Saoirse Ronan's BAFTAs Gown Is a Strikingly Simple, Sustainable Work of Art

There is no red carpet that Saoirse Ronan doesn’t like. So far this award season, the Irish actress has impressed us in a romantic Erdem ruffled gown at the Critics’ Choice Awards and dazzled us in a glittery, sexy Celine gown at the Golden Globes. And while we thought we had her style figured out, the star still managed to throw us a curveball when she stepped out on the 2020 BAFTAs red carpet in a strikingly simple, black-as-night custom Gucci gown, which was made of discarded satin.

Featuring a drop waist with thin spaghetti straps and a full ballgown skirt with pockets, the Gucci gown not only let the Little Women star and best actress nominee shine against the bright hue of the red carpet, it also complied with the BAFTAs’ wishes to hold a greener, more sustainable event. “We wanted to create a gown that didn’t waste any resources or people’s time,” Saoirse’s stylist Elizabeth Saltzman told British Vogue. “It’s the first time we’ve gone dead simple, but we’ve been geeking out about the intricate craftsmanship. I love that the most classic pieces are often the hardest to make – it feels good to celebrate this unique work.”

To finish her stunning ensemble, Saoirse accessorized with a chunky bracelet featuring two lion heads – one of Gucci’s beloved motifs – and a pair of delicate drop earrings featuring colorful gemstones to match her bold red lip. While it wasn’t the first time that the Italian fashion house dressed the star for a red carpet event – who could forget the dramatic, flame-patterned and sequin-embellished dress she wore to the 2019 Met Gala? – this simple black gown could very well be her most iconic Gucci look yet. Read on to get a closer look at this sustainable work of art.