MARIA BAKALOVA FASHION’S NEW MUSE

ALONG WITH Daisy Edgar-jones, Emma Corrin and Nicola Coughlan, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’s Maria Bakalova is one of the rising stars whose first major red carpet season has been (mostly) virtual. Still, that hasn’t stopped her celebrating her Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAS and Golden Globes in style.

For the Globes, Maria wore Giorgio Armani Privé haute couture. ‘I felt like a princess,’ she says. No wonder she turned to Armani Privé again for the BAFTAS, this time in an organza and tulle gown studded with crystals and sequins. ‘I fell in love with my BAFTA dress when I had my first fitting… it felt fresh and fun,’ she says.

Maria’s stylist, Jessica Paster, was equally smitten. ‘We wanted a romantic look and this exudes romance and beauty,’ she says. ‘We picked this masterpiece because it was the most gorgeous.’

Maria’s make-up artist, James Molloy, was inspired by the gown’s iridescent texture. ‘The look felt light and feminine but had a cool-girl edge with a flick of black eyeliner.’ James says their BAFTA preparation was a laid-back affair. ‘I always have a great time working with Maria, her bubbly personality is infectious. There’s always music, sometimes K-pop or her favourite Bulgarian artists.’ And if this has inspired you to go all-out on glamour, take note: ‘One of my best getting ready tips is to make sure you have a comfortable chair to relax in, find the best light and have drinks and nibbles to hand. It should feel fun!’