Jade Thirlwall faces mixed reviews on BRIT Awards red carpet as others draw criticism
On the red carpet ahead of this year’s BRIT Awards in Manchester, jade thirlwall arrived as a nominee for Artist of the Year and Best Pop Act but attracted scrutiny for her outfit choice; the arrivals also produced a string of looks judged poorly, from Tallia Storm to Fleur East and Rosalia. The contrast between last year’s celebrated look and this year’s reception has renewed discussion about Thirlwall’s fashion choices at a high‑profile moment in her solo career.
Manchester arrivals: Tallia Storm, Fleur East and other worst-dressed moments
As celebrities posed on the carpet in Manchester, Tallia Storm, 27, was singled out for a skin‑tight plunging catsuit with a cartoon‑inspired print that commentators said failed to hit the mark. Fleur East, who is a host on a primetime dance spin‑off, stepped out in a brown satin co‑ord with dramatic white collar and sleeve detailing; observers also noted that Fleur’s dress appeared too tight in areas and could make sitting down uncomfortable. Spanish singer Rosalia, 33, wore a strapless feathered gown that exposed a toned midriff and prompted comparisons to a tussle with swans. RuPaul’s Drag Queen Marmalade drew attention in a metallic silver tasseled dress topped by a headpiece of sequined branches. Former Love Island star and influencer Molly Marsh was also named among the worst dressed, and one of the earliest arrivals, Sian Welby, 39, wore a rust‑coloured mini dress with a strapless corset bodice, ruffled skirt, platform champagne‑coloured heels and a chunky pearl necklace while putting on a leggy display.
Jade Thirlwall’s nominations and on‑carpet comment
Jade Thirlwall attended the ceremony as a nominee in two categories, Artist of the Year and Best Pop Act, and spoke on the carpet about her intentions for the outfit. She said her inspiration was to choose "something practical" for the evening while also wanting to "serve c***, " a remark delivered on the carpet as part of her explanation for the look. Despite the nomination and the explanation, reaction to her outfit was mixed.
Custom Off‑White look: IB Kamara and the one‑month turnaround
For this year’s appearance Thirlwall wore a custom Off‑White look designed by IB Kamara and his team. The finished outfit was described as multi‑layered — a catsuit, skirt and a bomber jacket with boots and a matching bag in the same print — and was inspired by pieces from an upcoming Off‑White fashion show that she had seen. The designers worked on a quick turnaround, creating the ensemble in just a month, exchanging ideas by email until they landed on a modern take on a red‑carpet gown.
Last year’s BRITs: a solo debut and a talked‑about dress
Last year’s BRIT Awards marked jade thirlwall’s first performance as a solo artist, and she chose a frothy Regency‑inspired baby‑blue denim dress by Glen Martens for Diesel for that occasion. That look echoed imagery from her "Angel of my Dreams" music video and was widely discussed, placing her on many best‑dressed lists — a sharp contrast with some reactions to this year’s red‑carpet fashion.
How fashion fits into her solo era: stylists and influences
Thirlwall has framed fashion as a tool for confidence and performance. She works with stylists Zach and Jamie and says loud, brave choices help her adopt a pop‑star persona; she has said that if she wore something "really safe and 'normal'" she would feel more nervous. Her influences include Diana Ross, 2000s boundary‑pushing figures such as Dennis Rodman, Gwen Stefani’s solo era, and musical theatre — elements she has drawn on for stage work like the That’s Showbiz Baby tour. She recalled being invited to an Off‑White show and feeling nervous because the fashion world can feel cliquey, but she found people welcoming; she and IB Kamara have collaborated again with mutual support and belief in each other’s work.
