The best fashion, watch and jewellery moments from the BAFTAs 2021
It may not have been the in-person ceremony we’re used to – but that didn’t stop the stars pulling on their finery
If you tuned into watch the 2021 BAFTAs last night you’ll know it wasn’t quite the spectacle we’ve become accustomed to. Most of the nominees, for example, weren’t even in attendance, instead Zooming in from their living rooms in what may just be the most star-studded video conference of the year.
The evening’s presenters, however, were at the Royal Albert Hall in person and, with a few notable exceptions (Chloé Zhao we’re looking at you and your trademark dungarees), even those joining from their dining rooms made an effort to honour the usual black tie dress code. The evening was, in short, a joyful reminder of how great getting dressed up can be. Here are some of our favourite looks from the 2021 BAFTAs.
Phoebe Dynevor in Louis Vuitton
Having made few red carpet appearances to date, fashion fans were eager to see what Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor would choose for her presenting gig at the BAFTAs. Her full length, asymmetric Louis Vuitton gown didn’t disappoint (and could be an early indicator of a fruitful partnership between the star and the brand to come). Paired with classic diamond jewellery, it’s a look Lady Whistledown surely would approve of.
Vanessa Kirby in Atelier Versace
While the slinky Nineties-inspired Atelier Versace gown Vanessa Kirby chose for the 2021 BAFTAS is certainly noteworthy (it was made from metal mesh as if an incredibly chic take on Medieval armour), it was her jewellery choices that stole the show. Kirby opted for a fabulous white gold, diamond, onyx and emerald ring, and platinum and diamond earrings from Cartier’s high jewellery collection. Having chosen to attend the ceremony remotely, we can only applaud this level of effort from someone who wasn’t even there in person.
Tom Hiddleston in Ralph Lauren
Deftly demonstrating that double-breasted tuxedos aren’t just for ageing, rich uncles, Tom Hiddleston’s suave Ralph Lauren suit may just be the spark that reignites those Bond rumours. Paired with artfully unkempt hair, a timeless black bow tie and a Cartier Santos-Dumont watch, Hiddleston showed that you don’t always need bright colours or tricky design elements to make an impact.
Felicity Jones in Valentino
As one of the few personalities to be attending the event IRL, British actress Felicity Jones pulled out all the stops in a floor-length black beaded gown by Valentino for the 2021 BAFTAs. The custom off-the-shoulder dress was accompanied by Pluie de Cartier earrings and a Reflection de Cartier ring echoing the 1920s inspiration of her gown. And to ward off the cold British weather? Jones was spotted shrugging on a sharply tailored tuxedo jacket in true fashion editor style.
Sophie Cookson in Giorgio Armani
Floor-length black velvet is a hard look to pull off. Pair it with glittery shoulder pads, as English actress Sophie Cookson did with her Griogrio Armani dress, and you’re in danger of being overwhelmed by opulence. Cookson’s trick to reining to in? A less is more approach to hair and make-up and a few well chosen diamonds. We’re looking forward to seeing more of Cookson on the red carpet when pandemic restrictions lift.
David Oyelowo
The British actor kept things simple in a navy suit and black bow tie for the 2021 BAFTAs. As ever, it is the finishing details which make his look stand out. The subtle black trim on his lapel, a pair of elegant velvet loafers and an envy-inducing Pasha de Cartier timepiece peeking out from beneath his jacket. We wouldn’t change a thing.
Ashley Madekwe in Louis Vuitton
While there was undoubtedly a return to the more classic staples of the red carpet (read: a lot of black and white) at last night’s BAFTA ceremony, some of the most interesting looks came from breakout stars with an eye for colour. Among them was Ashley Madekwe, nominated for her role in County Lines, who opted for an acid-bright cutaway Louis Vuitton gown matched with a full suite of Pomellato jewellery.
