The Baftas red carpet has become a fiercely competitive arena where fashion choices can boost careers and earn actors substantial paychecks. This year's event saw a mix of political peacocking, method dressing, and strategic brand partnerships, with stars like Paul Mescal and Renate Reinsve making bold statements.
Paul Mescal turned heads by hard-launching his relationship with Gracie Abrams with a red-carpet kiss, wearing a Prada shirt with frayed rolled cuffs that gave him a theatrical, Shakespearean air. Archie Madekwe also embraced 'Hamnet-core' with a doublet-shaped Dior jacket and sparkly ruff, reflecting a trend of using fashion to tell a story.
The Prince and Princess of Wales coordinated in wine velvet and berry-toned chiffon, wearing determined smiles amid ongoing royal controversies. Their appearance added a layer of real-life drama to the event, which also featured Paddington Bear in his duffel coat.
Renate Reinsve was widely considered best dressed, wearing an asymmetrically slashed, ab-baring Louis Vuitton gown that aligned with her personal brand and the vibe of her film Sentimental Value. Louis Vuitton's designer Nicolas Ghesquière is known for supporting avant-garde arthouse tastes, and the fashion house's income from luggage allows it to take creative risks.
Brand ambassadorships have become lucrative, with A-listers earning millions per year for contracts. This financial incentive has led actors to use fashion strategically, with major houses like Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy competing for top talent. Jessie Buckley, seen as a major get, was dressed by Chanel in a blue velvet gown, though some felt it didn't match her unconventional energy.
London fashion brands also had moments, with Burberry dressing Teyana Taylor in a corseted trench and Stellan Skarsgård in a classic tux. Timothée Chalamet wore a suit by British designer Sarah Burton for Givenchy, while Kylie Jenner in jewel-studded black velvet was hailed as the season's best wing woman.
