Billie Piper Toughens Up Emilia Wickstead’s Romance

Elsinore opened the 2026 BFI London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall this evening, and on a rain-soaked night in the capital, Billie Piper was among the cast taking to the red carpet.

Billie Piper wearing an Emilia Wickstead Fall 2026 floral gown with black leather gloves and boots at the ‘Elsinore’ premiere during the BFI London Film Festival. — Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

The British actress wore an Emilia Wickstead Fall 2026 painterly floral-print gown, which had a much more romantic feel on the runway with its strapless silhouette, sculpted draping and trailing train.

But I love how Billie completely changed the mood. The black leather opera gloves and ankle boots gave the gown the edge I associate with her style, while also being fairly sensible additions considering the weather.

Billie Piper makeup at the ‘Elsinore’ premiere during the BFI London Film Festival. — Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage

I have a feeling some took one look at the dramatic eye make-up and immediately said no, but with the gloves and boots already pulling the gown away from its romantic runway presentation, a softer beauty look wouldn’t have had the same impact.

This feels like Billie wearing the gown rather than allowing the gown to dictate the entire look, and that is precisely why I prefer her version.