For the actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw, fashion has always been a joyful form of self-expression. We’re speaking while she’s getting ready to co-host the Serpentine Summer Party, but she’s fresh from attending another quintessentially British summer event, the opening of Erdem’s new exhibition, Imaginary Conversations, at Chatsworth House, for which she wore a delicate floral dress by the designer.
For the Serpentine, in contrast, she’s transformed from English rose to Gatsby girl, in a shimmering pink Prada gown with beautiful beading detail. “I love the way the sequins hang and how it moves and sounds when I walk,” she tells me. “The strong shoulders and beaded collar add a whimsical feeling. To me it has a very F. Scott Fitzgerald vibe, with a modern twist.”
Here, the actress talks us through her style secrets, including the the A-lister whose wardrobe she most admires, and the quote she lives by when it comes to fashion.
Please talk us through your look – what drew you to this particular outfit?
“I was drawn to the power and the fun of this Prada look; it feels so special. I had seen a photo, but literally gasped with delight when I first saw it gleaming on the hanger!”
How do you decide which brands you want to work with?
“I have been working with my stylist Leith Clark for some time and love the point of view and creativity she brings; it always feels like a journey. I always appreciate the balance of working with British designers and global brands that Leith brings and having that variety to be able to create a moment with total trust and a joyful spirit.”
Tell us about your involvement with the Serpentine Summer Party – how did that come about and what makes it such a special event?
“The summer party has long been known as a cultural highlight of the season, but I first came to the event a few years ago with Erdem Moraglioglu. It was such a buzzy atmosphere and I saw so many familiar faces from both London and the US. I love that it happens outside with an unstuffy garden-party feel, but of course with the exhibits and the Pavilion to explore. I’m especially excited to see Yinka Shonibare’s exhibition.
“I think it’s so important for art to be free for all and I fully support the fact that Serpentine makes the galleries accessible in that way. I grew up dipping in and out of London’s free galleries for peace and inspiration, and having these spaces keeps London a dynamic and culturally nourishing place to visit, no matter what your circumstances.”
How involved do you tend to be with the styling process?
“It’s always a conversation between me and my stylist depending on the event, the project and the season. I’ve been fortunate to work with very talented hair and make-up teams – like Bjorn Krischker and Kay Montano who are getting me ready tonight. Those long relationships help you to feel grounded and confident. And they put up with my music playlists!”
What kind of fashion makes you feel your most confident?
“I like to be comfortable; I need to be able to breathe and dance if the mood takes me. I like clothes that feel powerful and encourage me to take up space. I think it’s important not to take yourself too seriously – it’s what’s inside that counts.”
How has your style evolved over the years?
“I think my choices have become bolder and more playful. For fashion events, I’m less concerned about being the same and more excited about finding artistic expression through fashion. Since Covid I’ve definitely embraced fashion with more spirit as I appreciate what a privilege it is to dress up and be out. I can take things more lightly these days.”
What has been your most memorable fashion moment in recent years and why?
“I recently attended the opening of Erdem’s exhibition, Imaginary Conversations, at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, which is inspired by ‘Debo’, the Duchess of Devonshire. It was such a magical experience to gather in the grand entrance hall and be guided through the exhibition by Erdem himself. The dress I wore felt very fitting for that world, with the yellow roses and delicate fabric. There was something timeless about being in that environment with all the grandeur and celebrating the memory and personality of the duchess in her historic home.”
![gugu mbatha raw](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gugu-mbatha-raw-attends-a-special-event-celebrating-the-news-photo-1719416190.jpg?resize=980:* ""Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah" at Chatsworth, Sponsored by FARFETCH")
Whose style have you always admired and why?
“I love Cate Blanchett’s style. She brings such gravitas and elegance to the red carpet as well as a sense of substance. To me it goes beyond the clothes, but how she carries different dimensions and I look up to her as an actor and as a fellow UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador advocating for refugees.”
Fashion has a reputation for being frivolous, but why does what we wear matter?
“I recently attended Tavares Strachen’s breathtaking exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, A Light Somewhere. The title is taken from a James Baldwin quote, which is presented in neon lights in the gallery: ‘One discovers the light in darkness, that is what darkness is for; but everything in our lives depends on how we bear the light. It is necessary, while in darkness, to know that there is a light somewhere, to know that in oneself, waiting to be found, there is a light.’ I feel that art and fashion as an art-form represents that light, that levity and beacon that has a place in brightening our lives when we need it most.”
