The world’s biggest stars arrived at the BAFTAs last night, bringing a wave of classic Hollywood glamour to London’s Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre, which promised to be the “most ambitious and accessible night yet.” It certainly delivered ambition in terms of the looks, which featured frills, feathers and metallic gowns that resembled the awards themselves.
Florence Pugh, who was in attendance to support her film The Wonder, secured the unofficial best dressed trophy after she arrived in a bright orange, translucent gown by Harris Reed for Nina Ricci. Pugh, who also performed a spoken word poem at Reed’s own fashion week show this Thursday in London, was one of the many stars to bring a pop of colour to the red carpet. She was joined by red-carpet-reliable Jodie Turner-Smith, who went full showgirl in a billowing lavender feather and sequin Gucci look, accessorised with a massive diamond Chopard choker.
Also bright and bold was Angela Bassett, who stunned in a two-tone purple Pamela Rolland cut out gown, complete with enormous puff sleeves engulfing her hands, and towering bow-adorned metallic heels which added further feminine flourish. Her final accessory was a blue charity ribbon, a symbol of the United Nations refugee agency, which many guests wore in support of refugees and displaced people around the world.
High shine looks were also trend-spotted on the red carpet, with attendees like Cynthia Erivo and Sheila Atim looking positively statue-esque. Erivo wore a bronze tinsel Louis Vuitton look, which trailed behind her in a small train, whereas Atim opted for a strapless silver Prada gown with matching opera gloves and plenty of silver jewellery.
Elsewhere resplendent in reflective tones was Anya Taylor-Joy, who arrived in a huge golden velvet cape with a matching mini dress beneath (both Schiaparelli). Though a mini dress isn’t typical for an awards show, Joy decided to ditch the cape and pose for pictures in her micro golden frock, embellished with velvet bows.
Amongst a sea of paintbox bright hues, monochrome dominated the red carpet with a series of black and white combinations, including Julianne Moore’s ode to old Hollywood glamour in a Saint Laurent column black dress styled with a white faux marabou shawl and platform heels — to boundary-pushing costume designer Sandy Powell’s structural black tuxedo and white shirt.
For a modern twist on a classic evening look, attendees including Carey Mulligan and Cate Blanchett kept things understated in simple long black dresses (Blanchett opted to recycle the Maison Margiela gown she first wore to the BAFTAs in 2015, updated this time with some Louis Vuitton pearls).
All-white looks were also a standout. See Lily James, the Princess of Wales and Naomi Ackie. Oh, what a night!
