fashion
February 22, 2026
The Baftas’ biggest drama is the red carpet fashion battle
A fabulously fashionable entrance in an eye-catching designer outfit can add star-wattage to a fledgling career, and earn A-listers a tidy paycheck. So who performed best this year?
TL;DR
- The Baftas red carpet is a major platform for fashion, transforming actors' careers and bank balances.
- Actors are now well-remunerated for endorsing luxury brands, with contracts potentially worth millions.
- Fashion is used as a storytelling strategy in press tours, with a compelling red carpet look boosting a film's award season momentum.
- New creative directors at Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy are using red carpet moments for brand building and excitement.
- There's been a shift away from vintage looks, with brands preferring to showcase new designs to establish fresh images.
- King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales made appearances, adding a layer of royal drama.
- Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams made a public display of their relationship on the red carpet.
- Renate Reinsve was named best dressed in an asymmetrically slashed Louis Vuitton gown.
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