Lily Allen, Kate Hudson and Rose Byrne lead the style pack at Chanel’s BAFTA pre-party

Song Sung Blue star Kate Hudson delivered one of the evening’s most striking looks in a strapless black leather bodice paired with a sweeping white pleated skirt. The structured top sculpted her silhouette, adding a bold, contemporary edge, while the flowing skirt softened the look with ethereal movement. She wore her blonde hair in glossy, side-swept waves and kept her make-up luminous with bronzed skin and a soft rose lip. The monochrome combination felt confident and fashion-forward – exactly the kind of statement that lands you at the top of every best-dressed list before BAFTA night has even begun.

Songstress Lily Allen leaned into vintage-inspired Chanel elegance with a richly patterned ensemble that blended texture and colour. She wore a gold-and-rust plaid jacket layered over a black high-neck top, paired with a coordinating red woven skirt that hit just below the knee. Black sheer tights and pointed pumps kept the look sharp, while a classic Chanel handbag added timeless polish. Her dark hair was styled in a voluminous updo with blunt fringe, giving the outfit a distinctly retro feel.

Rose Byrne proved the power of simplicity in a sleek black midi dress with delicate straps and a plunging neckline. The minimalist silhouette skimmed her figure effortlessly, allowing her natural elegance to shine. She kept accessories understated, opting for classic black heels and subtle jewellery, while her softly waved bob framed her face beautifully. With barely-there make-up and a muted manicure, the overall effect was refined and quietly confident. 

Kirsten Dunst embraced intricate detailing in a fitted black sleeveless dress featuring delicate openwork patterns throughout. The texture added visual interest while maintaining a clean silhouette that flattered her frame. She paired the dress with classic pumps and understated jewellery, letting the craftsmanship take centre stage. Her blonde hair was worn straight and sleek, tucked neatly behind her ears, while a berry-toned lip injected a subtle pop of colour. 

Maggie Gyllenhaal opted for dramatic sophistication in a sheer black top layered over a structured bodice, paired with a flowing black skirt cinched at the waist with a leather belt. The interplay of transparency and texture gave the look depth without sacrificing elegance. She accessorised with a bold statement necklace and wore her hair in soft vintage waves, enhancing the old-school glamour of the ensemble. A deep red lip added intensity. 

Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie made a striking entrance in a crisp white blouse with exaggerated sleeves and an oversized bow detail cascading down the front. She paired the statement top with tailored black trousers and glossy ankle boots, creating a look that balanced drama with sharp tailoring. The architectural silhouette suited her statuesque frame perfectly. Her long blonde hair fell in loose waves, and she kept her make-up clean and fresh. 

Director Chloé Zhao’s film Hamnet broke Bafta records for the most nominations for a film directed by a woman, with nods in 11 categories. She brought a vibrant burst of colour to the evening in a flowing satin dress in a rich fuchsia hue. The simple short-sleeve silhouette allowed the luminous fabric to take centre stage, catching the light beautifully. She kept accessories minimal, wearing delicate jewellery and understated heels, while her long dark hair fell naturally around her shoulders. The look was effortless, modern and refreshingly bold against a sea of black – proof that sometimes the strongest statement is simply colour.

Jemima Goldsmith embodied understated glamour in a sleek black midi dress featuring a sculptural bow detail at the shoulder. The asymmetrical design added interest without overpowering the streamlined silhouette. She styled the look with pointed black heels and minimal jewellery, allowing the sharp tailoring to shine. Her long brunette hair was worn loose in soft waves, complementing the refined aesthetic. 

Millers in Marriage star Minnie Driver chose classic elegance for the Chanel celebration, wearing a black lace gown with sheer panel detailing and intricate embellishment throughout. The long-sleeved design balanced delicacy with drama, while subtle sparkle added depth under the lights. She accessorised with statement earrings and kept her make-up softly sculpted, pairing defined eyes with a neutral lip. Her dark curls framed her face beautifully, enhancing the timeless appeal of the look.