As the curtain begins to fall on one of the most significant pop-culture phenomena of the decade, Millie Bobby Brown has chosen to say goodbye to Hawkins with a sartorial shift into darkness. At the Los Angeles premiere of “Stranger Things 5” in late 2025, the 21-year-old actress—now a wife and mother—shed the youthful pastels of previous seasons for a series of daring, “naked” silhouettes. Accompanied by her husband, Jake Bongiovi, Brown’s red carpet evolution has become a masterclass in gothic romance and high-fashion maturity. As we enter 2026, her “funeral for the show” aesthetic marks the end of an era and the beginning of her reign as a definitive fashion icon.
The Rodarte “Funeral” Gown: A Dark Omen
For the Los Angeles world premiere on November 6, 2025, Millie Bobby Brown delivered what she described as the “funeral of the show.” Stepping onto the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre, she commanded the spotlight in a custom Rodarte gown that perfectly channeled the “Upside Down” aesthetic. The dress was a triumph of gothic noir, crafted from figure-hugging black lace and metallic tulle, featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline trimmed with delicate ostrich feathers and ruffled tulle.
The gown’s clever use of sheer panels gave the illusion of “naked dressing” while maintaining a refined, cinematic elegance. Speaking to reporters on the carpet, Brown noted that the dress embodied the “darkness of the final season,” signaling a more mature and high-stakes conclusion for her character, Eleven. Complemented by Chopard diamond drop earrings and her newly dyed deep burgundy hair, the look was a clear departure from her previous “teen star” image.
Coordinating with Bongiovi: The Red Carpet Power Couple
Standing by her side was her husband, Jake Bongiovi, who coordinated his look to match the evening’s dramatic tone. Bongiovi, 23, opted for a crimson velvet suit, providing a rich pop of color against Brown’s noir ensemble. The couple, who secretly married in May 2024 and welcomed their daughter via adoption in August 2025, used the premiere as their first major red carpet appearance as new parents.
Their chemistry was palpable as they navigated the “Upside Down” themed carpet. Insiders noted that the couple’s visual synergy—marrying Brown’s gothic romance with Bongiovi’s rock-star legacy—solidified their status as one of Hollywood’s most influential young power couples. After the premiere, Brown swapped her dramatic gown for a more playful, lingerie-inspired maroon corset and mini-skirt, further leaning into the festive yet rebellious energy of the press tour.
The “Naked” Sequin Mesh: A Bold Press Tour Move
The daring fashion continued just days later at the Netflix “For Your Consideration” event on November 8. Brown pushed the boundaries of the sheer trend even further in a Bronx and Banco “Liora” gown. The dress featured a mesh gridlock of black sequins forming an open-weave pattern that plunged down to the ribs, accented by a large black velvet bow at the waist.
While the runway version of the dress was entirely transparent, Brown opted for a subtle nude illusion lining, creating a look that felt provocative yet polished. Styled by Ryan Young, this “nearly naked” moment became one of the most discussed fashion choices of late 2025. It signaled Brown’s commitment to “unapologetic dressing,” a theme she has championed throughout her transition into her twenties.
A Full-Circle Moment in London
Taking the press tour to her home turf, Brown arrived at the London screening of Stranger Things 5 in an architectural masterpiece by Ashi Studio. The black corset dress combined a structured, lingerie-inspired bodice with a dramatic, high-cut tulle train. The look was both a nod to British tailoring and a continuation of the “Final Boss” energy she brought to the entire campaign.
What caught the eye of many fans were her custom heels, which featured subtle references to her character, Eleven. By blending high-fashion silhouettes with personal easter eggs, Brown demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of her brand. As the press tour reached its conclusion in January 2026, it was clear that Brown was no longer just the face of a hit show; she was a woman using fashion to reclaim her narrative.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As 2026 begins, Brown has been reminiscing on her “favorite fashion moments” of the past year, including her viral “no-bra needed” shirts from her own Florence by Mills collection. Her ability to pivot from the extreme luxury of Rodarte and Chanel to the relatable comfort of her own label is a key part of her appeal. She has successfully navigated the difficult path from child star to a respected actor and fashion mogul.
The final season of Stranger Things may mark the end of Eleven’s story, but for Millie Bobby Brown, the fashion journey is just beginning. Her recent “see-through streak” and embrace of gothic silhouettes have set the tone for her future on the red carpet. With her family by her side and a career that spans from architecture to activism, Brown is stepping into 2026 with the confidence of a woman who has finally found her own style.
