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British Independent Film Awards Red Carpet: Three Looks That Impressed

The British Independent Film Awards always seems to creep up on me, it’s as though they like to keep them a little secret, and as far away as possible from the rest of the award season. Or maybe they just want to be the first, or maybe it is that they want to get ahead of the big ceremonies in Hollywood, who later this week will be announcing their nominations and the real buzz will begin. I have been wondering whether to cover the award season’s red carpet, the celebrity looks have become a little predictable and stale in recent years and I find myself critiquing the same old dress, but then an actress hits the red carpet and surprises me, like Carey Mulligan in this gorgeous pattern clash Gucci maxi dress and I can’t resist sharing.

Carey Mulligan went for a look that will split opinions, I love that, it was daring, beautiful and so, so unexpected. This geometric column dress from Gucci’s spring/summer 2016 definitely stood out on the British Independent Film Awards red carpet for all the right reasons, I love that it was different, it was charming, as well as being sophisticated, Carey looks incredible in a column gown, and I adore that she always brings an elegance no matter what. 

On the catwalk it was styled as a geek-granny chic with large specs and a hat, I love that Carey embraced the emerald, grey and silver lurex geometric jacquard gown with embroidered bird and flower detail and totally dismissed the catwalk look and made it her own. I think the only thing that would have made me love this, even more, would have been the removal of the large red flower by the neckline, then it would have been perfection. 

I know this look will be either a love or hate – which side are you leaning to?French actress Marion Cotillard always delivers when it comes to an award show, so her gorgeous look at the British Independent Film Awards wasn’t a surprise, but I did adore it all the same. More often than not Marion wears Dior, and this black floor-length gown with cut-out detailing on the shoulders and long sleeves, was as expected Dior Couture, but come on how beautiful is the sparkling beadwork. This dress fits her perfectly, as it should with her being a brand ambassador for the brand, but its more than that its the way she wears the gown with her elegant posture that always makes her stand out. Plus you can never really go wrong with black sparkles can you?

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Marion Cotillard arrives at The Moet British Independent Film Awards 2015 at Old Billingsgate Market on December 6, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for The Moet British Independent Film Awards) *** Local Caption *** Marion CotillardLONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Laura Carmichael attends the Moet British Independent Film Awards 2015 at Old Billingsgate Market on December 6, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Moet British Independent Film Awards) *** Local Caption *** Laura Carmichael
I think the biggest surprise of the night, however, went to Laura Carmichael, aka Downton Abbey’s very own Lady Edith, with her sexy, fun, and cool Christopher Kane velvet mini dress. What I loved, other than the fact she pulled off velvet with ease, had to be the youthful styling, pairing with simple black sandals, minimal make-up and jewellery was just what was needed to not overpower those arty silhouettes. I’m excited to see what looks the British actress gives us in the coming award season, as I’m sure we can expect her to continue flying the flag for British designers. 

Which of the three looks at the British Independent Film Awards impressed you the most?


Are you getting excited about the upcoming award season? Well, I’ve jotted down the important dates:

January 6, 2016 – People’s Choice

January 10, 2016 – Golden Globes

January 23, 2016 – Producers Guild of America Awards (PGA Awards)

January 30, 2016 – Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards)

February 6, 2016 – Directors Guild of America Awards (DGA Awards)

February 13, 2016 – Writers Guild of America Awards (WGA Awards)

February 14, 2016 – BAFTA

February 28, 2016 – Oscars

[Pics: Getty Images for The Moet British Independent Film Awards]