Fashion
10 BAFTA Red Carpet Looks That Are Peak ‘90s
From Naomi Campbell’s halter neck dress to Gwyneth Paltrow’s two piece.
Name a red carpet that is complete without evoking high glamour and drama. I’ll wait. While it is true that the Academy Awards have somewhat of a monopoly on the Fashion (with a capital F) stakes, the BAFTAs are in fact not far behind. Established in 1947, the BAFTAs have played host to some of the glitziest names in the business, from Audrey Hepburn to Michaela Coel. Ahead of the 2021 edition, and inspired by the recent revival of ‘90s fashion, I decided to look back at the best ‘90s looks on the BAFTA red carpet.
When you think about what made the ‘90s so stylish, there are plenty of trends to consider. Fabric-wise, it was all about velvet, tulle, and sheer materials, whilst prints were dominated by check, gingham, and wild animal prints. The shape to wear was the slip dress, whilst corsets and strapless designs were also significantly popular. And when it came to shoes? The strappier the better.
The BAFTA red carpet has been the perfect playground for ‘90s fashion, not just in and around the decade itself, but right up to the present day. From Naomi Campbell’s halter neck dress to Gwyneth Paltrow’s two piece, here are my favourite 10 BAFTA red carpet looks that evoke the ‘90s in the best possible way.
Naomi Campbell’s halterneck
From the halterneck to the slinky material and slip shape, the supermodel’s dress from the 2000 ceremony was very much inspired by the ‘90s.
Daisy Edgar-Jones’ white slip
Normal People’s Daisy Edgar Jones – pictured here with looks simply angelic in this off-the-shoulder white number, which looks like it could have been from the decade she was born in.
Halle Berry’s corset
You can’t get much more ‘90s than a corset, chiffon material, and strappy sandals. In short, Berry’s 2002 look nailed the trend.
Saoirse Ronan’s drop-waist gown
Ronan’s drop-waist – with its long straps, taffeta skirt, and corset-looking middle – could easily be mistaken for a dress of the ‘90s. It’s fairly reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow’s famous pink number from the Oscars, too.
Ella Eyre’s sheer dress
From the neon hue to the sheer fabric and tulle detailing, Ella Eyre’s Molly Goddard dress from 2017 is a dream ‘90s dress if I’ve ever seen one.
Kate Moss’ classic slip
Is there anyone more iconic of ‘90s style than Kate Moss? No, is the answer. Here she is, still rocking the slip dress in 2018, pairing it with a sheer black cape.
Helena Bonham Carter’s goth-chic look
You can always count on Helena Bonham Carter to bring her unique A game to the red carpet. This punky ensemble — along with the bold makeup — is super ‘90s.
Naomie Harris’ Metallic Dress
Updating a classic ‘90s style, Harris elevated the slip dress in 2020 with this metallic Marc Jacobs number.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s midriff reveal
A true ‘90s red carpet icon, Gwyneth rocked this midriff-revealing moment in 1999 like no one else.
Greta Gerwig’s velvet design
We can’t talk about the ‘90s without a special nod to velvet, and Greta Gerwig’s deep green design is one of the most memorable velvet looks of recent years.
