These days, an Emma Watson appearance is something of a rarity, save for the occasional sighting at Burning Man. This weekend, however, the actor stepped out for the LACMA Art + Film Gala, where she skipped the red carpet (but certainly dressed for one) in a -worthy gown – glossy, corseted, slipping shoulder straps – created by multidisciplinary artist Caroline Zimbalist.

A Parsons graduate, Zimbalist works across fashion, performance art and sculpture, developing bio-based formulas that are heated, mixed and poured by hand directly onto silk. As the water evaporates, the material sets and bonds with the fabric, creating the fluid, almost molten effect of Watson’s dress. Taking to Instagram, the actor drew a connection between Zimbalist’s work and that of the evening’s honourees, including artist Vija Celmins, known for her intricate drawings of nature, and director Denis Villeneuve, who, as Watson put it, “builds extraordinary worlds while asking deeply human questions.”

Reflecting on the one-of-a-kind dress, Zimbalist explained, “I see it as a fleeting moment in time, somewhere between fashion, sculpture and performance art,” adding, “there’s something beautiful about creating a piece that exists for this particular moment, coming to life through Emma, her movement and the way she carries it.” For one of Hollywood’s most elusive stars, it was a memorable return to form.