BAFTAs 2021: 15 Best-Dressed Stars
Held in London, a city known for its rebellious approach to style, the event with an ever-evolving dress code featured some stellar looks from Arab designers.
Due to COVID-19, British film’s biggest night, the EE British Academy Film Awards, took on the same hybrid format as all the other award shows this year. The 74th celebration of the best in British film and television saw those based in London head to the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night, while the rest of the A-listers were beamed in live from different corners of the world. And whether they were attending IRL or virtually, the attendees and their stylists did not hold back when it came to the glamour we associate with awards season, giving fashion-loving onlookers the dazzling looks they’ve been waiting for.
As usual, stellar designs from the best-known Arab couturiers were spotted on the best-dressed stars, including presenter Andra Day. Making an appearance from LA, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” star stood out in a backless bright green fishtail dress by Elie Saab. The head-turning number features striking chain link detailing. Also taking the event by storm was Dominique Fishback, who was nominated for Supporting Actress. The “Judas and the Black Messiah” star rocked a black Georges Hobeika autumn 2020 couture dress imbued with a swirling painterly print. The statement gown also brought plenty of drama to the table because of its ultra-revealing halterneck. Anna Kendrick, another presenter making an appearance from LA, nailed it in a Zuhair Murad gown. The daring thigh-split metallic burgundy dress from Murad’s autumn 2021 collection has a cascade of dynamic pleats, a plunging bustier-style bodice and a cinched waistband.
In fact, shimmer was one of the major trends of the nights helping stars attain fashion gravitas. “The Morning Show” actor and presenter at the event, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, looked ravishing in a sequinned pencil-skirt dress from Louis Vuitton’s pre-autumn 2020 collection. The embellished 1920s Old Hollywood-style embellished dress features a scalloped bust and a chic sheer panel at the neckline. Another presenter looking drop-dead gorgeous in a sparkling design was Renée Zellweger. This time, the actress, who constantly makes it onto best-dressed lists, opted for a low-cut strapless, figure-hugging pewter midi dress by Atelier Versace, sprinkled with sequins at the top. Vanessa Kirby, nominated for Leading Actress thanks to her role in “Pieces of a Woman,” also made waves in a dress by the Italian label. The bespoke chainmail gown made from heritage metal mesh comes with a thigh-high slit and spaghetti straps. And Bulgarian Maria Bakalova, nominated in the Supporting Actress category, gave us the princess moment we were looking for. The “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” star was a vision in a gorgeous embellished tulle gown by Armani Privé.
The event was also awash with glamour due to fashion-forward looks from stars like Priyanka Chopra Jonas. One of the presenter’s fabulous looks was from Ronald van der Kemp’s ethically made autumn/winter 2020 haute couture collection. A black silk mikado jacket with hand painted, beaded and pleated butterflies looked perfect teamed with a matching plissé skirt. Original Screenplay and Outstanding British Film winner Emerald Fennell was also a frontrunner in the fashion stakes, appearing in custom Roland Mouret. The first-time writer/director of “Promising Young Woman” and “The Crown” star looked stunning in the ethereal and whimsical dress. Created in white chevron organza, it’s an adapted version of a look from Mouret’s autumn/winter 2020 collection. Additionally, presenter and “Bridgerton” superstar Phoebe Dynevor looked super elegant in classic black one-shouldered evening gown by Louis Vuitton.
Click through to see all the best fashion from British film’s big night - and how adept the stars have become at Instagram photoshoots.
