Music’s biggest night in London arrived with a bang on Saturday evening as the Brits 2025 took over the 02 — before the best dressed guests scampered around the various parties that sprung up across town.
Starting as she meant to go on, it was Charli XCX — who went home with five five awards, including Artist and Album of the Year — that dominated the red carpet in a black, sheer gown from Dilara Findikoglu, the Turkish-born, London-based designer who has established herself the go-to label for cool girls. It didn’t come without controversy: “I heard that ITV were complaining about my nipples,” the singer said, as she accepted an award. She protested: “I feel like we are in the era of free nipples.”
Sabrina Carpenter made a nod to Britain, opting for a pink, ruched and sequinned gown from London house McQueen — before swapping into the glitzy, red showgirl number which saw the nation spit out their tea. Millie Bobby Brown, meanwhile, opted for an archive 1920s Egyptian gown crafted from real silver, from Annie’s Ibiza.
Battling for best dressed gent was Lenny Kravitz, ever the rockstar wearing vintage Jitrois, Jared Leto, who made a case for the return of spats which he wore with a feather lapel suit, and Stormzy, who kept things neutral in his chino, t-shirt and leather bomber get up. Jason Isaacs might have benefited from borrowing the Burberry number he modelled on the catwalk last week, instead opting for a Topman-esque blue suit with sneakers.
Other notable moments from the red carpet included Jade Thirwell’s denim, Diesel gown, Naomie Harris’ chocolate, Robert Wun couture gown, Jordan Dunn’s sculptural Mugler suit and Nia Archives, who wore a tartan, Dior look.
After the ceremony, it was quick changes and onto the afterparties — with Warner Music’s epic takeover of Claridge’s taking gold. Guests counting Rocco Ritchie, in a fur coat, Jess Glynne and Alex Scott, Charli XCX, Cruz Beckham and Lennon Gallagher flocked into the bananas themed extravaganza, all dressing up to the “nocturnal glamour” requirement.
The iconic Claridge’s ballroom was barely recognisable, with its chandeliers swapped out for crystal-embellished banana bunches. Custom carpets featuring boogying monkeys in short-shorts were rolled out, mocha velvet curtains were generously draped, and guests were served Hennessy as models — their faces covered in diamantes — gyrated to The Flag Twins DJing in an “inflatable” rave room. Later sets came from A. G. Cook, Joshua James and Rocco Ritchie. It had that roar of excitement and peacocking glamour that comes from big budget bashes that are increasingly rare in the capital.
Raff Law, Cruz Beckham and Cush Jumbo kept the party going well into the early hours.
All the best looks from the Brits 2025:
