Ahead of her appearance on the red carpet for the closing of the SXSW festival in London, Zawe Ashton has a very special announcement to make, shared exclusively with Vogue: she and her husband Tom Hiddleston are expecting their second child.
Given the momentous nature of the news, choosing the right look for the occasion was paramount. To reveal her growing baby bump, the glowing British actor will take to the red carpet in a resplendent, sleeveless sky-blue silk crepe gown with tumbling frill details, worn beneath a svelte, puddling cape in matching fabric.
Designed by Emilia Wickstead, the look’s poignancy derives not only from the significance of the occasion, but also from the fact that Ashton and the designer are longstanding collaborators and friends. “We met years ago at the British Fashion Awards when she dressed me and we attended together,” Ashton reminisces. “We had the most fabulous night and instantly felt like kindred spirits. We aligned so much on fashion and womanhood, and I’ve always loved her designs. They embody a seamless blend of classic and contemporary, and she’s also just an incredible craftsperson. You feel the level of detail that goes into every piece when you wear them.”
“Dressing Zawe is always a joy, but this moment feels especially meaningful and full circle,” Wickstead says. “Zawe wore a soft pink gown from us during her last pregnancy—quietly glowing, with a little secret only she knew. Now, to celebrate her second in this beautiful blue from our pre-fall collection, and to share it with the world, feels like a sweet continuation of that story. I’m so honored to be part of it. Zawe is also such a vibrant, clever and special friend and muse of the brand—she’s been wearing Emilia Wickstead for years, and I love being part of her journey.”
“I feel really lucky to be working with someone that I know and who’s been such a champion of me at this sensitive red-carpet dressing moment,” Zawe shares, noting that Wickstead’s team has thoughtfully customised the look for the special moment. “I feel like I’ll be very held on an evening where, as an expectant mother, you can feel a little bit exposed,” she says. Despite this, Ashton eagerly awaits the opportunity to proudly share her news with the world. “I think that every time you step onto a red carpet, there’s a really unique opportunity to express your authentic self, your individuality, your creativity, and celebrate where you are at in that moment,” she adds. “I’m really grateful to Emilia and her team, and can’t wait to reveal this look!”
Below, Ashton offers Vogue a look into her suite at The Dorchester, where she got ready ahead of the red carpet reveal.
