Take a closer look at Penélope Cruz’s custom Chanel dress for the 94th Academy Awards

Despite not walking away with the Best Actress award she was nominated for this year for her role in Pedro Almodovar’s Parallel Mothers, Penélope Cruz looked every inch the winner in a custom long taffeta open back dress that’s inspired by look 15 from the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 20/21 collection. Designed with 8,000 embroidered elements, and a long row of buttons on the front of the bodice, the floor-sweeping number required a staggering 680 hours of work before completion. The halter neckline, fashioned after a huge tweed bow necklace, is hand-embroidered with blue and silver cuvettes. Click through to see the dress being made in the atelier as well as the actress getting ready for the big event.