Celebrity Style at the British Museum Ball 2026
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The British Museum's second annual ball took place on October 17 2026. The event has been described as the UK's version of the Met Gala and raises money for the museum. According to the museum, this year's proceeds will help overhaul its outdated energy infrastructure by phasing out fossil fuels and shifting to low-carbon energy sources. Celebrities were given a red dress code, inspired by the institution's autumn exhibitions on the United States' 250th anniversary, the exploration of 2,000 years of Korean creativity, and the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from France. Let's take a look at the celebrity attendees' sartorial choices.
The Most On-Theme
Gwendoline Christie
The Game of Thrones and Wednesday star embraced the Red theme in a strapless burgundy dress covered by a sheer, matching-coloured cape with structured silk shoulders and satin burgundy heels. To drive the point home, she clutched a bright red rose.
Maya Jama
Reality TV host Maya also embraced the theme in a burgundy corset gown with a layered, ruffled skirt and a coordinating Victorian-style beaded statement choker.
Cush Jumbo
The Good Wife actress went all out for the theme in a skin-tight, floor-length crimson latex dress with a sweetheart neckline and a mermaid skirt.
Wyclef Jean
The Fugees member welcomed the colourful theme in a knee-length tomato-red jacket and matching trousers. The jacket featured contrasting black peak lapels and straight jetted pockets trimmed in black. He completed his look with a black pleated dress shirt and a bow tie. His plus one also dressed in red, a deeper wine colour, in a gothic-style, corseted number and an elaborate headdress that perfectly complemented his Victorian style.
Natasha Lyonne
Russian Doll actress and writer Natasha chose a daring, sheer, vibrant scarlet dress with opaque satin panels, a train, and a high neck with an attached flowing scarf.
The Ones Who Tried
Mick Jagger
The Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger added a red satin pocket square to his skinny black jeans, busily patterned blue shirt, and white, single-breasted jacket as a nod to the theme.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter
The British superstar attended the event with his wife, Sophie. He chose a black, single-breasted, slim-fitting suit with satin shawl lapels and a burgundy Prada scarf, nodding to both the theme and the increasingly chilly weather. His wife, Sophie, wore a sleeveless, knee-length black dress adorned with woven scarlet ribbons tied in bows at the shoulders and hem.
Bill Nighy
The Pirates of the Caribbean and Shaun of the Dead actor chose a traditional slim-fitting black suit, white shirt, black bow tie, and navy evening coat for his red-carpet stroll. He added a red paisley fringed scarf as a tribute to the ball's theme.
A Special Mention
Rosanna Konarzewski
Host for the evening, Rosanna Konarzewski, wore an incredible corseted and beaded dress embroidered with scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry, which the museum received on loan in July.
What was your favourite look?
Did you like the celebrities who went all out on the red theme, or did you prefer the ones who just gave it a passing nod? What did you think of Rosanna Konarzewski's spectacular Bayeux Tapestry dress? Which outfit was your favourite?
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