When it comes to red carpet glamour, the BAFTAs might be Britain’s answer to the Oscars, where film meets high fashion, and the fashion? Oh, it brings it. Over the years, the British Academy Film Awards have become a runway for A-listers to show off bold statements, elegant silhouettes, and an occasional risk that either wows or wobbles. And let’s be honest—whether it’s couture or chaos, we’re here for it.
From sweeping gowns that command attention to sharply tailored tuxedos that redefine classic style, these unforgettable BAFTA fashion moments didn’t just walk the carpet—they owned it. Let’s take a front-row seat to some of the most dazzling looks that turned heads, dropped jaws, and made headlines.
5 BAFTA Looks That Perfectly Blend Elegance and Edge
1. Cate Blanchett
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Cate Blanchett doesn’t just walk red carpets—she glides through them like royalty, wrapped in purpose and polish. At the 2023 BAFTA Awards, a powerful statement in sustainable style was made with the reappearance of a dramatic black Maison Margiela gown, originally worn at the 2015 Oscars. The choice blended environmental consciousness with timeless elegance, redefining red carpet glamour through thoughtful reuse. While Hollywood often favors brand-new couture for each major event, Blanchett rewrote the rules, reminding us that re-wearing can be every bit as regal—and arguably more powerful.
The gown’s clean lines and dramatic structure gave her a statuesque silhouette, while the rich velvet fabric exuded timeless elegance. But it was her accessories that whispered the real story: a bespoke pearl necklace by Louis Vuitton, handcrafted from repurposed Tahitian pearls, ethically sourced diamonds, and yellow gold. The look was completed with diamond-studded gloves that added a bit of old Hollywood mystique with an eco-modern twist.
More than just a beautiful outfit, this ensemble spoke volumes about the growing role of conscious fashion on the red carpet. Blanchett, a longtime advocate for environmental responsibility in the fashion industry, continues to use her style choices as a subtle form of activism. Her BAFTA look didn’t just steal the spotlight—it redirected it, focusing it on a future where luxury and responsibility can coexist. Now, that is a red carpet revolution.
2. Timothée Chalamet
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Timothée Chalamet doesn’t follow red carpet rules—he rewrites them in real-time, and at the 2022 BAFTAs, he did just that with a head-turning, shirtless look that instantly became fashion folklore. Clad in a shimmering black sequinned Haider Ackermann jacket worn directly against his bare skin, Chalamet defied the traditional tux-and-tie expectations of men’s award show attire. The result? A mix of Parisian polish, glam-rock rebellion, and Gen Z nonchalance. It was confident, it was couture, and it was downright cool.
The sharp tailoring of the jacket—structured shoulders and a sleek silhouette—balanced the daring lack of a shirt, creating a look that was equal parts rockstar and runway. Chalamet completed the ensemble with fitted black trousers and Chelsea boots, letting the jacket steal the show. No flashy jewelry, no extra frills—just pure, intentional style that said, “I’m not here to blend in.”
More than a fleeting trend, this fashion moment signaled a turning point in the perception of menswear on the red carpet. It disrupted the conventional monotony of traditional suits and ignited a broader dialogue around gender fluidity, self-expression, and individuality in fashion. The look transcended style, becoming a cultural statement—one that posed a bold question: Why shouldn’t menswear shimmer?
3. Florence Pugh
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Florence Pugh has officially claimed her throne as the queen of fashion theatrics—and at the 2024 BAFTAs, she didn’t just walk the red carpet; she owned it. Draped in a striking Harris Reed creation of electric orange tulle, the gown delivered a bold fusion of fantastical whimsy and unapologetic punk edge. The look balances high drama with fearless individuality, creating a red-carpet moment that is both theatrical and unforgettable. It was maximalism at its finest—a gown that radiated boldness, billowed with intention, and made sure no one dared look away.
The sheer scale of the gown was a statement in itself. With its exaggerated shoulders, cloud-like layers, and flowing train, it gave Pugh the aura of a modern-day phoenix—fiery, reborn, and unapologetically radiant. But the edge came in the styling: a slicked-back updo, bold eyeliner, and minimal jewelry kept the look from veering into costume territory, grounding the drama with just the right amount of rebellion.
Social media, naturally, went into full meltdown. Fans, fashion critics, and even fellow celebs couldn’t stop talking about the look, praising its daring spirit and Pugh’s fearless approach to red-carpet dressing. It wasn’t just a BAFTA look; it was a sartorial mic drop. Florence didn’t come to play it safe—she came to rewrite the narrative, proving once again that fashion is most powerful when it’s worn with guts, glamour, and a whole lot of tulle.
4. Daniel Kaluuya
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Daniel Kaluuya knows how to command a room without saying a word—and in 2021, he did just that in a regal purple velvet Bottega Veneta suit that turned the BAFTA red carpet into his kingdom. With its deep, luxurious hue and immaculate tailoring, the look blended timeless sophistication with a quietly subversive edge. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be. It conveyed a clear message: a modern interpretation of power dressing for the 21st century.
The color choice—an opulent, jewel-toned purple—immediately evoked images of royalty, while the plush velvet fabric added a tactile richness that practically begged to be admired up close. The suit’s clean lines and perfect fit proved that sharp tailoring doesn’t have to shout to be unforgettable. Paired with a black turtleneck and polished leather shoes, the styling was stripped back, cool, and confidently modern—no tie necessary, no embellishment in sight.
Kaluuya’s look arrived at a time when menswear on the red carpet was starting to loosen its grip on tradition, and this ensemble was proof that elegance doesn’t require a bowtie or a lapel pin. It was a fashion-forward power move—quietly bold, sleekly subversive, and utterly unforgettable. Velvet may wrinkle, sure, but this look? Etched permanently into red carpet history.
5. Naomi Campbell
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When Naomi Campbell steps onto a red carpet, it doesn’t feel like a celebrity appearance—it feels like an event. And at the 2019 BAFTAs, the iconic supermodel didn’t just attend; she delivered a fashion moment so effortless and regal, it could only be described as pure Naomi. Wearing a black Valentino haute couture gown that combined ethereal drama with an architectural edge, she proved (once again) that no one does high fashion quite like her.
The gown itself was a masterclass in contrast. Its sheer panels added a touch of daring allure, subtly revealing without ever crossing into overt. Meanwhile, the exaggerated sleeves and flowing cape-like structure brought an operatic level of drama to the look, as if she were gliding through the venue rather than simply walking. The fabric moved with her, fluid and commanding, like a living extension of her presence. More than just a dress, it was a couture performance in motion.
Here’s a refined version with a neutral, impersonal tone while keeping the elegance and detail intact:
Relying on the strength of the design itself, the gown took center stage, styled with minimal accessories—delicate earrings, no statement jewelry, and a sleek hairstyle. The absence of embellishments or theatrical flourishes allowed the look to maintain a sense of refined confidence. In an era often dominated by fashion excess, this understated approach conveyed a powerful presence. It served as a reminder that enduring style requires no overt spectacle—only poise, intention, and a deep understanding of the craft.
Why BAFTA Fashion Hits Different
The BAFTAs aren’t your average red-carpet affair. While other award shows tend to go big on flash, feathers, and viral stunts (looking at you, VMAs), the BAFTAs keep things a little more buttoned-up, at least on the surface. There’s a distinct British elegance to the whole event, where classic tailoring and timeless silhouettes take center stage. But don’t be fooled: underneath all that refinement is a quiet kind of rebellion. This is where heritage meets haute couture, where centuries-old fashion houses cozy up to avant-garde design, and where subtle statements often speak the loudest.
What sets the BAFTA red carpet apart, though, is its growing shift toward sustainability and mindful dressing. More and more celebrities are stepping out in re-worn gowns, custom pieces made from repurposed materials, and vintage finds that make a bold case for fashion with a conscience. It’s not just about turning heads—it’s about using the platform to promote change. Stars are choosing designers known for craftsmanship, ethics, and eco-conscious values, transforming the red carpet into something more than just a style showcase. It’s a reflection of where fashion is headed: intentional, intelligent, and still breathtakingly chic.
The Ever-Evolving BAFTA Fashion Story
The BAFTAs are more than just a celebration of cinematic brilliance—they’re a mirror of evolving fashion narratives. Whether it’s a quietly powerful recycled gown or a fearless flash of creativity, these moments remind us that fashion is art, activism, and attitude rolled into one.
So, as the next BAFTA season approaches, get ready. If history has taught us anything, it’s this: when the stars align on the BAFTA red carpet, the fashion is just as unforgettable as the films.
