Award season has arrived! Last week we all tuned into a thoroughly enjoyable BAFTAs, there hosted by the delightful Stephen Fry, stuff we were unexpectedly impressed by the gorgeous frocks that sashayed down the red carpet. Pure elegance appeared to be the stars’ mantra last night (well, mostly – Lily Allen I’m looking at you), and who are we to argue with that?!
Here are our picks for best-dressed at the BAFTAs 2014.
1. Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen
This lady can do no wrong on the red carpet. While staying on the safer side of things for her, Blanchett still looked incredible in her black embroidered McQueen gown and dazzling Chopard neckpiece. The flower detailing lent a feminine touch to an otherwise severe dress, and her gently elegant hair and makeup let the outfit speak for itself. Flawless.
2. Angelina Jolie in Saint Laurent
She may not have been nominated on the night, but Jolie still made a splash in this impeccably tailored Saint Lauren tux. The look suits Jolie’s highly individual persona perfectly and I’m lusting after those patent courts. The tussled hair and sexy smokey eye kept the look from straying too far into androgyny.
3. Lupita Nyong’o in Christian Dior
Newcomer Nyong’o is absolutely thrilling everyone this awards season with her fantastic style picks. Taking over from the absent Jennifer Lawrence as Dior’s red carpet poster girl, she positively glows in this strapless aqua gown, simply adorned with Ana Khouri cuffs and a waist-cinching belt. Her make-up, while bold in itself, does not distract from the gown. In short, this new kid on the block is one to watch for the upcoming Oscars.
Perhaps a little overlooked but no less fabulous, Olga Kurylenko’s Burberry gown is sheer perfection. The fit, the length, the burnt orange scale effect, the flash of midriff – love, love, love. The whole look, including the softly waved hair, is a bit Little Mermaid, but sexy and sophisticated all at once. The Vampire Academy actress really did herself proud last night.
5. Amy Adams in Victoria Beckham
This look is a masterclass in doing black on the red carpet. Adams’ Victoria Beckham dress falls beautifully, and the chiffon overlay is a sumptuous, modern twist on a classic black gown. Her retro waved updo, deep lips and red nails give off a distinctly vampy vibe. It’s classic and it’s old Hollywood, in a 21st century way. Also, Adams’ ghostly pale complexion is just divine.
The stars were out in force in London last night, and by and large they did not disappoint. The men gave the women a run for their money also, with Leonardo di Caprio, Michael Fassbender and Bradley Cooper looking wonderfully dapper in their tuxedos. Kerryman Fassbender’s beard truly was one of a kind!
Having been highly impressed with the style offerings this awards season, it’s with huge excitement that we at T+ Fashion look forward to the Oscars on the 2nd of March.
EMILY O’BRIEN
