Dear readers, the diamond of the season is undoubtably Irish actress Nicola Coughlan. Her Met Gala look last week had everyone talking, and she turned heads once again Sunday evening at the British Academy Television Awards in London.
The Bridgerton star wore a lilac-colored Valentino Haute Couture ballgown from creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection to the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards. Its off-the-shoulder neckline covered in maxi bows and full skirt with bubble hem could have been equally as eye-catching in one of Bridgerton‘s ballroom scenes as it was on the red carpet.
Accessorized with jewels from Messika, Coughlan’s look was styled by Aimée Croysdill. Since the early days of her Bridgerton fame, Coughlan and Croysdill have crafted some seriously transcendent style moments for the star.
Always in commanding, vibrant hues, and dramatic, billowing silhouettes, the Derry Girls actress has become a fan-favorite on the red carpet. “When I first met Nicola, I was quite kind of headstrong with her and her team, like, ‘I know you’re going to be a fashion girl.’ I knew it from the outset,” the stylist told Fashionista last month.
Making her Met Gala debut last week, Coughlan’s custom ensemble from British designer Richard Quinn stood out in a sea of must-see style moments. Donning the petal pink and black bespoke gown and cascading cape, its scattered feathers had fans referencing her Bridgerton character, Penelope Featherington.
“I can’t believe I’m really going,” Coughlan told Vogue. Her gown was inspired by 19th-century silhouettes and fabrications and felt “amazing to wear,” she added.
“Richard and his team are so impressive,” the actress continued.
Intentionally highlighting fashion designers from Ireland and the U.K, Coughlan and Croysdill have championed the likes of Simone Rocha, Christopher Kane, Richard Quinn, and Molly Goddard while drawing inspiration from her lively Regency era costumes in Bridgerton.
Never afraid to embrace volume, ruffles, tulle, lace, and bows, Coughlan’s unparalleled zest for playful sartorial expression always makes her one to watch.
