Jane Fonda brought her signature polish and purpose to the 2025 MOCA Gala, held Saturday at The Geffen Contemporary in Los Angeles. The Academy Award winner and longtime activist delivered remarks honoring philanthropist Wendy Schmidt, one of the evening’s celebrated honorees, alongside tributes from Ava DuVernay and Nancy Pelosi.
Fonda arrived in a sharply tailored violet pantsuit, composed of a single-breasted blazer with strong shoulders, a notched lapel and a slightly nipped waist. She layered the jacket over a matching collared shirt, buttoned to the top for a uniform silhouette. Straight-leg trousers with a crisp center crease fell to the tops of her silver heels.
Wendy Schmidt, Jane Fonda at The MOCA Gala 2025 at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Gilbert Flores/Variety
Continuing her recent streak of caged footwear, Fonda wore metallic silver sandals featuring a series of narrow, horizontal straps across the foot and a back ankle strap for support. The shoes included a platform sole and a block heel with a mirror-like finish. The style echoed the block-heel sandals she wore at the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony just one week prior, where she paired the look with a floral-embellished gown.
Detail of Jane Fonda’s sandals at The MOCA Gala 2025 at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Christopher Polk
Her silver hair fell in soft, full waves, swept neatly to one side. The actress and activist chose to keep her accessories simple, opting for a bold gold ring, a wide cuff bracelet and delicate hoop earrings. Her makeup stayed within neutral shades, with a hint of mauve on her lips that complemented the cool tones of her outfit.
Sarah Paulson and Jane Fonda at the MOCA 2025 Gala in complementary hues.
Christopher Polk/Variety
The annual MOCA Gala honored architect Frank Gehry, artist Theaster Gates and environmental philanthropist Wendy Schmidt, drawing a crowd that included Sarah Paulson and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Held inside the expansive Geffen Contemporary warehouse space, the event brought together leaders across art, activism and policy.
Fonda’s presence at the gala underscored her ongoing commitment to both philanthropy and representation. Earlier this year, she received the SAG Life Achievement Award, where she emphasized the power of empathy and activism. At Cannes, just days before MOCA, she reflected on her decades in the industry and the need for inclusive storytelling: “When you bring women in, then suddenly there’s the full picture.”