Dakota Johnson graced Tuesday’s 17th Annual HOPE Luncheon Seminar at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.
The event, organized by the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, not only aimed to raise awareness about depression and related mood disorders but also honored the 34-year-old American actress for her significant contributions to depression advocacy.
Johnson made a daring fashion statement for the occasion by wearing an oversized Gucci wool jacket in a stylish camel shade, with a length that flirted with the top of her knees and the versatility to double as a dress.
Dakota Johnson attending the 17th Annual HOPE Luncheon Seminar held at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on November 14, 2023 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
The clean-cut blazer, with an Interlocking G, heart embroidery, and a slim Horsebit detail, showcased the season’s sleek silhouette inspired by the 1990s.
She layered the jacket over a silky white Gucci logo-embroidered cotton shirt and paired it with black Gucci high-rise leather straight pants that exuded sophistication with a touch of edge.
Stylist Kate Young expertly combined the elements, creating a daytime look that perfectly balanced professionalism and fashion-forward flair.
Johnson held a black Gucci Horsebit chain medium shoulder bag with magnetic snap closure, housing her essentials for the evening.
Dakota Johnson wearing a Gucci ensemble and carrying a Horsebit chain medium shoulder bag (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
She accessorized her outfit with a Tiffany & Co. bean design gold pendant, striking Monica Vinader x Kate Young gemstone striped hoops, and an emerald ring on her finger.
Her ensemble was completed with Bottega Veneta cat-eye sunglasses, simple makeup, and her brown hair styled straight with blunt bangs.
Adding a touch of iconic glamour, she slipped into Christian Louboutin So Kate booties, elevating her stunning frame with a 100-mm stiletto heel.
Dakota Johnson wearing a pair of Christian Louboutin So Kate booties (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Dakota Johnson was honored at the event with the prestigious Hope Award for Depression Advocacy, recognizing her active role in promoting mental health awareness.
The theme, “Resilience: Emerging Stronger from Life’s Greatest Challenges,” resonated with Johnson’s journey, as she has been open about her experiences with depression and anxiety since her teenage years.
In her acceptance speech, Johnson shared a touching anecdote about her boyfriend, Chris Martin’s observation of her mood based on her choice of clothing.
Per Daily Mail, Johnson recounted, “A few weeks ago, I was having a low day. My partner said to me so kindly, ‘Are you really struggling?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Baby, you’re wearing a Cats T-shirt.’ Like Cats, the musical. It turns out I was really struggling.”
Dakota Johnson signing autographs outside The Plaza Hotel after the 17th Annual HOPE Luncheon Seminar honoring her for her contributions to depression advocacy (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
She emphasized the importance of using humor as a coping mechanism, stating, “I think most of the time I speak about depression or anxiety in a very self-deprecating way. Perhaps it is easier to look it in the eyes if I wear the mask of comedy. Covering my pain or anxiety in comedy is a lifelong tool, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It works. It helps me because sometimes, if I don’t laugh, I’ll cry.”
Johnson added, “The biggest thing I’ve learned about depression is learning to become okay with there never really being an immediate answer, never really being an immediate end.”