For Nicola Coughlan’s first red carpet look at the BAFTA Film Awards, it could only be Valentino. “It needed to be special,” the Bridgerton actor tells Vogue. “There’s something amazing about what Pierpaolo Piccioli does – he thinks about every woman. Valentino’s one of the only houses where I can wear [pieces] directly off the couture runway.”
Tonight’s floral-print gown is look four from the Italian fashion house’s spring 2022 couture show, a fit-and-flare style that reminded Coughlan of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s looks from the 1960s. “It’s very Jackie O – it’s got that [retro] wedding dress feel to it and then it’s got that modern touch with all the detailing,” she says.
Coughlan previously wore a bright pink gown from the same collection – which was entitled “The Anatomy of Couture” and involved fit models covering a diverse range of sizes – at the TV BAFTAs last year, with the collection clearly being a particular favorite. “It was genuinely a visceral reaction when I saw [the collection] because it celebrated beauty in so many different forms,” the actor explains. “The way Pierpaolo does it is from a place of authenticity; [it’s not to] get a pat on the back.”
When it came to her beauty look, Coughlan and her team continued the ’60s theme with Brigitte Bardot-esque hair, styled by Leigh Keates. Meanwhile, her make-up – by Neil Young using Lancôme – was also inspired by the French icon, and included navy eyeliner in a feline flick that perfectly complemented the floral detailing on the dress. “It’s been so fun putting it all together,” Coughlan says.
For Coughlan, it’s all about “feeling good” on the red carpet – as well as having some fun along the way. “I think feeling confident in the outfit is the very first step,” the actor says. “My world isn’t fashion but I love to step into fashion and play in it. It’s a bit like [playing] a character – what’s this version of myself today?” Her stylist Aimee Croysdill agrees: “[Nicola’s style is] a celebration of personality, fashion and women. Nicola’s beauty shines from the inside out and any gown that can match up with that is a winner for me.”
2023 is a big year for Coughlan, with season three of Bridgerton – which focuses on the story of her character, Penelope Featherington, and love interest Colin Bridgerton – set to hit our screens. “This season is written so beautifully,” the actor says of what we can expect. “I think people are going to relate to it so much, the way they’ve crafted this love story. It’s got so much heart.”
Not only that, Coughlan also appears in Greta Gerwig’s new adaptation of Barbie, due out this summer. “Costume designer Jacqueline Durran made me the costume of my dreams for it,” the actor says. “Ryan Gosling is so insanely funny – I had the privilege of being on set when he was shirtless – and I admire Margot Robbie so much. It’s going to be amazing.”
Vogue
Written by Emily Chan
Published February 19, 2023
