Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner (Photo: Getty Images)
Cover Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, one of the most unexpected couples in entertainment today, at the Oscars 2025 (Photo: Getty Images)
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner (Photo: Getty Images)

From Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet to Blackpink’s Lisa and Frédéric Arnault, Tatler takes a look at the couples we never saw coming throughout entertainment history

As the Oscars 2025 buzz continues, many couldn’t help but notice Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet; long thought of as an unlikely pairing, the couple packed on the PDA and stole the spotlight on Hollywood’s biggest night.

Their relationship has ignited conversations about modern celebrity dynamics and the blend of two influential worlds: the glamour of reality television and the artistry of film.

But they aren’t the only surprising couples to have captured our attention over the years. From bold pairings that defy age gaps to those that bring together contrasting public personas, unexpected romances are rife in entertainment. Tatler takes a look at couples who, much like Jenner and Chalamet, have taken Hollywood, the K-pop industry and more by surprise.

You might also like: Match made in fashion: 10 most endearing couples in the fashion industry

Madonna and Tupac

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Madonna and Tupac (Photo: Instagram / @2pac.eternally)
Above Madonna and Tupac (Photo: Instagram / @2pac.eternally)
Madonna and Tupac (Photo: Instagram / @2pac.eternally)

In the 1990s, no one really saw Madonna and Tupac Shakur’s relationship coming—and to this day, it remains one of the most fascinating and mysterious relationships in music history. They represented a powerful intersection between pop and hip-hop and challenged perceptions surrounding race and celebrity. It is rumoured that they worked together on unpublished songs.

Their romance, though short-lived, was marked by both intense passion and profound societal commentary, as Tupac’s break-up letter to the singer, dated 1995, would reveal.

Blackpink’s Lisa and Frédéric Arnault

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Blackpink’s Lisa and Frédéric Arnault (Photo: Instagram / @blackpinks_yge)
Above Lisa and Frédéric Arnault (Photo: Instagram / @blackpinks_yge)
Blackpink’s Lisa and Frédéric Arnault (Photo: Instagram / @blackpinks_yge)

Blackpink’s Lisa and Frédéric Arnault is a relationship that very few saw coming. K-pop stars have rarely ever dated those who aren't fellow K-pop stars, after all. 

However, the union between Lisa—a talented dancer, rapper and actress—and Arnault, the CEO of LVMH Watches, who is also the son of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault—quickly established them as one of the most glamorous pairs in today’s entertainment landscape. Together, they’re seen as a power couple who bridged the worlds of entertainment, luxury and fashion.

Cher and Tom Cruise

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Tom Cruise and Cher (Photo: Instagram / @tomcruuse)
Above Tom Cruise and Cher (Photo: Instagram / @tomcruuse)
Tom Cruise and Cher (Photo: Instagram / @tomcruuse)

Tom Cruise and Cher’s brief romance in the 1980s became a captivating footnote in Hollywood’s rich history of tantalising pairings.

Their relationship was marked by a significant age gap—Cher was 39 while Tom Cruise was 25—and contrasting public personas. Cher has always embraced a flamboyant, bold public identity, whereas Cruise is known for his intense and serious image. This striking difference between them captivated audiences, offering a glimpse into the fascinating dynamics of love and fame in Hollywood.

Hyuna and Dawn

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Above Hyuna and Dawn (Photo: Instagram / @hyuna.retro)

Hyuna and Dawn’s romance was an unexpected one—mostly because they broke norms within the typically conservative K-pop landscape. When they publicly announced their relationship in 2018, without the prior knowledge of their representative Cube Entertainment, the firm terminated both artists’ contracts, citing that they could not “maintain trust” with the couple; the news made international headlines. 

The two were not only dating but also made music together—something that not only showcased their talent but also redefined how love can thrive in the demanding realm of K-pop. While they officially ended their relationship in 2023, fans continued to support them for their expressions of authenticity 

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson

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Above Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson (Photo: Instagram / @kimkardashian)

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson’s whirlwind romance captured media attention due to their contrasting public personas—Kardashian’s polished image versus Davidson’s comedic, down-to-earth vibe.

Their playful chemistry, often showcased through social media and public events, turned heads and reignited conversations about love in the digital age. Despite the eventual end of their relationship, the couple’s unique connection resonated with many.

Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin

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Above Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin (Photo: Instagram / @brendasong)

Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin’s enduring relationship points to love blossoming from shared experiences in childhood stardom.

The actors, who both found fame at a young age and began dating in 2017, have navigated the challenges of the entertainment industry and emerged stronger together. Their bond, characterised by mutual support and camaraderie, continues to inspire fans, demonstrating that genuine connections can thrive, even in the chaotic world of celebrity.

Ali Wong and Bill Hader

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Above Ali Wong and Bill Hader (Photo: Getty Images)

Comedians Bill Hader and Ali Wong definitely deserve their place on this list, despite both working in the same field. 

There is a marked contrast between their comedic styles and personas: Hader is known for his deadpan humour, while Wong’s famed for her bold, expressive on-stage persona. 

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet

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Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner (Photo: Getty Images)
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner (Photo: Getty Images)

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s romance caught many off guard, mostly thanks to the differences in their backgrounds. Chalamet is celebrated for his acclaimed roles in indie films and among the Hollywood artistic elite, while Jenner is a mogul in the realm of reality television and beauty, deeply embedded in the glamorous side of celebrity culture. 

Despite these contrasts, romantic moments between the two at the events they attend together often make headlines—whether at the Oscars 2025 or elsewhere—a show of their undeniable chemistry.

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Salomé Grouard
Digital Editor, Hong Kong, Tatler Hong Kong
Tatler Asia

Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters. 

Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.

She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara