Disney+ hosted the world premiere for the highly-anticipated second season of Rivals at London’s BFI IMAX on Tuesday, serving up a mix of sharp tailoring, old-school glamour, and a few styling choices I’m still trying to make peace with.
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Headmistress Chic
Hayley Atwell wore an Erdem Pre-Fall 2026 suit which felt decidedly formal for the occasion, but I’m fully on board with the strict tailoring and high-collared styling. Some might say she looks like a formidable 1940s boarding-school headmistress, and honestly, I see it. Between the elongated jacket, cropped wide-leg trousers, and pinstripe detailing, the look carries a stern elegance that feels refreshingly different from the usual premiere fare. I’m also a sucker for exceptional tailoring, so this landed well for me.
Styled by Jenny Kennedy.
Erdem Pre-Fall 2026
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Pink With A Problem
Nafessa Williams went in the complete opposite direction, wearing Khaled & Marwan and giving us a corseted pink gown complete with another version of those draped sarong-style skirts. The colour works well on her, but I’m still not sold overall.
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The Return Of Nensi Dojaka
Bella Maclean’s Nensi Dojaka Evie petal dress from the Spring 2025 collection hardly needs an introduction, as the petal bust detailing and cut-outs became one of the designer’s signatures almost overnight. There was a period when these dresses appeared so frequently on the red carpet that fatigue quickly set in, but enough time has passed for this look to feel fresh again, especially with the longer skirt.
Styled by Marc Forne.
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Bridal Meets Boho
Catriona Chandler wore a Halfpenny London corset paired with sheer side-slit Aladdin-style trousers. The corset element feels bridal-adjacent, while the trousers push the look into more theatrical territory. I can appreciate the attempt to do something less expected, but some might not be entirely convinced that the two ideas belong in the same outfit.
Styled by Grace Radhakrishnan.
Halfpenny London
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Eggplant Elegance
We’ve had rain and hailstones over the last two days in London, so you won’t hear me complaining about David Tennant reaching for velvet. The weather practically demanded it. Beyond seasonality, this look is excellent. The deep eggplant hue gives the double-breasted suit richness, the fit is razor sharp, and the velvet texture elevates the entire look. Then there’s the brooch with the amethyst stones, adding David’s usual twist.
Styled by Cheryl Konteh.
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Tucci Stays Tucci
Stanley Tucci stayed firmly within his comfort zone in a grey three-piece suit accented with a pink tie and matching pocket square. Predictable? Perhaps. But the man knows exactly what works for him, and there’s something reassuring about that consistency.
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Relaxed Tailoring
Alex Hassell approached the premiere with a much more relaxed attitude thanks to the black tank top. The proportions are good, and the looseness stops the look from feeling too formal.
The Hulu original series will roll out in two six-episode batches, beginning with a three-episode premiere on May 15, followed by the second batch later this year on Disney+ in the UK.
