The BFI London Film Festival, one of the United Kingdom’s most anticipated cinematic gatherings, officially commenced on October 8 and will continue to dazzle audiences through October 19. As the event unfolds, it has become clear that this year’s festival is not merely a celebration of film but also a grand exhibition of fashion artistry. The red carpet, illuminated by flashes of photographers and the excited chatter of attendees, has evolved into a runway where creativity and sophistication are intertwined. A constellation of the industry’s most beloved talents—including Emma Stone, George Clooney, and Andrew Garfield—has brought an air of elegance and flamboyance to the proceedings, each star revealing their own interpretation of glamour. Yet, as is tradition at any major fashion moment, not every ensemble has achieved its intended effect; some choices have fallen short of the festival’s high sartorial standard.
George and Amal Clooney epitomized poise and refinement as they arrived hand in hand to promote George’s upcoming film, ‘Jay Kelly.’ The actor opted for a timeless combination: a navy-blue tailored suit paired with a matching tie and impeccably polished black shoes, exuding classic charm reminiscent of Hollywood’s golden era. His wife, international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, delivered an equally enthralling fashion statement that blended femininity with bold modernity. Her strapless Tamara Ralph couture gown dazzled under the spotlights, its sequined bodice gleaming with intricate craftsmanship, while the tiered fringe detailing along the skirt added both movement and texture. Silver-heeled sandals, sparkling diamond earrings, and a soft pink feathered coat completed her ensemble, reinforcing her reputation as a contemporary style icon whose aesthetic sophistication rivals her intellect.
Meanwhile, Amanda Seyfried’s fashion experiment at the premiere of ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ proved divisive. Her black-and-white Richard Quinn gown featured a strapless design combining velvet and layers of delicate tulle. While undeniably enchanting in theory, the heavy interplay of textures appeared to overwhelm her petite frame, creating an impression more reminiscent of a nostalgic prom gown than a couture red-carpet creation. The corseted bodice adorned with a single white rose contributed to this retro aesthetic, further emphasizing the dress’s youthful, almost whimsical quality. Complementing the ensemble, Seyfried styled her hair sleek and straight, adding restraint to balance the garment’s drama, and accessorized with a diamond necklace and open-toe Aquazzura heels that lent a touch of shimmer.
In contrast, Ayo Edebiri captivated onlookers with an understated form of glamour that relied on impeccable construction and luminous simplicity. Attending the screening of her film ‘After the Hunt,’ she glided down the carpet wearing a sleeveless satin Chanel gown rendered in pristine white. The minimalist silhouette was punctuated by refined knotted details that drew attention to the waist and shoulder, while a subtle floral embellishment at the hip introduced a delicate sense of romanticism. Her ensemble was completed with diamond earrings and an elegant updo, both of which amplified the effortless sophistication fundamental to Chanel’s enduring appeal.
Elle Fanning, celebrated for her ethereal and avant-garde style sensibilities, took a bolder approach that this time seemed to miss the intended mark. Promoting her latest project ‘Sentimental Value,’ she appeared in a daring two-piece Simone Rocha creation combining wide-leg trousers with a sequined, sleeveless gown layered above. While distinctive, the outfit’s excessive layering visually obscured her natural poise, producing a silhouette that felt unnecessarily heavy and constraining. Strappy black sandals provided minimal relief to the dense textures. Observers familiar with Rocha’s runway presentations noted that the look might have been more harmonious if styled as originally designed—either cinched higher at the waist or worn without the trousers altogether.
Another power couple commanding attention was Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig, who appeared effortlessly stylish ahead of the ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ screening. Weisz demonstrated tailored perfection in a black suit precisely fitted to her figure. Her pointed leather boots and crisp white blouse introduced a polished contrast that infused sharp suiting with feminine refinement. Craig, ever the embodiment of suavity, chose a slightly more adventurous palette: a gray suit complemented by a baby-blue shirt and punctuated with a red striped tie. Both wore timeless yet modern looks proving that simplicity, when executed with precision, is as captivating as extravagance.
Conversely, Barry Keoghan embraced a level of casualness uncharacteristic for such an event. In attendance to support his colleague and friend Paul Mescal’s new film, ‘Hamnet,’ Keoghan arrived in a casual ensemble consisting of baggy blue jeans, chunky white sneakers, and a blue pullover sweater. The relaxed attire, though reflective of his uninhibited personality, did little to align with the refined aesthetic of the red carpet. A smart alternative—such as replacing the denim with sleek black trousers—could have elevated his look from off-duty comfort to semi-formal sophistication.
Emma Stone, known for her astute fashion instincts, delivered one of the event’s most compelling highlights. Promoting her new feature ‘Bugonia,’ the Academy Award–winning actress chose a custom marigold gown by Louis Vuitton. The minimalist, sleeveless piece was striking in both color and design, boasting a backless cut and a straight column silhouette that allowed its vivid hue to take center stage. The gown’s warm tone harmonized flawlessly with her short, red hair, exuding a confident vibrancy. Stone accentuated the look with delicate jewelry and a gauzy matching scarf wrapped loosely around her arms, adding a whisper of softness to her bold aesthetic.
Mila Kunis, by contrast, attempted a similar minimalist approach but failed to achieve the same magnetic result. Her all-black strapless gown, featuring a short sequined bodice and voluminous floor-length skirt, lacked the tailored finesse necessary to make it memorable. While the actress possesses an innate sense of chic restraint, the gown’s shape and simplicity rendered the overall effect underwhelming. A single statement necklace or better-structured tailoring could have transformed the look from plain to powerful.
Andrew Garfield, true to his reputation as one of Hollywood’s modern style icons, appeared characteristically composed. For the ‘After the Hunt’ screening, he donned a Valentino ensemble that exemplified both precision tailoring and contemporary luxury. The outfit combined flared black trousers with a soft black blouse featuring an undone bow neckline, subtly evoking bohemian sophistication. A gray tweed blazer provided structure and contrast, while polished leather shoes and a gold ring infused a quiet touch of opulence befitting the refined minimalism of his overall aesthetic.
Taken together, the week’s fashion presentations at the BFI London Film Festival demonstrate the remarkable range of personal expression found within celebrity culture. From gleaming couture spectacles to restrained sartorial experiments, the red carpet continues to serve as a stage on which actors, directors, and style luminaries reveal not just their garments but their evolving artistic identities. As the festival proceeds toward its closing night, all eyes remain fixed on the interplay between film artistry and high fashion, both of which share a common purpose: the pursuit of storytelling through visionary design.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/london-film-festival-best-worst-celebrity-outfits-red-carpet-2025-10
