Vera Wang made a striking entrance at the 2026 BAFTA Awards held on 22 February at London’s Royal Festival Hall, showcasing her newly transformed look. The celebrated fashion designer, aged 76, turned heads with her daring platinum blonde hairstyle, paired with dark roots. This transformation marked a noticeable change, especially compared to her appearance just a day earlier at the BAFTA Film Awards Nominees’ Party, where she sported flowing brown locks.
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For the prestigious ceremony, Wang donned a stunning floor-length white dress from her own label. The gown featured exquisite ruching and was elegantly highlighted by long, black puffed sleeves. To complete the ensemble, she accessorised with distinctive black cat-eye sunglasses, adding an air of modern sophistication to her classic look.
Wang’s fashion choices over the weekend clearly illustrated her flair for dramatic and memorable styles. At the BAFTA Nominees’ Party on 21 February, she made a bold statement in a black bandeau top that left little to the imagination. This outfit was complemented by elbow-length black leather gloves and a form-fitting skirt. Adding to the theatricality of her look, she chose an oversized black hat and a luxurious fur wrap, reinforcing her status as a fashion icon.
The designer is well-known for her adventurous approach to red carpet attire. Last year at the BAFTA Awards, she surprised attendees with an eye-catching ensemble consisting of a black upside-down bandeau top and a striking black-and-white colour-blocked skirt. The skirt showcased structured peplum detailing at the waist, cascading into exquisite pleats and a short train—further testament to her innovative fashion sensibilities.
In addition to her sartorial choices, Wang engaged with her fans through her social media, sharing her BAFTA looks on Instagram. In one post featuring her Nominees’ Party outfit, she expressed excitement for the event with the caption, “B is for BAFTA. THE BIG DAY… Here we go… good luck and congratulations to all the talented NOMINEES.” She opted for a heavy leather jacket as outerwear, making a statement about practicality amidst the cold weather.
As Wang approaches her milestone 75th birthday in June 2024, she reflects on the pressures associated with reaching such a significant age. Speaking to PEOPLE, she expressed her thoughts regarding the expectations surrounding this birthday, noting, “I think maybe a little bit like Warren Buffett or Queen Elizabeth. I’m just going to keep prodding on because I feel as though I’m able to do my best work more and more.”
In a follow-up discussion, Wang deliberated on whether to host a celebration for her 75th birthday. Many of her friends had expressed reluctance about acknowledging the milestone, leading her to reconsider her own stance. “A lot of my friends don’t want to,” she remarked. “They say, ‘I’m too old.’ I said, ‘It’s not about being old. It’s about being here and living, and we should celebrate that.'”
Despite her initial doubts, Wang eventually hosted a stylish soirée at Le Relais Plaza in Paris, surrounded by friends and fellow creatives. She reinforced the importance of celebrating every year, regardless of age, stating, “You have to celebrate every year that you’re alive. That’s just how I feel.”
Wang continues to be a formidable presence in the fashion world, known for pushing boundaries and her unwavering commitment to her craft. As she moves closer to this significant birthday, her ability to continuously redefine herself through fashion and personal expression remains a source of inspiration for many. Her recent appearances at the BAFTA events exemplify her enduring influence and innovative spirit in the industry.