Erin Doherty at the BAFTA Television Awards 2026
At the BAFTA Television Awards in London on May 10, 2026, Erin Doherty arrived in a custom black gown by 16Arlington that relied on shape and construction rather than embellishment to create impact.
The most notable feature is the altered waistline. Instead of cinching at the natural waist, the dress drops lower across the torso before expanding into the skirt. That shift changes the proportions of the entire silhouette, elongating the upper body and creating a more dramatic transition into the gathered volume below.
The strapless neckline is equally considered. Rather than forming a straight horizontal line, it curves gently upward around the bust with a subtle central dip that softens the structure. It gives the bodice a sculptural quality without feeling overly rigid.
Below the lowered waist, the gown takes on a completely different character. Heavy folds of fabric gather through the hips before falling into long, fluid panels toward the floor. The draping introduces movement and depth, creating a contrast with the cleaner, more controlled upper half. The result is a silhouette that feels architectural at the top and softer through the skirt.
The all-black palette allows the construction to remain the focus. Without competing colors, prints, or embellishments, attention naturally shifts to the shape of the gown and the way the fabric is manipulated across the body.
Doherty's styling followed the same restrained approach. Her hair was pulled back neatly, keeping the neckline unobstructed, while Cartier white gold and diamond earrings and a matching ring provided subtle points of light without distracting from the dress itself.
At the BAFTA Television Awards, Erin Doherty's custom 16Arlington gown stood out through proportion and draping. The lowered waistline, in particular, transformed what could have been a straightforward black strapless dress into a more distinctive and sculptural red carpet moment.