Cole Escola made a bold statement at the 2025 Tony Awards on Sunday, June 8, with a striking look inspired by Regency-era fashion. The Difficult People star turned heads on the red carpet with a dramatic ensemble that paid homage to vintage glamour.
Escola wore a custom Wiederhoeft gown reminiscent of Bernadette Peters’s iconic 1999 Tony Awards outfit. The dress featured a plunging, off-the-shoulder neckline and a pale blue taffeta corset, laced up the front and decorated with glass bead embroidery. Silver lace trim adorned the halter neckline, and the shoulder design created the effect of an oversized silver bow.
The matching silver sequined skirt was equally eye-catching, with detailed beading that ran down the front in an ornate pattern. A light blue taffeta train extended several feet behind them, adding to the gown’s regal feel.
Escola, who was nominated for two Tony Awards for their performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh Mary!, joined stars like Cynthia Erivo, Amal and George Clooney, and Katie Holmes at the event.
To complete the look, Escola wore glittering silver Jimmy Choo heels that peeked out from beneath the gown. They added a vintage touch with an antique blue ribbon choker brooch and shimmering silver nail polish. Their hairstyle—a warm auburn wig styled in a ponytail with curls framing the face and ringlets down the back—was a nod to Peters’s signature strawberry blonde updo.
For makeup, Escola chose a full Dior glam look. They wore icy white eyeshadow, bold black eyeliner, ultra-long lashes, and silver glitter along the waterline. A berry-toned lipstick and a soft pink blush added color to their face, finishing off the ethereal, Bridgerton-inspired style.
