Backless Gucci, Marilyn Monroe vibes: Alia Bhatt steals the BAFTAs red carpet

Alia Bhatt admitted something very relatable before stepping onto one of the biggest red carpets of her career. “Jet lag is way more serious in your 30s,” she joked during a Zoom chat with British Vogue just hours before her BAFTAs debut. She had just landed in London after a long flight from Mumbai and was getting ready to present the award for Best Film Not in the English Language.

But honestly, you wouldn’t have guessed she’d travelled halfway across the world. When Alia arrived at the Royal Festival Hall, she looked completely fresh - calm, glowing, and very much in her movie-star era.

For her first BAFTAs appearance, she didn’t go loud or experimental. Instead, she leaned into classic glamour. Wearing a custom Gucci gown, Alia channelled old Hollywood energy, with a clear nod to Marilyn Monroe. The vibe? Vintage cinema, soft drama, and effortless elegance.

The inspiration came from an old photograph of Marilyn Monroe wrapped in a fluffy white stole over a shimmering dress. And London’s cold February weather helped shape the look too. The gown was backless, which meant warmth became part of the styling conversation. So Gucci created a cosy shearling wrap that felt equal parts practical and glamorous - fashion meeting common sense.

The dress itself was quietly stunning. A halter-neck silhouette made from sheer tulle, layered with silver sequins and tiny microbeads, it shimmered gently under the lights instead of screaming for attention. Nothing excessive. Just that soft, cinematic glow that works beautifully on a red carpet.

Alia said she wanted balance. Since she was attending as a presenter and not a nominee, the goal was to bring glamour without looking overdone. The gown was surprisingly light, she shared, which meant she could actually enjoy the evening instead of worrying about managing a heavy outfit every step of the way.

Being Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador also made the moment feel personal. Alia has started taking a more active role in shaping her red-carpet looks, working closely with designers instead of simply wearing what’s sent her way. And you can tell. The outfit felt collaborative - like an idea built together rather than just another celebrity styling moment.

Her fashion influences say a lot about where her style is headed. She admires Brigitte Bardot’s hair, Monica Bellucci’s effortless sensuality, and Rekha’s timeless beauty. Somehow, she blends all three worlds, European cinema glamour with unmistakable Indian grace - into something that feels very her.

Even though this was her BAFTAs debut, Alia isn’t new to big fashion nights. Since her breakthrough in Student of the Year in 2012, she’s slowly built a reputation as one of Bollywood’s most dependable red-carpet dressers. She rarely goes over the top. Her looks usually feel polished, relaxed, and thoughtfully put together.

And here’s the sweetest part - her favourite moment comes after the cameras are gone. Alia shared that she always takes her entire team out for dinner once an event ends. No pressure, no posing. Just food, laughter, and unwinding together.

Because for her, looking good isn’t only about couture or jewellery. It’s about feeling happy, comfortable, and surrounded by the right people. And maybe that’s the real secret behind why she always looks so effortless on the red carpet.