Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Dark Knight’s Lady

Maggie Gyllenhaal has been a somewhat undercover star for much of her career, taking roles in movies like Secretary and Stranger Than Fiction, but in her latest role as Rachel Dawes in the latest Batman installment, The Dark Knight, she’s transformed into an A-list star. On the cover of Marie Claire this month, Gyllenhaal shared with the magazine how she has become a big target for the fashion police, and how being startled of it at first, she’s overcome the pressure. Her confidence shows through and she’s turned out in some designer wear that has definitely turned heads.

Shown here, Gyllenhaal attended the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala’s Superheroes opening clad in Peter Som’s eggplant ball gown, full of layers and gathering. The event held the perfect theme for The Dark Knight star, who accented the dress with an antique Fred Leighton pendant necklace and earrings. At The Dark Knight premiere, she wore a strapless black Dries Van Noten dress with a bright floral motif accessorized by a Fred Leighton cuff and pendant drop earrings, looking radiant while also honoring late friend Heath Ledger’s role in the film. On her appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, Gyllenhaal camouflaged her broken toe like an expert, sporting an asymmetrical black velvet Lanvin dress with bow tie heels and upswept hair. These looks prove Gyllenhaal can bring style and grace to the red carpet, if not just by the ability to withstand pain, but also by dressing in these gorgeous ensembles that show she is a true star in the making.