From architectural tailoring to sculpted beauty, this year’s BAFTA carpet proved that modern glamour is defined by proportion, polish, and control.
Words | Rohini Wahul
At the 79th BAFTA Film Awards in London, fashion did what it does best – it performed. But beyond couture silhouettes and luxury labels, the 2026 red carpet revealed something more nuanced: a recalibration of glamour. Here’s a closer look at the best-dressed moments that defined the night.
Timothée Chalamet’s Sharply Tailored Silhouette
Timothée Chalamet embraced razor-sharp minimalism in a custom all-black Givenchy ensemble by Sarah Burton. The double-breasted tuxedo jacket with peak lapels, pleated trousers, and black silk shirt delivered a quietly commanding silhouette, finished with a silk bow tie for classic punctuation. His grooming mirrored that restraint. Hair retained its natural texture, softly shaped rather than lacquered. Skin appeared polished but not over-matted. Structured tailoring paired with effortless grooming continues to define modern menswear elegance.
Chase Infiniti’s Structural Flair
Chase Infiniti delivered one of the evening’s most sculptural statements in a custom maroon Louis Vuitton fishtail gown. The strapless silhouette enhanced her natural curves while flaring into an architectural base, balancing body-conscious tailoring with dramatic volume. Her beauty remained disciplined. Hair was sleek at the crown to prevent visual competition with the gown’s structure. Makeup focused on luminous skin and clean eye framing.
Gracie Abrams & Paul Mescal’s Soft Romance
Making their red carpet debut together, Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal embodied understated elegance. Abrams wore a Chanel pre-fall 2026 design adorned with ornate embroidery. The silhouette carried delicate craftsmanship without overwhelming her frame. Her beauty leaned romantic –natural texture in the hair, flushed skin, softly defined eyes, and a satin lip that enhanced rather than dominated. Mescal’s Prada suit reinforced minimalist menswear codes. Clean tailoring without excess. His grooming followed that simplicity – healthy skin finish, subtle facial hair precision, and lightly structured hair. Together, they reflected a softer red carpet language: refinement over construction.
Emma Stone’s Black Magic Moment
Emma Stone continued her minimalist streak in a custom black navy silk crêpe Louis Vuitton gown. The halter neckline created a long, uninterrupted line through the bodice, flowing into a fluid column skirt. A keyhole cut-out and open back introduced quiet drama without embellishment. She paired the look with a coral lip and an updo with soft face-framing pieces. Diamond jewellery from Louis Vuitton High Jewellery added measured brilliance.
Teyana Taylor’s Layered Drama
Teyana Taylor delivered one of the night’s most commanding moments in a deep maroon Burberry gown. The satin-like finish wrapped the body in sculpted precision, while a dramatic popped collar framed her face with vampyric authority. Her beauty met that intensity. Hair was structured and deliberate. Makeup featured sculpted skin and defined eyes, yet blending remained seamless. Even high drama in 2026 requires technical control.
Odessa A’Zion’s Lacy Take on Naked Dress
Odessa A’Zion embraced gothic-romantic elegance in a sheer black lace Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson, elevated with silver jewellery and a diamond choker. The lace texture added visual complexity without heaviness. Her beauty leaned deeper through structured lashes and stronger eye definition, balanced by luminous skin. The interplay between shadow and light kept the look modern rather than costume-driven.
The Princess of Wales’s Royal Affair with Gucci
The Princess of Wales reaffirmed the power of considering rewearing in a custom Gucci gown first worn in 2019. In an era driven by constant newness, the decision underscored confidence in timeless design. The silhouette remained elegant and composed. Appearing alongside Prince William, the look projected continuity and quiet authority. True luxury, in this moment, was restraint.
Alia Bhatt’s Love Letter to the Golden Age!
Alia Bhatt’s silver Gucci gown carried echoes of old Hollywood glamour through its reflective surface and sculpted silhouette. The metallic fabric was designed to photograph under flash with intention rather than excess sparkle. Her brushed-out waves softened the structure, adding fluidity and lift at the crown. Makeup centred on luminous skin, rose-mauve shimmer, precise liner, and satin nude lips. The contour remained understated; the highlight was strategic. She didn’t just recreate vintage glamour – She interpreted it.
