Emma Stone’s Bold Transformation in The Favourite: How Her Red-Carpet Style Evolved With Louis Vuitton

From the start of her career, Emma Stone drew a firm line when it came to on-screen nudity. But in 2018, that boundary shifted with her daring turn in The Favourite.

Emma Stone as Abigail Hill in the 2018 period black comedy The Favourite, wearing an elaborate striped 18th-century costume with puffed sleeves and ribbon details—a striking look that underscores the film’s opulent yet irreverent take on historical fashion (Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Emma Stone’s Louis Vuitton Era and the Evolution of Her Red-Carpet Style

The award-winning period comedy—fronted by Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Stone—not only became a career-defining moment for its biting wit and lavish 18th-century costumes, but it also set the stage for Stone’s standout red-carpet run.

Dressed almost exclusively in custom Louis Vuitton gowns and heels, she transformed the film’s promotional tour into a masterclass in modern elegance.

Since becoming a Louis Vuitton ambassador in October 2017 under Women’s Artistic Director Nicolas Ghesquière, Stone has embraced the brand as her go-to red-carpet partner. But before this collaboration, she often turned to designers like Valentino, Blumarine, and Bruno Frisoni—early style choices that reveal just how much her fashion journey has evolved.

Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman, and Emma Stone attend the UK Premiere of “The Favourite” & American Express Gala at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival on October 18, 2018, in London, England (Credit: Cubankite / Shutterstock)

Set in early 18th-century England during the war with France, The Favourite follows two ambitious cousins vying for Queen Anne’s affection. The dark comedy went on to score ten Academy Award nominations, seven BAFTAs, and ten British Independent Film Awards.

For much of her career, Emma Stone avoided on-screen nudity. She’s been candid about the pressures of Hollywood’s beauty standards, telling USA Today that constant body scrutiny left her questioning herself and worrying about young girls facing the same harsh commentary.

Emma Stone Shines in Custom Louis Vuitton at The Favourite Premiere

When it came time to promote The Favourite, Stone turned the red carpet into a runway of custom Louis Vuitton. At the London Film Festival premiere, she dazzled in a silver gown paired with perfectly coordinated Louis Vuitton heels—a look that balanced old-world elegance with modern edge.

The sleek fit, thoughtful length, and radiant finish made it one of her most memorable fashion moments of 2018.

Emma Stone promotes The Favourite at the London Film Festival premiere in a custom silver Louis Vuitton gown, paired with metallic sandals from the French fashion house that added just the right touch of shine to her red-carpet look (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

For the premiere of ‘The Favourite’ during the 2018 Venice Film Festival, Emma Stone wore another pair of metallic Louis Vuitton sandals with a glorified bathrobe while walking the red carpet.

Olivia Colman as Queen Anne and Emma Stone as Abigail Hill in The Favourite, both dressed in richly detailed 18th-century gowns that showcase the film’s opulent approach to period costume design (Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Because of scheduling conflicts with The Favourite, Emma Stone had to step away from Little Women—a role later taken by Emma Watson.

Emma Stone Serves Chic Louis Vuitton Style at The Favourite Venice Photocall

At the Venice photocall for The Favourite, Stone embraced a head-to-toe Louis Vuitton look from the Resort 2019 collection. The outfit combined a puffy long-sleeve blouse with an asymmetrical draped mini skirt and a belted waist, styled with pointed-toe pumps.

The slightly relaxed fit kept it modern and effortless, while the leg-baring silhouette and sharp heels gave the look a chic, red-carpet edge.

Emma Stone shows off her legs in a pleated silver Louis Vuitton mini skirt and matching top, paired with pointed-toe floral pumps, at The Favourite photocall during the 75th Venice Film Festival at the Palazzo del Casino on August 30, 2018 (Credit: Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock)

Although American, Stone convincingly adopted a British accent for The Favourite—a skill honed while working alongside co-stars like Rachel Weisz, who herself holds dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship.

The lighthearted energy carried off-screen as well. Olivia Colman, who played Queen Anne, kept the set playful with mischievous pranks, adding to the camaraderie that shaped the film’s irreverent tone.

Joe Alwyn, Olivia Colman, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, and Nicholas Hoult walk the red carpet ahead of The Favorite screening during the 75th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on August 30, 2018, in Venice, Italy (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Before filming an intimate scene, Olivia Colman pulled a lighthearted prank on Stone—later telling Vogue that she slipped a damp sponge into her costume just to catch her co-star off guard.

The playful moment reflects the irreverent spirit of The Favourite, a comedy that reinvented the period drama genre. For Stone, fully committing to Abigail’s scheming edge—including her bold decision to embrace nudity—helped deliver one of the most acclaimed performances of her career.

Before The Favourite red carpets, Stone had already been shaping her style identity for years. Looking back, her earlier fashion and footwear moments reveal just how much her red-carpet presence has evolved.

Reflecting on Emma Stone’s Career and Style Evolution

Emma Stone curls her hair for an appearance on “El Hormiguero” on July 5, 2012, in Madrid (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)

In July 2012, Emma Stone went casual for her appearance on “El Hormiguero,” a Spanish TV program where she promoted the 2012 American superhero film “The Amazing Spider-Man” alongside fellow actor Andrew Garfield.

Emma paired her Valentino “Rockstud” pumps with dark skinny jeans from Rag & Bone and a casual but interesting black silk blouse from Isabel Marant’s Fall 2012 collection.

Emma Stone wears a face mask as part of a game during her appearance on the Spanish TV show “El Hormiguero” (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)

While she typically wears dresses and skirts, this look worked really well for Emma.

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield applaud during an appearance on “El Hormiguero” (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)

The American The House Bunny actress looked totally polished and fabulous, even though she was wearing skinny zipper denim leggings.

Emma Stone wears a gray silk blouse with casual pants during a TV appearance with Andrew Garfield (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)

Emma completed her outfit with mini diamond “Lauren Joy” stud earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs, a pave cushion diamond necklace, and a pink cluster necklace by Nikki Baker, combined with a J/Hadley blue “Drusy” pendant necklace.

Emma Stone’s feet in black Valentino Rockstud T-strap pumps featuring patent leather and signature pyramid studs

The “Rockstud” heels feature an edgy T-strap design, a patent upper, and all-over stud details on the straps and trim. Her shoes somehow managed to mix edgy rock ‘ n ‘ roll with sophistication thanks to a combination of the studded detailing and pointed toes.

They look great the way Emma styled them, but you could pair them with dresses and skirts.

Valentino ‘Rock Stud’ So Noir Patent Pumps, $1,019

As it turns out, Emma can rock more than just harsh studs. In 2008, Emma stepped out in ruffle-accented Bruno Frisoni sandals paired with a strapless Blumarine dress.

Emma Stone shows off her short red hair at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards held on June 1, 2008, at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City (Credit: WENN / Nikki Nelson)

The French designer, celebrated for his tenure as Creative Director at Roger Vivier from 2003 to 2018, played a pivotal role in elevating the house into a modern powerhouse of accessories.

Known for his sculptural silhouettes and daring use of detail, Frisoni’s designs gave Stone’s look a sophisticated yet playful edge.

Emma Stone in a strapless printed Blumarine dress paired with navy satin ruffled Bruno Frisoni sandals at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards, accessorized with bold gold jewelry and a bright orange clutch (Credit: WENN / Nikki Nelson)

She accessorized with an orange clutch, a large gold bangle, and dangling gold earrings.

Emma Stone’s feet in navy satin ruffled Bruno Frisoni platform sandals with double ankle straps and glossy patent heels (Credit: WENN)

Her sandals featured black straps accented with navy satin ruffles.

Emma Stone’s feet in navy satin ruffled Bruno Frisoni stiletto sandals, styled with a glossy pedicure that highlighted the playful yet polished design (Credit: WENN)

Emma Stone’s Lasting Fashion and Footwear Legacy

From daring film roles to unforgettable red-carpet appearances, Emma Stone has proven herself to be not only an Oscar-winning actress but also a style icon. Her shoe choices, in particular, chart a fascinating evolution—from playful early looks to her polished era with Louis Vuitton.