London: The Vanity Fair EE BAFTA 2025 Rising Star Party showcased the latest fashion trends as celebrities donned stylish outfits, blending vintage inspirations with modern cuts. Nominees like Marisa Abela highlighted their impressive credentials ahead of the February 16 BAFTA Film Awards ceremony.
The Vanity Fair EE BAFTA 2025 Rising Star Party took place on Wednesday night at the Pavyllon in London, bringing together notable figures from the acting industry to celebrate emerging talent. Dressed to impress, attendees showcased a variety of styles, reflecting the influence of vintage aesthetics and retro fashion trends in modern celebrity wardrobes.
Leading the arrivals was Big Brother host AJ Odudu, 36, who captured attention in a striking red and black mini dress complemented by long PVC boots. Her look was completed with perfectly styled dark waves, emphasising her bold fashion choices. Speaking to the Daily Mail, the host showcased her confidence through her elegant attire, which featured a thigh-skimming silhouette.
Amelia Dimoldenberg, best known for her role in Chicken Shop Date, also made a fashionable statement in a chic plunging white and black ensemble. Her decision to embrace modern cuts while echoing iconic styles of previous decades underlines the way vintage inspirations shape contemporary celebrity outfits. Alongside her, Sabrina Elba, 35, sported a ruffled red dress accentuated by statement jewellery, showcasing her distinctive sense of style.
Marisa Abela, 28, stood out in a brown leather strapless dress at the event. She is currently leading the nominees for the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award due to her portrayal of Amy Winehouse in the 2024 film Back To Black. This film, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, tells the poignant story of the late singer, who succumbed to alcoholism at the age of 27. Marisa expressed her excitement about the nomination, sharing, “I was on my way to meet my friend’s baby for the first time and I got a call and they told me… it was actually great because you’re not allowed to say anything.”
Notably, the shortlist for the prestigious award also includes Jharrel Jerome, David Jonsson, Mikey Madison, and Nabhaan Rizwan, all of whom are gaining visibility in their own right through impactful performances, further demonstrating the cyclical influence of vintage fashion in their wardrobes. Jharrel Jerome, after clinching a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in When They See Us, remarked on receiving his nomination: “Receiving this nomination fills me with gratitude and pride.”
The nominees were announced at a press conference hosted by Jack O’Connell, who gained recognition for his lead role in Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken, and Ali Plumb from Radio 1, emphasizing the ongoing importance of peers in shaping each other’s recognition in the industry. The winners will be unveiled during the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on February 16 at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
As the event unfolded, the glamour continued with appearances from figures like Emma Weymouth, Marchioness of Bath, wearing a stunning glitzy gown—and Clara Amfo, who turned heads in a striking red outfit paired with white heels. Meanwhile, Munroe Bergdorf showcased a long silver gown embellished with sequins, echoing vintage-inspired styles seen throughout the evening.
In addition to celebrating rising talents, the evening also highlighted the latest updates for the BAFTA Film Awards, including a new Children’s & Family Film category. This marks a significant addition to the awards, which aims to resonate with inter-generational audiences and reflects the evolving landscape of the film industry.
Fashion historians continue to play a crucial role in interpreting these trends, demonstrating how vintage styles resurface in contemporary celebrity wardrobes, thereby leaving a lasting impact on the public’s perception of fashion. The influence of bygone eras remains a definitive aspect of red carpet events, with Annalise leading the conversation about the intersection of fashion history and modern celebrity style.
Source: Noah Wire Services
