At the main ceremony of the British Academy Film Awards, the dress code was formal: full-length gowns, sharp tuxedos and structured dresses. By the time guests arrived at the after-parties, outfits changed. Trains disappeared, jackets came off, heels lowered, and lighter fabrics were chosen. The aim was straightforward: clothes that still looked put together but made sense for a crowded room and a late finish.

At events including the Warner Bros. celebration and the Vogue and GQ Fashion & Film party, styling choices were practical. Corseted dresses appeared in softer materials, tailoring was loosened, and high-shine satin was paired with leather or sheer layers. Instead of heavy embellishment, guests chose clean lines and strong cuts. The focus was on outfits that worked in smaller rooms and repeated photographs.

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No single trend dominated. The most effective outfits suited the setting. The ceremony required formality; the parties required clothes that allowed movement and worked in close-up photographs. Those who stood out made practical choices that were appropriate for the event while still aligned with the tone of the evening.

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Getty

Photo: Getty

Photo: Sofi Adams

Photo: Getty

Photo: Getty

The 2026 BAFTA took place on Sunday, February 22, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the ceremony honoured the finest films of 2025. The event comes ahead of the Screen Actors Guild Awards on March 1 and the Oscars on March 15, placing it within a packed awards schedule.

While the ceremony recognizes achievement in film, the red carpet remains an important part worth looking forward to. The BAFTAs not only brought many celebrities from across the entertainment industry but also some members of the royal family, all arriving in their best looks yet.

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Prince William & Princess Kate

Prince William and Kate Middleton, made a surprise appearance, marking their first time attending the ceremony together in three years. The couple, who have always maintained a formal approach to style opted for coordinated looks, with the Princess Kate rewearing a Gucci dress she first wore in 2019. The floor-length gown was narrowed at the waist with a burgundy belt that matched Prince William’s velvet tuxedo jacket.

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Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton

Emma Stone, Erin Doherty, and Chase Infinity all leaned into Louis Vuitton for the night. Stone wore a black gown featuring a cutout at the chest, while Doherty opted for a black dress with a structured, rippling skirt. Chase Infinity, a Louis Vuitton brand ambassador, appeared in a sleeveless burgundy gown with flared hem, adding a touch of color to the lineup.

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Teyana Taylor in Burberry

Other stars stayed true to their signature style. Teyana Taylor stepped out in Burberry gown with high collar that almost covered her face. Tilda Swinton wore a Chanel tuxedo with high-rise trousers and a cropped jacket, accessorized with a brooch and two-toned Chanel shoes.

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Timothée Chalamet in Givenchy

Menswear followed a familiar pattern, with many opting for the traditional black tuxedo. Timothée Chalamet arrived in a custom all-black Givenchy tuxedo. Leonardo DiCaprio also chose a classic black tuxedo paired with a bow tie. Ethan Hawke, however, introduced a subtle twist to the evening’s tailoring in a black tuxedo featuring glitter details, finished with a gold bolo tie that set him apart.

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Ethan Hawke in Giorgio Armani

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Chase Infinity in Louis Vuitton

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Tilda Swinton in Chanel

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Renate Reinsve in Louis Vuitton

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Gracie Abrams & Paul Mescal

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Rose Byrne in Miu Miu

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Odessa A’zion in a sheer black dress

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Hannah Waddingham in Pamela Rolland

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Sadie Sink in Prada

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Wunmi Mosaku

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Erin Doherty in Louis Vuitton

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Kerry Washington

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Leonardo DiCaprio

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Glenn Close

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Alia Bhatt

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Michael B. Jordan

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Stormzy

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Kate Hudson

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Aimee Lou Wood

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2026 saw a rare moment in the front row: King Charles III attended one of the key runway shows, marking the first senior royal appearance at LFW since 2018. His presence highlighted designers celebrated for their technical skill and cultural storytelling.

Joining the King were prominent figures from the fashion world, including Stella McCartney and Laura Weir, alongside cultural personalities Little Simz and Skepta. Their presence showed the event’s connection to fashion, music, and culture including new designers.

Observers noted the careful balance between modern design sensibilities and references that reflect heritage and cultural background.

This moment highlighted London Fashion Week as a platform for craftsmanship, design, and cultural influence, showing how front-row attendees can amplify a show’s impact.

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Skepta at Tolu Coker

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Little Simz at Tolu Coker

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Daisy Lowe at Annie’s.

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Nell Fisher at McDowell

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Gideon Aldon at Harris Reed

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Grace Carter at Tolu Coker

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Nicky Hilton at Harris Reed

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Cat Burns at Tolu Coker

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Maisie Peters at Patrick McDowell

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Munroe Bergdorf at McDowell

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Gugu Mbatha-Raw at Harris Reed

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Krystal Versace at Poet-Lab