Anya taylor-joy channels princess peach—and a runaway trend

Anya Taylor-Joy isn't just starring as Princess Peach in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie; she’s also single-handedly reviving the apron dress. The actor’s press tour kickoff in Osaka offered a glimpse of spring’s most unexpected—and surprisingly chic—trend: the apron, reimagined for the red carpet.

The apron's unexpected ascent

While the concept might evoke grandma's kitchen, designers have elevated the apron to a surprisingly sophisticated statement piece. Miu Miu, for instance, presented aprons as a “consideration of the work of women,” a clever juxtaposition of utility and decoration. Emma Corrin further solidified the trend's staying power, layering one over a simple tee and jeans, demonstrating its versatility.

But Taylor-Joy’s take, courtesy of stylist Ryan Hastings, is perhaps the most compelling. She chose a rose and green floral mini apron dress from August Barron’s spring 2026 “Real Housewife” collection—a confection of soft patterns, halter apron straps, and a flippy, sheer skirt. The look, completed with dusty pink pointed sandals and Tiffany&Co. rings, was a masterful embodiment of Peach’s femininity, amplified by icy blonde hair styled half-up, half-down and a brick-red lip. It’s a look that transcends mere costume; it’s a calculated sartorial choice.

Beyond the apron: a season of playful subversion

August Barron’s collection, as a whole, isn’t solely about the apron. It’s a broader exploration of femininity, presented through multi-layer cardigans, poufy petticoat skirts, and shirts and slips that drape sensually. Designers Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø have intentionally created tensions, juxtaposing 1950s-esque curtain fabrics and pearl-studded straps with BDSM-inspired boots and leathers. The result is a collection that subverts domestic stereotypes and embraces various states of undress.

The Osaka stop also saw Taylor-Joy shift gears, opting for a more casual, yet equally charming, ensemble: low-rise dark blue jeans paired with a delicate pink Erdem tank featuring long red bows. It's a look that’s “Peachy” in its sweetness and perfectly complements the ongoing press tour narrative.

Myha’la Herrold, styled by Law Roach (another indication of the trend's momentum), embraced the apron's versatility with a sleek leather iteration at the Industry season four premiere—a decidedly sexier interpretation of workwear. The apron, it seems, is far more than a kitchen accessory; it’s a mirror reflecting our evolving understanding of femininity, its contradictions, and its enduring power. The runways have spoken: the apron is here to stay—and it's bringing a healthy dose of playful rebellion with it.