidence as an Accessory: It sounds cheesy, but the way she stood—shoulders back, tattoos out—is what sold the dress.

She didn't just wear a dress. She wore a message. And judging by the millions of likes and the "Zach who?" comments flooding her feed, the message was received loud and clear.

To stay updated on the latest red carpet breakdowns, keep an eye on official stylist credits via Instagram or check the latest arrivals galleries on the Golden Globes official site. If you're looking to recreate the makeup look, Alexis Oakley often posts product breakdowns on her TikTok, focusing on that "glowy bronze" complexion that defined Brianna's 2025 appearance.