Rebel Wilson hosts BAFTA for the first time. It was certainly a difficult task and not only did she have to have a comedy act to perfect, but she also had to find something to wear to stand out on the big stage at the Royal Albert Hall. However, Wilson and her stylist, Elizabeth Stewart, do much more in the wardrobe department.
Hitting the red carpet for her first appearance of the night, Wilson played with the volume, wearing a custom Giambattista Valli gown with tiered tulle detailing and plenty of sequins. Later in the evening, she changed into a bright red Miu Miu design, also heavily sequined, and accessorized with a Hollywood-inspired throwback hairstyle and some chic Bulgari jewelry.
Rebel Wilson opened up about what inspired her look, how her relationship with fashion and body image has changed over the years, and what exactly made her He has magical moments on the red carpet.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR OUTFIT THIS EVENING?
“I’ve always been inspired by old Hollywood glamour. Veronica Lake is someone I reference all the time. I know I perform a lot of modern comedy but design wise my taste is very classic and elegant.”
HOW INVOLVED ARE YOU IN THE STYLING PROCESS?
“I like to collaborate with my stylist Elizabeth Stewart, who brought me a great selection of gowns for the BAFTAs. It was hard to just choose one. Elizabeth has amazing taste and connections with all the top designers. We have fittings – for my Miu Miu dress, we had four fittings to discuss alterations and accessories – but I always trust Elizabeth’s instincts.”
HOW HAS YOUR STYLE EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
“Growing up I wasn’t really into fashion. I would wear anything that was easy and comfortable but now I love shopping and how clothes make me feel. So my style has definitely evolved over the years, from sweats to chic and sophisticated looks. I guess as I’ve grown up, so has my fashion taste. I was also plus size for most of my adult life and even though the fashion industry is growing to embrace plus sizes, it wasn’t always like that.”
HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR STYLE, BODY, APPEARANCE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
“In the past I’ve used my physicality in my comedy work. It’s what you do as a comedian or actress. So in a sense, I used my size, but I’ve never traded on my looks. I’ve only ever got work as an actress because of my brain and unique personality.
“I think beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, so I’m as confident at a size 18 as I am at a size 8 – I’m now a healthier version of myself, which makes me feel happier”.
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROJECT YOU’RE WORKING ON IMPACT THE OUTFIT YOU CHOOSE?
“The projects I am working on greatly impacts the choice in my looks. For the BAFTAs, it was really important to me to look glamourous. I also wanted to wear something that was eye-catching on stage. The Royal Albert Hall is a huge venue and as the host of the show, you want to stand out. When consulting with Elizabeth we always look at the venue or carpet colours, consider the tone of the event, look at what people have worn previously as reference, stuff like that.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE RED CARPET MOMENT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS?
“Today’s BAFTAs was pretty incredible. Wearing custom Giambatista Valli, custom Jimmy Choo booties and gorgeous jewels from Bulgari – it was extremely classy. I had to pinch myself a bit. We also got ready in only about 45 minutes because of running late from rehearsals which was insane. Normally it is two hours. My glam team of Karin and Mikey really pulled it out today.”
WHOSE STYLE HAVE YOU ALWAYS ADMIRED AND WHY?
“Cate Blanchett. She’s an absolute icon and like me she comes from a theatre background. I find her style very classic and sophisticated and elegant.”
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH BRANDS TO WORK WITH?
“I love partnering with brands. One of the first was Givenchy and I got to go to their headquarters in Paris and attend their runway show and basically have the best time ever in Paris a girl could have. I’d owned a Givenchy handbag and loved it, so that led to that.
“Usually for red carpets, my stylist Elizabeth consults with the designers and then we see what options come in and decide what’s appropriate. Sometimes we support local brands, like in the Fiji commercial we shot last December we wore exclusively local Fiji designers. Sometimes it’s just simply what brands want to work with me and create something custom and special. Working with Bulgari was amazing for the BAFTAs as they were the official jewellery sponsors.”
WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT ‘GETTING READY’ SET-UP?
“Spa music playing in the background so I can relax, and a robe on. I try and drink at least a bottle of water too while I’m sitting in the chair so I stay hydrated.”
FASHION HAS A REPUTATION FOR BEING FRIVOLOUS, BUT WHY DOES WHAT WE WEAR MATTER?
“I used to be one of those people who thought fashion was frivolous but then, when I learnt more about it, I started to understand the incredible artistry that goes into designing and making clothes – and it really can be exquisite, you admire the creators. Fashion is a creative outlet, and all creativity should be encouraged.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter to me what anyone wears. It matters that you’re a good person. But I do appreciate when someone rocks up wearing a fabulous, well thought-out outfit and stuns – it’s impressive.”
