“It definitely feels a little online for me,” says Diane Kruger of her look for the Serpentine Gallery’s annual summer party. “But, you know, if not now… then when?” The last star attended the event 16 years ago, and her sheer tutu and bustier and dominatrix-inflected thigh-high boots for the party on Tuesday night were certainly far removed from the floaty, Grecian-inspired white gown she chose in 2007. “I feel like maybe I like to have a little more fun and be a little more adventurous than back then,” Kruger says now. “I’m still drawn to similar silhouettes, but I like dressing outside of my comfort zone more.”
Enter David Koma, the Tbilisi-born designer famous for being every London It-girl’s first port of call for a sizzling party outfit. (He also recently helped a certain Kendall Jenner to embrace her inner exhibitionist in a particularly audacious look from his autumn/winter 2023 collection.) “I’ve worn him a few times and I think he’s the coolest,” says Diane. “His vision for women is unapologetically cool and sexy.”
The custom design riffs on looks from Koma’s autumn/winter 2023 collection which – rather fittingly for the German actor – were inspired by the legendary silent movie star Marlene Dietrich. Kruger was won over by the “playfulness” of the sheer skirt, bustier and thigh-high boots. The flower choker at the neck meant her subversive Koma looked required little in the way of accessories (“the dress spoke for itself,” she says), just a few simple Repossi pieces, and a pair of black opera gloves as a final dramatic flourish .
A high point of Britain’s summer calendar, the Serpentine party frequently sees guests pushing the envelope on the fashion front, with an emphasis on homegrown and nurtured design talent. Koma also dressed in supermodel Jourdan Dunn, while Priya Ahluwalia was behind Bridgerton darling Charithra Chandran’s look, and CSM alum Chet Lo dressed Tsunaina. For Kruger, it’s a willingness to experiment that sets British style apart. “It’s edgy and fun – freer of conventions, and a little experimental at times. It feels fresh to me, and very individual.”
Kruger’s own party look certainly ticks the edgy and fun boxes, but when she’s not in PVC and killer heels, the star will be wearing easy summer essentials while in London. “Little slip dresses, white sneakers and sandals, hats and kaftans,” she says. “I love kaftans.”
Scroll down to see how Diane got ready for the Serpentine summer party.
