76-Year-Old Vera Wang Reinvents Herself With Platinum Blonde Hair at BAFTAs
Vera Wang captivated the red carpet at the BAFTA Awards by unveiling a dramatic aesthetic transformation. Attending the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 22, the 76-year-old fashion icon surprised onlookers with a platinum blonde hairstyle featuring high-contrast dark roots.
This appearance was a significant shift from her look just twenty-four hours earlier, when she attended the nominees’ pre-party sporting her signature long, dark tresses. For the main event, Wang opted for a striking ensemble from her own luxury label that played with monochromatic themes.
Her outfit featured a floor-length white ruched gown, which she contrasted with voluminous, puffed black sleeves. Completing the look with her trademark black cat-eye sunglasses, the designer proved once again why she remains a pivotal figure in the world of high fashion.
Vera Wang Puts A Surreal Twist on the Opera Glove Trend at the 2026 BAFTAs https://t.co/i0dack3Y8r
— WWD (@wwd) February 23, 2026
At the preceding nominees’ gala on February 21, she leaned into a more avant-garde silhouette, wearing a daring black bandeau top paired with a fitted skirt. Her accessories for the evening included a substantial fur wrap, black leather gloves that reached her elbows, and an oversized black hat.
This series of appearances continues Wang’s tradition of utilizing the BAFTAs as a personal runway for innovative style choices. The renowned designer is well-known for her willingness to experiment with her image during major awards seasons.
At the 2025 ceremony, she showcased a blunt brunette lob that hit just above her shoulders, paired with an architectural black-and-white color-block skirt. Reflecting on the excitement of the event at the time, she noted that it was the big day and sent her well wishes to the talented nominees through her social media channels.
Even when the weather proves challenging, Wang refuses to sacrifice style for comfort. During a previous London outing where temperatures dropped significantly, she famously donned a heavy leather jacket over her evening wear.
She joked with her followers that when it is so cold, outerwear is a requirement, opting for what she described as a heavy leather moment to combat the chill while maintaining her chic reputation. Approaching her recent milestone birthdays has given the designer a new perspective on her career and longevity.
Before turning 75, she admitted that reaching such a significant age felt like a lot of pressure, though she remained determined to stay active in the industry. She compared her work ethic to figures like Warren Buffett or Queen Elizabeth, stating her intention to keep moving forward.
Wang has remained vocal about the importance of celebrating life at every stage, despite some friends feeling hesitant about marking older ages. She believes that acknowledging birthdays is not about the number of years, but about the privilege of being here and living.
She has emphasized that you have to celebrate every year that you’re alive, a philosophy she put into practice with a glamorous celebration in Paris last summer. Beyond her red-carpet appearances, Vera Wang has been busy expanding her lifestyle empire into new digital and sustainable territories.
In late 2025, she launched a high-end sustainable bridal line that utilizes recycled fabrics, which has already become a favorite for eco-conscious celebrities. She is also currently collaborating on a limited-edition home decor collection with a major European retailer.
Outside of the fashion world, the designer has recently been involved in philanthropic efforts supporting the arts in New York City. She continues to be a mentor for emerging designers through various scholarship funds and has hinted at a forthcoming memoir that will detail her journey from competitive figure skater to global fashion mogul.
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