When you get invited to the Oscars, it’s sensible to approach it as a once-in-a-lifetime kind of opportunity to be at Hollywood’s biggest annual showbiz event.

But with a show ticket secured and lots of planning to do as a film journalist ahead of time, the other part of my brain was aware of another important question – on the most scrutinised red carpet in the world, what was I going to aware?

Compared to an actress or filmmaker, I live a very different life with far more limited means, no designer endorsement deal and no floor-length gowns in my wardrobe ready to wear at a moment’s notice.

 Slightly overwhelmed at where to even start in finding a dress that was Academy Awards-worthy, I decided to call on the help of a celebrity stylist to get a taste at how the other half lives – and prepares – for a moment like this.

Scott Da Silva-Wells is a freelance stylist, designer and editor who began his career on a summer placement with James Yardley, who currently styles Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie.

He is well established on the UK circuit having served as a fashion assistant and an in-house stylist for some of the biggest women’s titles including OK! and Heat, working with TV stars including Vicky Pattinson and Craig Revel Horwood, before breaking out on his own.

Scott has also created bespoke looks for Love Island star Faye Winter for the National Television Awards and, most recently, Fleur East for this year’s Brit Awards – and now he has me, a pressed-for-time film journalist, more comfortable interviewing on the media line at these sorts of events than walking the red carpet myself.

We begin the process with a phone call, where we discuss my individual style and anything I’d like to avoid (neon colours, anything too thick for the California heat). I’ve also sent him over a couple of pictures of actresses whose style I like and red-carpet looks I’ve admired; Margot Robbie’s custom red Chanel dress from Wuthering Heights’ Paris premiere is one reference.

A day later Scott emails me with a virtual mood board comprised of dresses in the mix for my feedback – I rule out one, highlight my favourites and then he gets busy sourcing gowns for a fitting, which I attend the next week.

Not only is there a rack of dresses to try on (and one arrives while I’m there) but, as Scott is curating a look, he has shoes, bags and – heaps of – accessories laid out, and so we begin the process of trying things on.

As someone who wouldn’t normally take long to pull together an outfit, we discuss society’s judgement of women – and men – who spend hours curating their appearance.

‘Nowadays, you can come across arrogant or egotistical if you seem to be putting in that much time and effort,’ says Scott, but he’s unbothered by it.

‘The world is so dark at the moment, if that adds some light you should absolutely do it. Because, not to sound morbid, but we’re not here for long. You’ve got to live your best life, even if that means strutting down the street in a full sequin outfit! Why not?’

As a stylist, Scott is driven by the importance of collaboration with his clients rather than imposing his own taste.

‘I want you to feel like you and look your best self. And that’s what needs to come across when you’re working with someone; I don’t want to take someone’s style and put them in something that clearly isn’t theirs because confidence is key,’ he tells me.

It’s simple and it’s something I start to understand throughout the session: ‘If you feel confident in a look, everyone will know about it. If you don’t feel confident in a look, everyone will know about it.’

Scott’s mission is to elevate his client’s look in their own style but ‘sprinkle some magic dust’. However, he does allow a little wiggle room by presenting outfits at an ‘easy, medium and hard’ level.

‘Easy is what they’re happy with, we know it’s safe. Medium is pushing it a little bit, and then hard is throwing in a curve ball that they normally wouldn’t wear just to see their reaction.’

By the end of our appointment, we have narrowed it down to two dresses, with shoes, bag and jewellery picked out. They are quite contrasting in looks but both channel the classic Hollywood style I’ve always admired – and seems particularly fitting for the Oscars. After all, when in Rome…

I decide to leave it to fate to decide the dress as I need a different size (one of Scott’s main struggles with sourcing women’s fashion is the sizing inconsistencies). We’ll be meeting again two days later in Dress 2 Party’s London boutique.

As a stylist, Scott works with brands directly, describing the sorts of looks clients are after or even sending them links to dresses he’s found that could be perfect. He then loans them free of charge with the agreement that the outfit will be showcased and tagged by the celebrity, giving the brand exposure publicity.

Celebrity Stylist Q&A: Scott Da Silva-Wells

Favourite brands to work with for red carpet outfits?

Dress 2 Party is a brand I recently came across; their craftsmanship, fabrics and details are beautiful and are always super flattering and tasteful. Another brand for special occasions is Karen Millen, as well as Monsoon, Phase Eight and Asos’s recently launched premium label Arrange. And of course there’s rental services like HURR, My Wardrobe HQ and By Rotation, which provide designer outfits for a fraction of the retail cost.

For shoes, Sole Bliss is a brilliant brand loved by celebrities, including Dame Helen Mirren. Steve Madden is always a go-to for sparkling statement moments or classic styles too.

Dream celebrities to dress?

Rihanna, Cynthia Erivo, Kerry Washington, Teyana Taylor, Margot Robbie, Olivia Dean, Kate Hudson.

Most memorable red carpet fashion moments?

Ariana Grande at the Oscars in 2025, Lupita Nyong’o at the 2014 Oscars, Kate Middleton at the No Time to Die premiere in 2021 and Rihanna’s white outfit at Cannes in 2017 – basically anything of Rihanna’s!

Piece of advice you give to all clients?

Get your clothes tailored.

Favourite trend?

You cannot go wrong with a pinstripe shirt and a good pair of wide leg trousers – it’s just easy. People also refer to me as the Co-Ord King. It sounds so magazine of me, but you get so much cost per wear because they can be worn together or separately and it’s like different outfits!

Trickiest trend?

Underwear as outerwear can be hard as you either have that iconic 90s red carpet look or you literally look like you just stepped out in your lingerie.

Ambition for the future?

To either dress or make something for someone for the Met Gala. One day, I would also love to have my own brand, but I see it sitting in more of a custom space than on the high street so I can stay hands-on.

After the event, the garments are returned to the brand, including other samples he may have sourced for a client to try. The only time anything might need to be bought outright is if it’s something very specific or can’t be loaned. Occasionally a deposit may be required, which will be released after the item is returned.

‘When it comes to pulling looks from brands, it’s mostly done on who you know,’ shares Scott. ‘That means a lot in this industry. There’s definitely still a weird hierarchy, people say like The Devil Wears Prada, and it needs to change.’

With my final fitting done – and a quick trip to the tailor for some temporary alterations – Scott furnishes me with a couple of back-up bracelet and earring options, plus safety pins and tape for any emergencies on the day.

My final hurdle is finding a bag that will fit the dress and serve as my hand luggage after the garment bag measures too large. While I hope there could be leeway on a flight to LAX two days before the Oscars, my airline’s strict rules in this case suggest it’s not worth trying to blag it… especially when flying economy.

Once Sunday dawns, and with my credentials picked up, it’s time to get ready and then take a short Uber ride to the cordoned-off street entrance to the Oscars, which is still about six blocks down on Hollywood Blvd from Ovation Hollywood and the Dolby Theatre.

Following a car search, ID check and digital pass scanning, we’ve been warned it could take around 30 minutes to walk the red carpet, between guests, media and everyone (understandably) wanting to get photos.

Both on the carpet and during the drinks reception, my dress is complimented several times and serves as a starting point to various conversations with a film producer and a soon-to-be Oscar winner.

But perhaps the highest compliment for Scott’s work is the car full of local LA girls who wind down their windows to yell excitedly about the dress to me as I wait to cross the road back to my hotel in the early hours the following morning.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: Charlotte Tilbury is offering 20% off plus a free Beauty Light Wand – here’s how to get it

MORE: How to watch the 10 best picture nominees from the 2026 Oscars in the UK

MORE: Oscar-winning documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin is available to stream for free in the UK

Comments


Add as preferred source

As the celebrities hit the red carpet for ahead of this year’s BRIT Awards ceremony, it seems some stars may have to sack their stylists.

Leading the charge of this year’s worst dressed celebrities on the carpet in Manchester are Tallia Storm and Fleur East.

Tallia, 27, showed off her incredible figure in a skin-tight plunging catsuit.

However, her cartoon inspired print failed to hit the mark for the biggest night in music in the UK. 

Following her was Strictly It Takes Two host Fleur East who stepped out in a brown satin co-ord with dramatic white collar and sleeve detailing.

Jade Thirlwall, who is nominated for Artist of the Year and Best Pop Act, also failed to impress with her outfit. 

Speaking on the carpet, Jade said her outfit inspiration was motivated by the fact she wanted ‘something practical’ for the evening but also wanted to ‘serve c***’.

Spanish singer Rosalia also delivered a fashion flop with her eye-catching gown.

The 33-year-old appeared to have a vicious fight with swans on her way to the awards with her feathered dress.

The strapless number also saw the hitmaker show off her toned midriff as she posed for snaps on the carpet.  

Capital Radio and This Morning host Sian was one of the first stars to hit the carpet, though the eager beaver appeared to miss the mark with her outfit.

The 39-year-old opted for an autumnal rust coloured mini dress which featured a strapless corset bodice and ruffled skirt. 

Adding inches to her frame with a pair of platform champagne coloured heels, Sian beamed as she accessorised with a chunky pearl necklace as she put on a leggy display.  

While eye-popping, the dress appeared too tight for Fleur in areas, which will make sitting down to watch the ceremony rather uncomfortable for the Sax singer.

Outdoing both ladies was RuPaul’s Drag Queen Marmalade, who commanded attention for all the wrong reasons with their metallic look.

Their extravagant silver tasseled dress featured a bizarre headpiece that consisted of sequined branches.

Former Love Island star and influencer Molly Marsh has also found herself on the worst dressed list for her look.

The 24-year-old stepped out in a sequined figure-hugging dress that featured cutouts, showing off her midriff for the cameras.

Molly’s dress featured nude-coloured mesh at the boost to keep it firmly in place and a hood on top of her slicked back hair. 

Elsewhere, former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts failed to impress with her catching blue dress for the night.

Posing for snaps, she showed off the number that featured slits and a sheer design on one side, while putting on a leggy display with a daring thigh-split.

The dress looked like it had been ripped to shreds on her way to the red carpet. 

Meanwhile, Kara Marni appeared to be missing the top half of her outfit, leaving little to the imagination with just a thin piece of fabric that was part of her hood hiding her modesty.

Roxy Horner and Toni Laites also failed to hit the mark with their ballerina-inspired gowns. Perhaps they thought they were off to a different event? 

Former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty posed in her sheer black gown that featured an over the top array of chains as a necklace. They will no doubt weigh the actress down as the night progresses.

Putting on a racy display, Ravyn Lenae quite literally left nothing to the imagination as she flashed her nipples on the carpet in her racy number that featured a long train. 

Gemma Atkinson appeared to be in the wrong era with her cropped white blouse that featured dramatic collars, which she paired with black tousers and yellow high heels

CMAT arrived to the prestigious awards in a colourful checkered dress that featured a long train and was buttoned from the front.

Another star suffering a fashion flop is Molly Rainford with her fiery red co-ord that she paired with black leather elbow high gloves. 

Rachel Chinouriri showed off her figure in a skimpy turquoise PVC dress, which is sure to get itchy as the night goes on… 

Musician Rhian Teasdale also drew looks on the carpet with her chaotic look, in which she showed off her apparent bloodied knees. Perhaps she fell on the way? Hopefully it’s fake blood. 

Lola Young stepped out in a bizarre outfit, appearing to where a piece of a roller shutter as the top half of her outfit. 

The 46th edition of the BRIT Awards launch at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena for the first time tonight.

Since removing gendered categories, such as Best Male and Best Female, the ceremony has faced backlash for the low number of female artists nominated, particularly in 2023 when the Artist Of The Year shortlist was entirely male. 

But 2026 will ring in the changes, with 70 percent of this year’s nominations being female or non-binary.

Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead the nominations with five each, closely followed by comeback queen Lily Allen, who has been recognised in three categories for her critically acclaimed fifth album, West End Girl.

The singer, 40, used the album to chronicle the collapse of her marriage to Stranger Things star David Harbour and his alleged infidelities while they were together.

She will go up against both Young and Dean for Artist Of The Year at the ceremony, while also competing for Album Of The Year and Pop Act.

Lola, 24, is also up for Breakthrough Artist and Alternative/Rock Act, but it is unknown if she will attend the ceremony.

Olivia, 26, became the first woman to claim the UK’s No 1 single and album in the same week since Adele in 2021, with her song Man I Need and album The Art Of Loving, both released in 2025. 

She has been nominated in five categories and will be performing at the Award ceremony.

‘To go from being a student of The BRIT School in the crowd to being a performer 10 years later is really crazy, and I’m so excited to see everyone in Manchester,’ the singer shared in January.

Elsewhere, British rapper Dave has been recognised in three categories: Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, and Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act.

The 27-year-old released his third studio album, The Boy Who Played The Harp, in 2025 and has since become the first British rap artist to debut three albums at number one in the UK’s official chart.

Raye has been recognised in just one category this year, after scooping a record-breaking six awards last year.

The singer, 28, scooped the first gong presented on the night, Song of the Year for her hit Escapism ft 070 Shake, shortly before also taking home the R&B Act gong and Best New Artist. 

She currently holds the record for the most BRIT Awards won at a single ceremony, a record which previously stood at four, jointly held by Blur in 1995, Adele in 2016, and Harry Styles in 2023. 

Raye has also been announced as the final act to perform at this year’s BRIT Awards.

The singer, whose real name is Rachel Keen, will take to the stage during the star-studded show. 

Speaking ahead of her performance, Raye said: ‘We are so grateful to the BRIT Awards for having us back on their stage. Me and the band are very excited. Lots of love, Raye.’ 

British icons Pulp have received their first nomination for Group of the Year since 1996.

Hollywood is also well represented in this year’s nominations, as Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters group HUNTR/X are nominated for International Song of the Year with Golden, and are shortlisted for International Group.

Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo has secured her first nomination with her rendition of Wicked’s Defying Gravity in contention for Song of the Year with Mastercard.

Other international stars up for awards include Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan.

The BRIT Awards have been held annually at London’s O2 Arena since 2011, but the Daily Mail revealed that the annual showpiece, regarded as the biggest night in British music, will be held in Manchester this year and is likely to move around the UK in different locations for the foreseeable future.

Comedian Jack Whitehall returns to present the ceremony for the sixth time, having previously hosted the event in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025.

He stepped away in 2022 when Mo Gilligan took over for two ceremonies, and Maya Jama, Roman Kemp, and Clara Amfo co-hosted the event together in 2024.

It will be his first time presenting in Manchester, and Whitehall, 38, credits the city as shaping his early comedy career after he studied at The University Of Manchester. 

The late Ozzy Osbourne will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The frontman of Black Sabbath, who passed away in July last year, will be celebrated for his inimitable impact and influence on music worldwide.

The awards will be closed out by an all-star rock tribute performance which will be led by Robbie Williams, who was asked to be a part of the show personally by Ozzy’s wife Sharon as a long-standing fan of the music, and friend of the Osbourne family.

Curated by Sharon herself, it will feature a special arrangement of No More Tears – the title track from Ozzy’s multi-million selling 1991 album of the same name.

The segment will boast a phenomenal line up of British and international musical talent, featuring musicians that played as part of Ozzy’s band over the years.

Robbie will be joined on stage by Ozzy’s lead guitarist Zakk Wylde as well as Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo and Tommy Clufetos.

As well as being one of the most influential music figureheads and rock icons of all time, Ozzy hosted The BRIT Awards in 2008 along with his family Sharon, Kelly and Jack.

Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: ‘Ozzy Osbourne has been a mighty force in modern music. 

‘Possessing an unmistakable voice and unique presence, he reshaped the sound and spirit of rock, inspiring generations of artists who followed.

‘This Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a remarkable legacy built on originality and enduring influence, that continues to connect with fans worldwide.’

Ozzy passed away aged 76 at his Buckinghamshire home on July 22 after suffering an ‘acute myocardial infarction’ and ‘out of hospital cardiac arrest’.

The 2026 event will be the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, who spearheaded the move to Manchester.

Past venues include Earl’s Court, the London Arena, Alexandra Palace, Hammersmith Apollo, the Dominion Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, the Grosvenor Hotel and its original location, Wembley Conference Centre.

But the move away from the capital signals another new era in the ceremony’s history, arguably the most seismic.

A source told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s officially the end of an era. The BRIT Awards has been hosted in London since the ceremony first took place in 1977 and now for the first time ever, it will be held outside of the capital.

‘Obviously, it’s going to come as sad news to artists and talent who are London-based but there’s a feeling within the music industry that these shows don’t always need to be held at the same venues, year after year.

‘The BRITs is the biggest night in the British music calendar and now it will be shared with a new audience, as fans from Manchester and the surrounding areas are more likely to attend.

‘In recent years, there has been a general appetite for the ceremony to move, as with the The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards and now for the first time the music scene won’t be as London-centric, both for the nominees and fans.’