The Rising Star Brand Behind Hannah Waddingham’s Scene-Stealing Premiere Look
In an era where red carpet dressing has become increasingly predictable, Hannah Waddingham reminded us why thoughtful styling matters. The Emmy-winning actress delivered a masterclass in modern elegance at Sunday’s “Smurfs” premiere in Los Angeles, proving that blue carpet dressing doesn’t require literal interpretation—it demands innovation.
Waddingham’s approach was refreshingly unexpected. While her fellow attendees embraced the evening’s azure theme with varying degrees of subtlety, the “Ted Lasso” star chose a more nuanced path. Her Stella McCartney denim maxi dress served as the perfect canvas for what fashion insiders are calling one of the season’s most compelling carpet moments. The piece, with its strategic paneling and deliberately visible contrast stitching, spoke to McCartney’s ongoing dialogue between utilitarian design and luxury craftsmanship.
The dress’s architectural elements—a plunging V-neckline balanced by adjustable button-front detailing—created a silhouette that was both commanding and accessible. The lace-trimmed hem and neckline offered delicate counterpoints to the garment’s structured foundation, embodying the kind of lived-in elegance that has become McCartney’s signature. It was a choice that felt both effortless and intentional, the hallmark of truly sophisticated dressing.
But it was Waddingham’s footwear selection that elevated the look from notable to noteworthy. The actress chose Betzábe’s Eva Crystal slingback, a pointed-toe pump in pristine white patent leather that featured the brand’s characteristic attention to detail. The shoe’s 65mm heel provided the perfect height for carpet navigation, while crystal accents along the minimalist strap caught the light with every step. The glossy finish and sculptural silhouette brought a touch of glamour that felt both contemporary and timeless.
The choice to spotlight Betzábe represents more than mere aesthetic preference—it signals a growing awareness of fashion’s responsibility to amplify emerging voices. Founded by Guadalajara-born designer Betzábe González, the label has quietly been building momentum among Hollywood’s most discerning dressers. González’s vision extends beyond creating beautiful shoes; she’s committed to opening doors for Latin designers and maintaining ethical production standards through her all-women manufacturing team in Italy.
“I want that responsibility to be able to help young designers that are Latin as well, to help open doors for them,” González shared with Footwear News earlier this year. Her brand philosophy—”modern, feminine and with a touch of sporty glam”—reflects a new generation of designers who understand that luxury must have purpose.
Waddingham joins an impressive roster of Betzábe advocates, including Gabrielle Union and Elle Fanning, who have embraced the brand’s unique positioning between accessibility and aspiration. This growing celebrity support reflects a broader shift in Hollywood toward supporting independent designers who bring fresh perspectives to luxury fashion.
The premiere itself buzzed with sartorial energy as stars interpreted the blue theme with varying degrees of creativity. Waddingham, voicing the intergalactic evil wizard Jezebeth in the animated feature, shared the spotlight with costars Nick Offerman and John Goodman. The evening reached its crescendo with Rihanna’s arrival—the global superstar voices Smurfette and contributed the new song “Friend of Mine” to the soundtrack—accompanied by her two sons, RZA and Riot.
As the fashion world continues to evolve, moments like these remind us that true style transcends trends. Waddingham’s premiere look succeeded not because it followed rules, but because it broke them thoughtfully, creating a narrative that spoke to both personal style and cultural moment.
