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Kate Middleton returns to the British Academy Film Awards after three years
(Photo: Reuters/Isabel Infantes)
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Not a classic look for the British ceremony: Audrey Nuna, Ejae, and Rei Ami on the red carpet
(Photo: Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images)
18 View gallery
A regular on the awards circuit: Odessa A’zion
(Photo: Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images)
You can always count on Kate Middleton to keep the BAFTAs red carpet from slipping into a fashion slump. The Princess of Wales returned to the British Academy Film Awards in a lilac ombré chiffon gown by Gucci, a dress she first wore in 2019.
Middleton is known for revisiting past red carpet looks as part of her commitment to promoting sustainable fashion, a conversation also championed by stars such as Cate Blanchett, Winona Ryder and Jane Fonda.
Her decision to wear Gucci rather than a British fashion house was hardly accidental, coming just days before Milan Fashion Week opens Tuesday. Over the weekend, Gucci's new creative director Demna is set to unveil his debut collection for the Italian house in what is considered a major industry event. Middleton’s choice appeared to nod to the global fashion industry that embraces her, even as she skipped local designers this time.
Middleton’s first BAFTA appearance since 2023 delivered one of the evening’s strongest looks. Most stars opted for solid to ultra-restrained ensembles that, in many cases, failed to make a strong sartorial statement.
Two of this awards season’s most talked about actresses once again proved their red carpet power. Chase Infiniti wore a sculptural strapless burgundy gown by Louis Vuitton, while Teyana Taylor chose an aubergine taffeta design by Burberry, the British house set to close London Fashion Week later that evening.
One of the event’s clearest trends was the dominance of black eveningwear, a direction that began at last month’s Golden Globe Awards. Monica Bellucci selected a wide-neckline maxi dress by Stella McCartney, departing from her frequent collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana.
Emma Stone wore a minimalist halter gown with a plunging neckline by Louis Vuitton. Odessa A’zion arrived in a voluminous lace Dior dress designed by Jonathan Anderson, channeling a bohemian spirit. Glenn Close wrapped herself in an embroidered suit by Erdem, who marked 20 years in business at London Fashion Week the previous day.
The all-black aesthetic extended to the men, who in several cases outshone the evening gowns. Timothée Chalamet wore a black double-breasted suit by Sarah Burton for Givenchy. Riz Ahmed chose a black flared trouser suit by Saint Laurent. David Jonsson impressed in a black Hermès suit paired with a colorful tie fashioned from a printed scarf, a styling trick many men may be eager to adopt. Also embracing black were Noah Jupe in a sharply proportioned Jacquemus suit and Archie Madekwe in a Dior suit with an ivory ruffled collar.
Unlike awards shows in Hollywood, the BAFTAs are not typically a runway for the most extravagant gowns of the moment, less because of the guest list and more due to the event’s relatively conservative tone. So when singer Audrey Nuna chose a period-inspired Thom Browne ensemble featuring a dog-patterned crinoline skirt and matching knit, she appeared out of sync with the room. At another ceremony she might have stood out; here she simply looked misplaced.
The evening’s least flattering look went to Kirsten Dunst in Valentino by Alessandro Michele. Usually a strong dresser, Dunst was let down by oversized lavender sleeves on a cropped jacket that overwhelmed the slim silhouette of her dress. The final result felt disproportionate and, at best, unflattering.
