Top 8 Best Dressed at the Brits
The first ever Brit Awards took place in 1977, and throughout its (almost) 50 year history, it has never occurred outside the capital. That was, until last night, when the biggest celebration of British music moved up north to Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena, recognising the geographical diversity of the nation’s talent.
In addition to honouring the stars of the music industry, the event has a long-standing reputation of providing standout fashion moments, and yesterday evening was no exception. From a surprise performance by Dua Lipa in custom Gucci, to Raye’s dazzling Prada dress, the looks on stage came through thick and fast, whilst the red carpet equally churned out some interesting moments. The range was undeniably there, with some celebrities opting to wear seasoned designers and household names, whilst others made the bold decision to showcase pieces from fresh talent. With the UK’s second city eagerly campaigning to prove itself as a fashion capital, yesterday’s memorable and distinct red carpet certainly did Manchester a favour.
So, without further ado, here are our top eight looks of the evening…
Olivia Dean in Loewe
It was an evening to remember for the ‘Man I Need’ singer as she took home perhaps the most coveted awards of the evening – both Artist of the Year and Album of the Year – and did so in a custom Loewe gown. It’s coming up to a year since duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez succeeded Jonathan Anderson at the helm of the brand, and it’s clear they’re finding their feet, with the lemon-yellow dress and vibrant Mediterranean-es que print standing out on a crowded carpet.
Rosalía in Chanel
The recipient of the International Artist award stunned viewers with a performance of ‘Berghain’, however she also turned heads on the red carpet in a half custom, half couture Chanel look. The feathered skirt with a daring drop waist came from Matthieu Blazy’s debut couture collection for the house, whist the co-ordinating top was created especially for the Spanish star.
Harry Styles in Chanel
Nobody hit the headlines quite like Harry Styles last night. The 6x Brit winner – who is making a return to the Co-Op Arena later this week for a One Night Only show to celebrate the release of his fourth studio album – opened the evening with his first live performance of Aperture. He did so after walking the carpet in an oversized pinstripe Chanel suit from Blazy’s 25/26 Métiers D’Art collection, styled aptly with a pair of the brand’s signature ballet flats.
Jade Thirlwall in Off-White
The former Little Mix member and ‘Angel of my Dreams’ singer Jade Thirlwall certainly adhered to the Mancunian weather as she stepped out in a custom Off-White look. Creative Director IB Kamara put together a unique amalgamation of a puffer coat and a ball gown, complete with the addition of a peplum skirt, making for an interesting silhouette. A floral, watercolour style pattern in a soft pink and green somewhat counteracted the nature of the look, but gave us a pleasant reminder that spring is on the horizon.
CMAT in Maximilian Raynor
The International Artist nominee opted to commemorate the evening in the UK’s second city with a look by the relatively unknown Maximilian Raynor. The floor-length tartan number – which similar to Thirlwall was a jacket meets dress situation – was from the Central Saint Martin’s student’s recent AW26 collection. Welcomed additions included: 80s style power-sleeves; a drop waist and a subtle train, coming together to produce something different – a true breath of fresh air.
Sombr in Valentino
The ‘Back to Friends’ singer may have left empty handed despite two nominations in the international categories, however he certainly topped best dressed lists in a custom Valentino look. The house is clearly a favourite – his Grammys outfit was also designed by the Italian label – and it’s not difficult to tell why. Alessandro Michele pieced together a perfectly gothic look, with a silken red puffed sleeved jacket layered over a suggestive lace bodysuit.
Lola Young in M by Macy Grimshaw
It was no surprise that Lola Young took home the award for Breakthrough Artist given the year she’s had, thought it was refreshing to see her opt for a breakthrough designer for her moment on the carpet. Styled by Matthew Joseph’s, the ‘Messy’ singer wore an interesting top/trouser combination by Central Saint Martin’s Macy Grimshaw. The army green top had an industrial feel whilst the slate-grey lower half was adorned with padlock detailing, adding an extra touch to an already very edgy look.
Mark Ronson and Grace Jane Gummer in Celine
The recipient of the Outstanding Achievement award not only shone during his heartfelt tribute to Amy Winehouse, but also on the red carpet, as he and his wife (actress Grace Jane Gummer) stepped out in co-ordinating custom looks by Celine. Ronson kept it classic with a white shirt layered over a white turtleneck, complete with black trousers and a simple belt. However, his traditional leather jacket had an eye-catching detail – one arm was completely adorned with small keys – taking a simple look to new heights. Meanwhile, Gummer went for a classic black dress, with a silk skirt and asymmetrical upper-half which developed into a modest train. Oh, and who could forget their matching sunglasses – very chic.
