“I’m trying to see how long I can save money,” Damson Idris joked to E! News on the 2026 Oscars red carpet. The F1 actor wasn’t referring to saving on rent by having roommates, but to his outfit: A custom Prada suit based on the memorable fall 2012 menswear runway show in which Adrien Brody, Willam Dafoe, and Gary Oldman walked, a show also nicknamed “The Villains.” He paired the look with a custom F1-inspired brooch from his own jewelry brand Didris. Idris explained that, in contrast to industry norms, he didn’t work with a stylist for the occasion. It was a deliberate choice, for a stylish star on one of fashion’s biggest and most brand partnership-centric nights. Although it helps, of course, that he’s already an ambassador for Prada.
These days, it can seem like everyone is clued into the machinations of celebrity style. With the rise of online red carpet discourse, the terms “brand contract,” “full look policy,” and “designer credits” can get thrown around on high fashion twitter as much as they do in an internal editorial messaging channel. And so, it’s all the more surprising to hear an actor take a now untraditional route when it comes to dressing.
This is especially given the moment, where burgeoning stars are getting snapped up earlier and earlier into their career. Just look at Heated Rivalry’s Hudson Williams, who made his Oscars debut as an official friend of the house for Balenciaga. However, Idris isn’t alone in his sartorial risks. Some celebrities famously don’t ever work with a stylist, like Blake Lively. And, at times, Bella Hadid.
