Anna Friel and Mollie King Prove Shoe-Led Styling Endures at InStyle’s 2014 Pre-BAFTA Party

On February 4, 2014, InStyle’s Best of British Talent pre-BAFTA party at Dartmouth House in London brought together two distinct approaches to modern evening dressing—both anchored by deliberate footwear choices.

Sharing the spotlight at the same event, Anna Friel and Mollie King demonstrated how sharply contrasting silhouettes can feel equally relevant when the shoes are doing the work: one leaning into architectural statement heels, the other relying on timeless patent pumps. More than a decade later, their looks still offer clear lessons in balance, restraint, and shoe-led styling.

Architectural Minimalism: Anna Friel Elevates Tailoring With Nicholas Kirkwood “Hexagon” Pumps

Anna Friel sharpens her strapless Osman ensemble with white leather Nicholas Kirkwood “Hexagon” pumps, letting their sculptural gold heels and pointed toes deliver a striking, modern finish at InStyle’s Best of British Talent pre-BAFTA party in London on February 4, 2014 (Credit: WENN / Craig Harris)

Marking her appearance as the magazine’s cover star, Friel wore a sleek ensemble from Osman’s Spring 2013 collection, pairing a bandeau corset top with sharply cut black cigarette pants.

A close-up highlights Anna Friel’s white leather Nicholas Kirkwood “Hexagon” pumps, where sharp pointed toes meet sculptural gold-and-resin detailing for a distinctly architectural finish

The minimalist silhouette placed deliberate emphasis on her shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood’s white leather “Hexagon” pumps. With their pointed toes, sculptural gold heels, and resin hexagon detailing, the heels added structure and edge, elevating the look from refined to unmistakably directional.

White leather Nicholas Kirkwood “Hexagon” pumps featuring sharp pointed toes, a sculptural gold heel, and geometric resin detailing that adds architectural edge to an otherwise minimalist silhouette

Monochrome Elegance: Mollie King Anchors a Dolce & Gabbana Dress With Gucci “Beverly” Pumps

Mollie King took a deliberately restrained approach—proving how classic footwear can define an evening look without excess.

Mollie King keeps her look polished and understated, finishing a black-and-white Dolce & Gabbana dress with classic black patent Gucci “Beverly” pumps that quietly anchor the ensemble with timeless elegance at InStyle Magazine’s “Best of British Talent” party in celebration of BAFTA, in association with Lancome and Sky Living, at Dartmouth House in London, England, on February 4, 2014

She chose a monochromatic Dolce & Gabbana satin dress patterned with black lace, allowing her shoes to quietly anchor the ensemble.

A close-up spotlights Mollie King’s black patent Gucci “Beverly” pumps, their pointed toes and slim heels reinforcing the clean, timeless lines of her monochrome look

King finished the look with Gucci’s black patent leather “Beverly” pumps, whose pointed toes and slim heels reinforced the outfit’s clean, timeless lines.

A softly styled updo, nude lips, and a minimal black clutch completed the look, underscoring a styling philosophy built on polish rather than spectacle.

Black patent leather Gucci “Beverly” pumps featuring sleek pointed toes, slim stiletto heels, and a refined high-gloss finish that underscores their timeless, minimalist appeal

Two Designers, One Enduring Lesson: Let the Shoes Lead

Whether expressed through Nicholas Kirkwood’s sculptural, architectural heels or Gucci’s timeless patent pumps, the lasting appeal of these looks comes down to intentional footwear choices.

From red carpets to press events, both designers demonstrate how the right heels can anchor an outfit, sharpen its proportions, and carry it beyond a single season—making shoe-led styling as relevant now as it was then.