From Sculptural Platforms to Androgynous Boots: The Best Footwear at the 2026 BAFTA Invest in Talent Gala

Alicia Vikander, Ellie Goulding, and Gwendoline Christie led the fashion crowd at the BAFTA Invest in Talent Gala on Thursday evening, stepping out in stunning gowns and tailored outfits that definitely turned heads.

Vikander channeled modern royalty in a custom gray Louis Vuitton gown paired with metallic silver Jimmy Choo heels. Goulding highlighted her baby bump in a blush pink, lingerie-inspired dress with crystal-embellished pumps. Meanwhile, Christie embraced bold contrasts in a menswear-inspired ensemble, styled with brown Saint Laurent boots.

Alicia Vikander, Ellie Goulding, and Gwendoline Christie stepped out at the BAFTA Invest In Talent Gala in London on February 12, 2026, pairing a sculptural Louis Vuitton gown with silver Jimmy Choo platforms, a blush maternity look with crystal-trimmed pumps, and tailored Saint Laurent suiting grounded by brown leather ankle boots (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

The BAFTA Invest in Talent Gala raises funds to inspire, support, and celebrate the next generation of talent in the screen industry. This year’s event was held at The Chancery Rosewood in London, with stars coming together in support of the cause.

Alicia Vikander Channels Modern Royalty in Voluminous Custom Louis Vuitton

Alicia Vikander arrived looking every bit like a modern princess stepping into a grand ballroom. Her custom gray organza Louis Vuitton gown had a sculpted corseted bodice that hugged her slim frame, creating a clean, structured silhouette. The off-the-shoulder neckline featured gathered ruffles across her shoulders, adding a romantic contrast to the sharp tailoring of the bodice.

From there, the skirt flared into a dramatic, full silhouette. It had the kind of volume you’d expect from a fairy-tale gown, but the soft gray shade gave it a modern, understated twist.

The color was somewhat flat, and I found myself wishing for a subtle variation in texture or an unexpected accent to break up the monochrome. Still, the craftsmanship and silhouette more than made up for it.

Alicia Vikander, with husband Michael Fassbender, channels her inner royal in a custom gray Louis Vuitton gown with a ruffled neckline and a voluminous full skirt (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Louis Vuitton High Jewelry and Silver Jimmy Choo Platforms Complete the Look

Alicia paired the gown with Louis Vuitton High Jewelry, including the $33,000 “Galaxie” stud earrings in 18k white gold, set with 1.36-carat navette-cut diamonds shaped in the house’s signature Monogram Flower. She added the Elan Vital bracelet for an extra sparkle on her wrist.

Her hair was styled in a relaxed, slightly undone bun, complementing her soft, glowing makeup.

A pair of metallic silver Jimmy Choo platform sandals with crisscross straps, peep toes, and towering block heels completed her look, adding height and a subtle modern edge.

Alicia Vikander pairs her gray gown with metallic silver Jimmy Choo sandals featuring crisscrossing front straps, platforms, and high block heels (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Ellie Goulding Debuts Baby Bump in Romantic Lace-Trimmed Lingerie Dress

Ellie Goulding was glowing as she stepped onto the red carpet, proudly showing off her baby bump in a blush pink lingerie-style dress that hugged her figure.

It was made of silk satin fabric that skimmed over her curves, with delicate white lace trimming the plunging V-neckline and hem, adding a romantic, vintage touch. The dress alone had a boudoir feel, but the sheer overlay transformed it, making the look more polished. It had a high neckline and long sleeves, adding coverage and structure.

Ellie Goulding proudly shows off her baby bump in a blush pink slip dress with white lace trims and a sheer overlay (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Crystal d’Orsay Pumps Echo Ellie Goulding’s Diamond Jewelry

Goulding paired it with pale gold d’Orsay pumps, revealing the arch of her foot. Crystals traced the shoe, adding texture and eye-catching sparkle with every step. I personally would have preferred white or blush shoes to keep everything tonal, but the sparkle tied in seamlessly with her diamond jewelry.

A long diamond necklace, dangling earrings, a coil bracelet, and a statement ring added extra shimmer. Her hair fell in loose, natural waves with a side part, and her pink-toned makeup completed the soft, radiant look.

Ellie Goulding teams her slip dress with pale-gold d’Orsay pumps with crystals tracing the vamp and topline (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Gwendoline Christie Masters Color-Blocking in Saint Laurent Menswear-Inspired Silks

Gwendoline Christie took a completely different route, skipping the expected gown in favor of sharp, menswear-inspired tailoring.

She wore a mustard button-down shirt with a burgundy silk tie, which added richness and contrast. The shirt was neatly tucked into slim-cut dark brown satin trousers that gave off a subtle sheen.

Over everything, she layered a trench coat in Rose Cendre satin by Saint Laurent, softening the deeper tones underneath. The $5,800 double-breasted coat had a two-way ulster collar, storm flap, exaggerated shoulders with buttoned epaulets, strapped cuffs, and an adjustable pin-buckle belt.

I know mixing mustard, burgundy, brown, and mauve isn’t easy to pull off, but she made it look completely effortless.

Gwendoline Christie embraces a colorful, androgynous look, mixing a mustard button-down shirt with a burgundy silk tie, brown pants, and a rose-colored trench coat (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Gwendoline Christie Grounds Her Menswear Look in Saint Laurent “Stanton” Boots

Gwendoline appeared to skip heavy jewelry, which made sense since the outfit already had so much character. Leaving her blonde hair down in loose curls added a relaxed feel to the structured tailoring.

On her feet were Saint Laurent’s “Stanton” ankle boots in brown full-grain leather. The slightly angled, rounded toe, side zip closure, and 1.8-inch Cuban heels gave the look a polished finish. I think the boots tied everything together perfectly, echoing the rich brown trousers while enhancing the androgynous edge she was going for. They retail for $1,750.

Gwendoline Christie completes her tailored look with the brown leather Saint Laurent “Stanton” ankle boots (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

How Celebrity Footwear Is Shaping 2026 Shoe Trends

While gowns and tailoring may command first impressions, it’s the shoes that often define a look’s staying power. Across awards shows and fashion weeks, celebrities are quietly setting the tone for the footwear trends that will dominate 2026.