Best Dressed at the 2016 BAFTA Awards

The BAFTA Awards took place the the Royal Opera House in London last night and Hollywood stars were out in full force. Cate Blanchett, who was nominated for Best Actress, showed up and my heart stopped beating. I have been waiting for a moment like this from Cate since the Cannes Film Festival and she finally gave me a drop dead gorgeous look that reminded me why I call her my red carpet queen. Queen Cate wore a custom Alexander McQueen gown which featured a floral embroidered denim blouse and black feathered skirt. This gown was actually a meshing of two looks from the Alexander McQueen Spring 2016 RTW collection, the bodice and the feathered skirt. This gown meshed those two looks together and Cate made it work with much ease. Cate finished her amazing look with black Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Julianne Moore was a close second to Cate wearing an amazing black and white custom Armani Prive halter mermaid gown. Julianne has the ability to make so many different types of looks work on the red carpet and here she displays classic glamour. I love that the redheaded actress paired this gown with a pair of emerald Chopard earrings. I always say when you go monochromatic that you you should always add a pop of color and the emerald earrings did a great job at that along with the hot pink lip color that Julianne wore with her gown. 

Saoirse Ronan has been very pretty all awards season but she showed that she can hang with the real big style stars yesterday at the BAFTA Awards. Saoirse wore an absolutely amazing hand beaded firework pattern custom Burberry strapless column gown that she paired with a statement Chopard necklace set with 275 carats fancy colored sapphires, 82 carats fancy colored briolette-cut sapphires, 11 carats round shaped rose-cut diamonds, and 5 carats of pear shaped diamonds. Her deliberately messy elegant updo, smoky eye, and Chopard yellow diamond cocktail ring all rounded off a look that finally made me take notice of the stunning actress. 

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke stepped out on the BAFTA Awards red carpet and she did do in fine style wearing a very beautiful red Victoria Beckham gown. Emilia was a presenter last night and I believe that she chose to go with this gown to not overshadow all the nominees, but she slayed the red carpet. A Jimmy Choo clutch and Tiffany & Co. diamonds finished this look.

 Olga Kurylenko was another of the stunning guests at the BAFTA Awards yesterday. She wore a beautiful white Ralph & Russo Spring 2016 Couture short sleeve embroidered sheer gown with a portrait neckline. I was a little hesitant to love this look because Olga has already worn a similar Ralph & Russo gown before but I think that this is just so chic that I can not ignore it. All the elements of this look from the voluminous waves to the Ralph & Russo clutch just scream glamour and that is why she is on this list. 

On any other woman I probably would have said that this orange lace Erdem Pre-Fall 2016 floral embroidered gown would have been inappropriate for the BAFTA Awards but model Dree Hemingway has such a cool girl status for her sense of style that she makes it work. I can only picture someone like Florence Welch being able to sell this gown to me, but I am glad that Dree brought something different to the BAFTA red carpet. I applaud her for taking such a risk.

We are so used to seeing very flirty and feminine looks from Alicia Vikander so I have to give a round of applause for this custom Louis Vuitton crystal embellished leather gown. Inspired by the Spring 2016 RTW collection, it is not something I would have ever pictured on Alicia but she does it an insane amount of justice. This sexy side of Alicia is something that I am hoping that we will see this side of her a little more on the red carpet.

I had never heard of Bel Powley before the BAFTA Awards red carpet last night but I guess I will have to start taking notice of the EE Rising Star nominee as she hit the red carpet wearing a custom Gucci multicolored striped lurex plisse gown. This is another of those looks that I would not pick for the BAFTA Awards but on Bel, who is 23, made me stop and swoon when I saw her on the carpet. 

I think the biggest shock for me is that I am including Rooney Mara in my Best Dressed list. Rooney has failed to excite me this awards season but I was quite drawn to her oyster colored Givenchy Spring 2016 Couture. It is reminiscent of looks that she has worn recently but I think that this time all her styling was on point. I appreciate that it was something visually interesting and not another basic white, black, or nude gown. 

I am going to start off with saying that I love Dakota Johnson wearing this stunning red Christian Dior gown, but I was a little underwhelmed. Dakota looked beautiful but I was expecting a little more from the EE Rising Star who had been delivering red carpet hit after red carpet hit recently. I almost wish that she had switched this with her gold Marc Jacobs gown she wore last week, it would have caused me to push her up this list a few spaces.

2016 BAFTA Awards Red Carpet Wish List Part 2

I don't actually know if Gugu Mbatha-Raw will take to the red carpet at the 2016 BAFTA Awards on Sunday night, but since she was on hand to announce the nominations I would say that the chances are pretty strong. Gugu is one of my favorite ladies to see on the red carpet because she is so chic and lady like with all of her red carpet outings. I would absolutely adore seeing Gugu wearing this lilac Armani Prive Spring 2016 Couture straplesses gown with a visual bodice and and textured column skirt. This gown is one of my absolute favorite looks from the Armani Prive Spring 2016 Couture collection and I am hoping that someone snatches it up for a red carpet and I think that Gugu would look absolutely amazing wearing this gown. Hair styled in natural curls, a pink lip, silver clutch, silver sandals, and a pair of diamond drop earrings would ensure that she will glow on the red carpet.

Kate Winslet still hasn't given me any surprises in her red carpet options, except that she hasn't worn black yet. All of her looks have been extremely fitted with a little flare at the bottom, her signature, and I am not expecting to see that change any time soon. I picked this strapless Alexis Mabille Spring 2016 Couture fitted tuxedo inspired gown for Kate to wear on the red carpet at the BAFTA Awards because it adds a little visual interest to her rather plain and boring style. Finish this look with a sleek up do, a pair of diamond drop earrings, a red lip, and a pair of black satin peep toe pumps and Kate will have another sophisticated red carpet look on her hands.

My wish for Rooney Mara to wear this black, white, and navy Rodarte Spring 2016 RTW gown is definitely quite out there for the star who tends to stick to head to toe black, white, or nude. Rooney has not given me a single red carpet look this awards season that I have actually liked but I think that if she paired up with this Rodarte gown that she could have a showstopping moment on the red carpet. I think that the style of this silk velvet lace gown is perfect and the addition of the asymmetric neck with a single shoulder design, silk leaf embroidery cascading across the bodice, and a floor length a-line silhouette with layers of sheer fringed lace around the hem that Rooney would look stunning. I don't know why I have not thought of pairing Rooney and Rodarte before but then again she does stick to her small arsenal of designers which include Givenchy, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Lanvin. This gown needs a chic sleek chignon, a red lip, and a pair of black sandals to allow for this statement gown to shine all on it's own on the red carpet.

Saoirse Ronan has been pretty but underwhelming all awards season for the most part and I am hoping that when she steps out for the BAFTA Awards that the Irish actress will deliver her best look yet. I think that this white Christian Dior Fall 2015 Couture sleeveless lace bodice and sheer chiffon skirted gown would be the perfect look for Saoirse to wear on the BAFTA red carpet on Sunday night. Classic glamour is definitely something that Saoirse has been trying to work recently and this look is more modern glam with a classic twist. The key to making this a standout red carpet look is all in the styling. I would style Saoirse's hair into Veronica Lake waves strewn over one shoulder, add a pink lip, diamond cluster earrings, and a pair of strappy silver sandals to keep this look chic and modern but still classic all at the same time.

Best Dressed at the 2015 BAFTA Awards

Yesterday was a MAJOR day on the red carpets. It started in London with the BAFTA Awards. I was disappointed that Emma Stone didn't attend but I have to say that there was an amazing red carpet none the less, but there were only four real stand out looks for me. When Lea Seydoux stepped out on the red carpet in her custom saffron yellow Prada chiffon gown, I was taken aback. Lea was my Best Brand Ambassador for Prada last year and this gown just shows why. Lea is the only woman who has a 100% success rate with Prada looks on the red carpet and this look gave me a stunning red carpet summery look in the dead of the British winter. 

Julianne Moore broke her red carpet run of wearing Givenchy Couture for major red carpets by wearing a custom Tom Ford red gown with a velvet top and a silk skirt. I totally called this as Julianne and Tom attended pre-BAFTA parties the night before. This is how a 54 year brings the sexy to the red carpet. A redhead in red is a winning combination. Julianne has been picking the winning colors for the red carpets so I am excited to see her wear even more bold colors on the red carpets still to come this awards season. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is still becoming one of my favorites on the red carpet. I loved her soft lavender custom Prada gown (yesterday was a real winning day for Prada on the red carpet). I don't see any other woman making this gown look as beautiful as Gugu does. There was some debate about who Amy Adams wore to the BAFTAs yesterday. I have to say that this amazing custom Lanvin white gown with an embellished waist and tassel belt. This was chic yet impactful. I love that she let the waist do all the talking.  

2015 BAFTA Awards: Keira, Margot, Reese, Rosamund, & Shailene Wish List

I am hoping that when Keira Knightley, who was shockingly absent from the Academy Award Nominees Luncheon on Monday, takes to the red carpet on Sunday for the BAFTA Awards that she finally hits a red carpet stride that covers her baby bump in a glamorous way. The moment that I saw this Andrew Gn Pre-Fall 2015 gown. The beading on the top of this gown would give me something interesting to look at in the sack-ish style dress that the Best Supporting Actress nominee is bound to wear. Hair styled in a chic up-do, a soft lip, a gold clutch, and a pair of gold sandals are exactly what is needed for this stunning red carpet maternity look for Keira.

I was all excited at the beginning of last year because I thought a had found a new girl crush in Margot Robbie, then she let me down. Hard. I am hoping that the EE Rising Star Award nominee will bring me back to the time where my jaw dropped at the sight of her. This silver crystal embellished Stephane Rolland Spring 2015 Couture top paired with a white skirt with a very dramatic train is the direction that I would love to see Margot rock on the BAFTA Awards red carpet on Sunday. The actresses blonde locks swept into Veronica Lake waves, along with a bold red lip and a pair of silver sandals would ensure that Margot gets back in my good graces and back on Best Dressed lists.

Color. Still the one thing that I am missing from Reese Witherspoon this awards season. I am still holding out hope that she will wear the Antonio Berardi gown that I so desperately wanted to see her wear for the Golden Globe Awards, but I am going to move past wishing for it again. Sticking to the same soft pink palette I picked this Delpozo Spring 2015 RTW (Not Couture) double sided silk twill gown that features a floral embellished bib at the front, a geometric construction around the waist, an exposed tulle underlay and full train at the back. I love that stars are embracing the avant garde Spanish designer for their red carpet dressing. Old Hollywood waves thrown over one shoulder, a pink lip, and nude sandals would ensure that all eyes are on Reese at the BAFTA Awards.

Rosamund Pike has not lived up to the expectations that I had set for her this awards season. I am hoping that on her home turf that the Best Leading Actress nominee with be on point again. When I was flipping through the Christopher Kane Pre-Fall 2015 lookbook and I came to this stunning art nouveau lace bodice gown with a pleated tulle skirt, my heart started to flutter. The gown features a semi-sheer bodice with allover Art Nouveau patches, bonded with leather, vinyl, bright and metallic accents, and a floor-length pleated tulle skirt. This gown is elegant and effortless while being extremely fashion forward and avant garde. Rosamund would look lovely in this gown with a sleek bob (a la the Golden Globes), a pink clutch, and a pair of gold sandals would finish off this look perfectly for the BAFTA's red carpet.

Finally we have the final wish for the 2015 BAFTAs. Shailene Woodley is nominated for the EE Rising Star Award and I am slightly interested in what it is that she will wear. With a big promo tour for "Insurgent" coming up, the sequel to the hit "Divergent," I am sure that Shai will be on top form. This Prabal Gururng Pre-Fall 2015 ensemble is exactly what I picture Shailene in for the BAFTA Awards. Consisting of a black floral embroidered strapless gown worn under a black and red embroidered silk crop top this look screams the laid back style that Shailene puts off on the red carpets. Paired with a pair of black sandals and a red lip I think that Shailene would have a best dressed look on her hands at the BAFTA Awards.

2015 BAFTA Awards: Amy, Emma, Felicity, Gugu, & Julianne Wish List

This weekend we are in for a double dose of red carpet on Sunday night. In LA there will be the Grammy Awards (those wishes to come later this week) and in London the BAFTA Awards will take place. I am really excited to see what the stars will bring to the red carpet come Sunday at the BAFTA's. Amy Adams is nominated for Best Leading Actress for her work in "Big Eyes." Amy looked amazing at the Golden Globe Awards in lavender Versace and I am hoping that she just continues to wow me. I picked this Zuhair Murad Spring 2015 Couture cap sleeve ball gown for Amy to wear Sunday. I know earlier today I ripped into this collection for being an Elie Saab knockoff, but this gown is one that I didn't see any Elie Saab inspiration in. The soft gold embellishments would look amazing against Amy's milky peachy skin. A soft up-do and gold sandals will finish this look off perfectly for the BAFTA's red carpet.

Emma Stone has been wearing a lot of black on the red carpet lately and I am wanting that to stop because the stunning red headed actress, nominated for a Best Supporting Actress BAFTA, wears color like no one else. With that being said, you might be looking at your screen lopsided since I have picked an almost all white gown for Emma to wear for the BAFTAs. Well yes this is the case. Since I first saw this white Giambattista Valli Fall 2014 Couture strapless gown with purple floral embellishments take to the runway last July I have been praying that we will see Emma wear this gown on the red carpet. I think it only appropriate to honor the red carpet where Emma really fell in love with fashion with an amazing and special gown. This would be an amazing glamourous goddess moment for Emma to make since she hasn't had a goddess moment in a while.

The buzz roaming the twittersphere is that after awards season is over will Christian Dior announce Felicity Jones as its next face? I have a feeling that this is definitely going to be the case. She has worn A LOT of Dior on the red carpets over the past 6 months and it has been the best relationship thus far. Aside from that I would love to see Best Leading Actress nominee wear this amazing Elie Saab Pre-Fall 2015 sleeveless evening gown that features a guipure construction with full threadwork embroidery in a floral motif and a fitted A-line silhouette. I think that this black gown with its bold floral embroidery is the perfect slight step out of Felicity's wheelhouse of all black, navy, and pastel colors. A chic up-do, diamond dazzlers in her ears, a black clutch, and a pair of black sandals would just make sure that Felicity kills the red carpet at the BAFTA Awards on Sunday.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw really earned her stripes on the red carpet circuit last year and I am praying that when she shows up on the red carpet at the BAFTA Awards, where she is nominated for the Rising Star Award, that she gives me a red carpet look to die over. I picked this salmon orange Jason Wu Spring 2015 RTW silk gown. This is not the stereotypical awards show red carpet stunner but I think that with Gugu's amazing red carpet style and presence that this would hold its own against couture. A curly up do, a coral lip, gold metallic clutch, and a pair of gold pumps will make sure that this gown is styled perfectly to be able to hold its own against couture.

And finally for today I have a wish for Julianne Moore to wear for the BAFTA Awards where she is nominated for Best Leading Actress. The BAFTA's are just another stop for Julianne on the way to accepting her Academy Award for "Still Alice." I am not quite sure that Julianne will win the BAFTA, up against some strong British stars, but she will for sure bring it to the red carpet. I picked this Armani Prive Spring 2015 Couture ensemble. The almost black blue silk one shoulder silk top paired with a blue iridescent crystal embellished skirt would be an amazing look for Julianne. We have never seen Julianne wear an Armani Prive look but what better time to start when on the road to an Academy Award. I would snatch the runways clutch, add a pair of black sandals, pull her hair back (which she hasn't done this season for a major red carpet), and a red lip will ensure that Julianne keeps up her best dressed run at her BAFTAs stop.

2014 BAFTA Awards: Oprah Winfrey & Sandra Bullock Wish List

Oprah Winfrey killed it on the red carpet of the 2014 SAG Awards in a stunning Badgley Mischka purple long sleeved gown. I am hoping that Oprah's amazing red carpet run continues at the BAFTA Awards on February 16th. I am hoping for a big night for fashion as the past couple of weeks have been snooze fest on the red carpet. Oprah would look stunning in this navy blue Tadashi Shoji Spring 2014 RTW gown with a portrait neckline and a fly away skirt. I love that Tadashi is one of the few brands that design looks for curvy women for the red carpet and they usually look extremely stunning, I.E. Octavia Spencer. This gown would look absolutely stunning on Oprah giving her a big look for a big night in London. Her own stunning diamonds in her ears and around her neck as well as a pair of navy Salvatore Ferragamo satin peep toe pumps will give Oprah the perfect finishing touches to her look for the BAFTA Awards.

Sandra Bullock has been on and off with what I have liked when it comes to her red carpet pickings this Awards Season. I am hoping that for her very first BAFTA Awards next month that Sandy will bring Hollywood to the London red carpet via this black and white Naeem Khan Spring 2014 RTW strapless embellished gown. I think that Sandra will look absolutely stunning in this classic silhouette and the embellishments will just add to the glamour. One point of contention with most of Sandy's looks this season for me has been her hair and make up. I would like to see Sandy do a sleek hair style with this gown so that she will not compete with all the embellishments in this gown. A black Edie Parker clutch, a pair of black sandals, simple jewels in her ears, and a red lip will make this look perfect for the BAFTA Awards.

2014 BAFTA Awards: Julia Roberts & Lea Seydoux Wish List

 Julia Roberts has really failed to excite on any red carpet she has stepped out on at all this awards season. I was in love with her feminine take on menswear dressing at the Golden Globe Awards in Dolce & Gabbana but her Pepto-Bismol pink Valentino jumpsuit at the SAG Awards and her boring Elie Saab beaded mini at the Grammy's just did absolutely nothing for me. I figure we will see more menswear inspired looks on Julia between now and the Oscars as that is what she really loves to rock on the red carpet. This Lanvin Pre-Fall 2014 satin tuxedo blazer and maxi skirt are something that I can totally picture Julia rocking on the red carpet. I would obviously pair this with a top, Julia is a bit to old to be bare chested on the red carpet under a blazer, that is white with some sort of feminine embellishments. A black satin clutch, a pair of black satin pumps, a pair of drop earrings, and a statement cocktail ring will make this look perfect for the BAFTA red carpet.

 Lea Seydoux was on hand to announce the nominees of the EE Rising Star Award which will be presented at the 2014 BAFTA Awards for which she is also nominated. The 'Blue is the Warmest Color' star has been making the red carpet rounds lately wearing a lot of Prada, which makes sense since she is one of Miuccia Prada's muses. I am hoping that for the BAFTA red carpet that Lea will shy away from a Prada or Miu Miu design in favor of something a little different. I think that this Elie Saab Spring 2014 Couture white gown with a train attached to the hip and floral embellishments all over is absolutely perfect for the 2014 BAFTA Awards and would be a nice change of pace for Lea. Finish the look with a pair of silver sandals and some stunning jewels with statement colored stones would just pull this look together for the BAFTA red carpet.

2014 BAFTA Awards: Emma Thompson & Jennifer Lawrence Wish List

I had such high expectations for Emma Thompson during awards season after her wonderful run promoting 'Saving Mr. Banks' at the end of last year, but she has consistently made my worst dressed list awards show after awards show. I am hoping that when she takes to the red carpet at the 2014 BAFTA Awards where she is nominated for Best Leading Actress for 'Saving Mr. Banks' that she will give the the major red carpet moment that I have been praying for. I think that this very 1960's style Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2014 RTW gown with beaded empire waist detailing would be a perfect choice for Emma to make to redeem herself back on home soil. At other awards shows Emma has constantly complained how bad her Louboutin heels have ruined the night and because of that she opted for flat Louboutin sandals at the SAG Awards. I figure she will wear another pair of flats for the BAFTA Awards and my choice are a pair of gold Christian Louboutin pointed toe 'Pigalle' flats. Add a gold clutch, simple jewels, and a chiffon wrap to match the color of the gown and Emma will finally have a look that I love for her for the BAFTA red carpet.

Unlike Emma, Jennifer Lawrence made my Best Dressed List at the 2014 SAG Awards in her navy blue sequined Christian Dior Fall 2013 Couture column gown. This was Jennifer's best Christian Dior look EVER! She looked so tall, chic, elegant, and edgy all at the same time. I am sure that Jennifer will don another Dior look for the BAFTA Awards. I am also guessing that this red carpet ensemble will come courtesy of the Christian Dior Spring 2014 Couture collection. I think that this black and white mermaid gown is exactly what she will need to keep the Best Dressed in Dior roll going. This gown has a similar shape to her SAG dress but with slight differences and I am hoping that it would have the same effect of making her look amazonian tall. I would complete this look with a purple clutch (for a pop of color), a pair of black pumps, and some stunning jewels with amethysts and diamonds in her ears and on her wrist to complete this amazing ensemble for Jennifer.

2014 BAFTA Awards: Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, and Lupita Nyong'o Wish List

Tonight are the Grammy Awards but here at If I Was a Stylist we are already moving on to the 2014 BAFTA Awards. It has been a really quiet time on the red carpet with the movie stars as they are all taking a breather to just relax in the eye of the storm before the gear up for the end of February and the end of Awards season. On February 16th the elite of Hollywood will fly out to London for the BAFTA Awards and the first person on my list is Amy Adams. Amy has really been having a wonderful run on the red carpet and has worn all the colors that I am praying to see her in but green and purple so I am hoping that for the BAFTA's we will see Amy don one of these colors. Being nominated for Best Leading Actress for 'American Hustle' I think that this purple Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2014 strapless gown with a high low hemline. I think that this gown delivers quite the statement and after a black gown at last years BAFTA's I am hoping she does color this year. I also love the shocking pink pop of color on the underside of one of the layers on the skirt. Finish this look with a pink satin clutch, a pair of very simple black sandals, some stunning diamond chandelier earrings, and a statement diamond bracelet and Amy will be ensured a stunning red carpet moment.

There has not been a single look that Cate Blanchett has worn during awards season that has disappointed me. I love this woman as she isn't afraid to take a risk on the red carpet. Last week Marco Zanini presented the first collection that will be going into production for the House of Schiaparelli during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. The buzz amongst fashion insiders is in regards to who will be the first lady to get her hands on the Schiaparelli Spring 2014 Couture collection and I think that BAFTA Best Leading Actress nominee Cate Blanchett should be that honor. I think that this grey Schiaparelli Spring 2014 Couture blouse and skirt embellished with gold embellishments would be the perfect ensemble for the first red carpet moment for the brand and who better than the red carpet queen. Finish the look with a gold clutch, a pair of gold pumps, and her hair worn up and sleek to ensure the perfect red carpet debut.

The other woman on the red carpet that hasn't let me down this awards season has been newcomer Lupita Nyong'o. Lupita has worked some gowns that I know many other women in Hollywood would run the other way from and done so with great aplomb. Lupita is nominated for 'Best Supporting Actress' at the 2014 BAFTA Awards and I am hoping that the actress represents a British brand on the red carpet. This buttery yellow Burberry Prorsum Spring 2014 RTW draped dress with a knotted hip detail and an embellished one shoulder strap would make for the perfect red carpet look if it was modified into a long gown with a flowing train trailing behind it. There is always one Burberry look on the red carpet, last year it was on Anne Hathaway, and this year I am hoping to see it on Lupita. Finish the look with gold sandals and a gold clutch and Lupita will have a perfect look for her very first BAFTA Awards red carpet.