The BAFTAs are a curious event on the glittering awards calendar, capturing the best of Hollywood and British glamour, reality TV stars and royalty. Patron Prince William is sitting out this year, purportedly for fear of looking frivolous in the wake of the Ukraine war; a wise decision in light of the ill-advised comments he made last week.

That context was an important influence on this year’s red carpet, with the organisers reportedly telling guests to ‘dress respectfully’ - that translated to a sea of sombre black gowns and suits, and marks of solidarity with a Ukrainian flag pin worn by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Those classic black suits and gowns were nice and appropriate, but the red carpet stand-outs were those that embraced the power of image making and how the red carpet offers a place for simple showcase of beauty and joy. Herewith, Ensemble’s favourite looks.

Lady Gaga in Ralph Lauren Collection and Tiffany & Co. jewellery

The best actress nominee always makes the absolute most of a red carpet moment, and I love how she will always surprise and delight (camping it up in the spotlight is her natural habitat).

Her looks for her House of Gucci era have been all about old-school glamour with a Gaga twist, and this custom-made velvet and silk taffeta Ralph Lauren gown takes it full-throttle - form-fitting, textured velvet and silk taffeta teamed with her signature pleaser platform PVC heels.

She’s an AC-TOR darling, but hasn’t forgotten her pop star, downtown NYC roots. A round of applause for her Tiffany & Co. jewels that are befitting a star. – Zoe Walker Ahwa, Ensemble editor and Stuff style editor‍

Lashana Lynch in Prada and Tiffany & Co.

Disclaimer: I’ve never actually watched a James Bond film but after seeing winner of the ‘rising star’ award Lashana Lynch on the red carpet, I suddenly want to seek her out on the big screen.

I’m obsessed with this Prada dress, the Tiffany & Co. earrings and that incredible hair. The length of this dress is so good, and along with the collar and sash it has a ‘cool’ factor you don’t often see on the red carpet. She also looks effortless and comfortable which is a hard red carpet look to pull off. LOVE. – Rebecca Wadey, Ensemble co-founder‍

Simone Ashley in Valentino and Tiffany & Co.

Love this embrace of bold colour. The pink caped look with visible bra detail is by Valentino, and comes straight off the runway from the luxury brand’s shocking pink themed collection shown at Milan Fashion Week last week. It’s pants, it’s a jumpsuit, it’s a cape...? She pulls it off. - ZWA‍

Caitriona Balfe in Armani Privé

Somehow I’d never heard of Belfast star Caitriona Balfe until her stylist Karla Welch dressed her in an amazing Carolina Herrera dress for the season premiere of her TV series Outlander last month. This is the power of a good stylist in building a brand!

This look is equally striking with its plunging neckline yet demure shoulders and elegant skirt that keep it firmly in the ‘respectful’ zone. - RW‍

Sharon Duncan-Brewster in Ozwald Boateng

I love a good old-fashioned gown, but equally appreciate it when someone tries something new and unexpected on a red carpet. Interesting is way better than boring!

The perfection of this look worn by the Dune star is in the styling - the shirt unbuttoned, the hair, the matching metallic eyeshadow.

It’s by the British designer Ozwald Boateng who is known for his expert tailoring (he was also the first Black person at the helm of a Parisian house, as creative director of Givenchy between 2004 and 2007). – ZWA‍

Zawe Ashton in Emilia Wickstead

Voluminous yet elegant and in a bold colour, this dress by London-based Kiwi designer Emilia Wickstead ticks all my red carpet boxes.

I’ve loved Zawe since her excellent performance in the Jake Gyllenhaal art-wanker film Velvet Buzzsaw, and seeing her in a rare public appearance with partner Tom Hiddleston, I’m suddenly realising the scope for gossip - which makes this look even more alluring (yes I’m shallow). - RW‍

Wunmi Mosaku in Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs is an unexpected designer for a red carpet, with most celebrities opting for brands that do more ‘traditional’ gowns - and that have a bigger celebrity styling budget.

The New York-based designer tends to gravitate towards underground or at least unexpected celebrities, and approaches the red carpet in a slightly different way, embracing odd colours and silhouettes - like Greta Lee’s neon cut-out skivvy and wrap-around skirt at the SAG Awards. It’s hard to miss this voluminous bright yellow gown on Wunmi; textured, bold and lots of fun. – ZW