At the Laurence Olivier Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on April 3, 2016, Gemma Arterton delivered one of her most memorable red-carpet fashion moments, pairing a sparkling Jenny Packham gown with dramatic Charlotte Olympia “Ursula” platform sandals.
Gemma Arterton stuns on the red carpet in a glittering floor-length Jenny Packham dress (Credit: WENN)
The former Bond girl was up for Best Actress for her work in “Nell Gwynn,” but lost to Denise Gough of “People, Places and Things.”
She may not have won the award, but she sure won in the style stakes in a glittery purple gown from Jenny Packham’s Fall 2016 collection.
Gemma Arterton shows off her cropped hairstyle at the 2016 Olivier Awards held on April 3, 2016, at the Royal Opera House in London (Credit: WENN)
The then-30-year-old actress looked every inch a royal in the purple floor-length gown that perfectly highlighted her curves.
It featured sequin and bead embellishments along the bust and down the skirt, a gem-detailed neckline, long chiffon sleeves, and a rear split that revealed her strappy heels.
A close look at Jenny Packham’s intricate craftsmanship reveals shimmering sequins, beadwork, and sheer sleeves that transformed Gemma Arterton’s rich purple gown into a red-carpet standout at the Olivier Awards
The English actress kept things very regal with a pair of De Grisogono drop earrings.
She completed her look with a side-parted bob and neutral makeup composed of light smoky eyeshadow, dark mascara, and nude lipstick.
Gemma Arterton brings Old Hollywood glamour to the 2016 Olivier Awards in a richly embellished plum Jenny Packham gown with sheer bishop sleeves and a floor-skimming silhouette
Gemma’s Charlotte Olympia “Ursula” sandals are made of purple satin material with yellow-gold trim. They feature cutouts, double adjustable ankle straps, peep toes, one-inch platforms, and towering six-inch heels.
Charlotte Olympia “Ursula” platform sandals in matching purple satin peek from beneath the gown, their gold-trimmed cutout straps adding height and drama to the look
More Celebrities Who Stepped Out in Charlotte Olympia’s “Ursula” Sandals
Gemma Arterton wasn’t the only star drawn to Charlotte Olympia’s striking “Ursula” sandals. With their sculptural cutout straps, towering platform silhouette, and satin finishes in rich jewel tones, the design became a red-carpet favorite during the 2010s, appearing beneath everything from romantic gowns to dramatic couture creations.
👠 Explore Charlotte Olympia “Ursula” Sandals on the Red Carpet:
- 💚 Karolina Kurkova’s green satin “Ursula” sandals brought jewel-toned polish to her floaty Erdem floral gown.
- 🎬 Elizabeth Banks flashed Charlotte Olympia platforms beneath a dramatic Elie Saab gown at the Mockingjay premiere.
- ✨ Joanna Newsom’s blush “Ursula” sandals softened a sculptural Delpozo gown with a romantic satin finish.
- 🎤 Nicole Scherzinger used the six-inch platforms to sharpen a daring Julien Macdonald look.
- 🌟 Holly Madison’s metallic “Ursula” sandals gave a pale green dress a playful, high-shine finish.
Why Gemma Arterton Thinks Strawberry Fields Should Have Worn Flat Shoes
While many fans first discovered Arterton through her role as Strawberry Fields in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, her red-carpet style has become a story in its own right.
From elegant evening gowns to statement heels, the British actress has consistently favored footwear that complements rather than competes with her outfits.
A still of Daniel Craig as James Bond and Gemma Arterton as MI6 agent Strawberry Fields in the 2008 spy film “Quantum of Solace” (Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures / Columbia Pictures)
Years after the film’s release, Gemma said she didn’t realize how problematic the role of a “Bond Girl” was at the time.
Years after Quantum of Solace, Gemma Arterton reflected on her breakout role as Agent Strawberry Fields, telling The Sun that she accepted the part at 21 while focused on building her career.
Looking back, she questioned some of the traditional “Bond girl” tropes and joked that Strawberry “should have just said no, really, and worn flat shoes.”
Gemma Arterton as MI6 agent Strawberry Fields in a hotel-room scene from the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace (Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures / Columbia Pictures)
Arterton was selected from more than 1,500 hopefuls who auditioned for the role. Her character paid tribute to classic Bond heroines through styling references and story elements drawn from earlier films, though the actress later revisited those conventions in her 2018 short story Woke Bond Women, which imagined a more modern take on the Bond archetype.
From Bond Girl to Designer Heels: Gemma Arterton’s Best Fashion Moments
Away from the franchise, Arterton has continued to build a diverse acting career while developing a polished red-carpet style that often pairs elegant gowns with statement footwear.
👠 Explore More of Gemma Arterton’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 📏 Standing at 5’7″ and wearing a US shoe size 8, Gemma Arterton has built a red-carpet wardrobe that moves easily between sleek designer sandals, statement pumps, and elegant evening looks.
- 💙 Blue Alexandre Birman sandals paired with a plunging Prada gown created one of her most polished monochromatic red-carpet moments at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards.
- ✨ Metallic gold Prada sandals at the Venice Film Festival added a sharp, modern finish to a white dress while highlighting her signature understated glamour.
- 🌹 Red Prada scalloped sandals with a floral Dolce & Gabbana dress brought playful color and texture to a standout summer fashion appearance.
- 🎬 From Valentino gowns to heart-detailed heels, her promotional tour and red-carpet appearances around Prince of Persia showcased a more romantic side of her style evolution.
Gemma Arterton wears a red one-shouldered Emilia Wickstead velvet dress paired with Aquazzura ruffled suede sandals at the BFI Luminous Fundraising Gala held on October 1, 2019, at The Roundhouse in London (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)