I can imagine the celebs whining to their stylists just before they step out onto the BAFTA red carpet: “I don’t know why we’ve even bothered, Lupita Nyong’o is just going to turn up, look effortlessly fabulous and send all the fashion journalists wild, again!”
They would have been right.
Lupita added an emerald strapless dress with a considerable train to what might be becoming her colour blocking trademark. The ruffled train was just the amount of fuss to balance out her short hair and simple gold accessories. So perfect, I could have weeped. In fact I did shed a tear, but only once I had realised it was a Dior dress so we knew for sure that Dior darling Jennifer Lawrence would not be attending. [pagebreak]
Lily Allen’s marmite Vivienne Westwood dress was one of the only sources of colour on the red carpet. I loved the clash of the orange and pink and of course, being a Westwood design, the satin draped in just the right places to highlight Lily’s feminine form. The pink hair piece might be dividing the most opinion but I think it makes the outfit. Just try to picture it without.
Take the trend to campus: Try a bright jumper with either a matching or completely clashing skirt – just remember if you decide to clash, stick to colours within the same tone. [pagebreak]
Snapping on Lupita’s heels for my best dressed awards were the formidable Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Matching outfits have never had the best reputation (I’m blaming you Britney and Justin) but Angelina’s sexy Saint Laurent tuxedo, relaxed open collar, bow tie and pointed patent shoes work just as well without Brad Pitt and his Valentino tuxedo by her side.
Take the trend to campus: Grab your crispest white shirt, dark skinny jeans and a blazer for you perfect pub to club outfit. [pagebreak]
Former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko looked amazing in Burberry. I never knew that my perfect dress criteria would include ‘makes you look like a mermaid’ but here we are, all of a sudden I’m jealous of Ariel, The Little Mermaid. Even the bandeau top hiding behind the deep v cut up top is reminiscent of the aquatic princess.
Take the trend to campus: I’m sorry, I don’t really know how to make you look like a mermaid, but you could try a midi sequin skirt with a plain black t-shirt. [pagebreak]
Rather sensibly many of the actresses opted for long sleeves after Britain’s spell of stormy weather, something we all know about at Lancaster. Naomie Harris in Gucci, Claudia Winkleman in Alice by Temperley and the legend that is Oprah Winfrey in Stella McCartney, all kept warm and stylish.
Helen Mirren in a navy Jacques Azagury gown sure showed Maggie Gyllehaal’s similar Lanvin dress where to go.
Maggie’s was far too fussy and the lace sleeves looked more like the fake tattoo sleeves you can buy down at Poundland.
Take the trend to campus: Lancaster girls are the fashion queens of layering, we already know how to reap the benefits of long sleeves. A sheer sleeve shows just the right amount of flesh in this weather.