Nine years ago, Stranger Things cracked open the gates of Hawkins and pulled the world into the Upside Down—creating a cultural phenomenon and introducing a cast that defined an era of streaming. On Thursday night, the series returned to where it all began: a world premiere at Hollywood’s iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre for the fifth and final season.

Among the cast making their way down the red carpet was Jamie Campbell Bower—Vecna himself—wearing a custom all-black Ann Demeulemeester look. The moment marks another chapter in Bower’s ongoing collaboration with the house: earlier this fall, he walked their runway in Paris, and for the global premiere tour, creative director Stefano Gallici has been crafting bespoke looks for him. For Los Angeles, the outfit featured an oversized blazer layered over a satin shirt, a pleated leather skirt, black tights, and leather boots. On the sleeve, a whisper of embroidery: “I saw your wishes and knew them to be true.”

With the final chapter of Stranger Things premiering in three volumes—November 26, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve—the party is back together for one last fight. Here, Bower lets VMAN into his getting-ready process before stepping onto the red carpet. Scroll for an exclusive photo diary, annotated in his own words.

“A surreal moment to see my name on the tag. I’m so lucky to have worked with Stefano and the team at Ann Demuelemeester on this.”

“Poetry has always been a huge part of my creative outlet and process and we wanted to include that in these pieces.”

“Details.”

“That strange time between normal life and something very unusual.”

“No time for a dip.”

“Follow me.”

“Soft light moments.”

“More soft light moments.”

“A meditation.“

“The final moments before leaving the car are always a time of reflection.”

“Showtime.“

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Photography Jason Renaud