Never one to shrink from spectacle, Simone Ashley turned a red carpet snub into a sartorial triumph—her Balmain look was part armor, part art, all attitude.
Simone Ashley may have been cut from F1: The Movie, but she arrived at the London premiere on June 23, 2025, with the poise of a woman who knew she’d already won. Wearing a sculptural gold gown from Balmain’s Fall 2025 collection, Ashley delivered a look that was less red carpet and more runway coup—a masterclass in cinematic defiance.
The dress, designed by Olivier Rousteing, featured a halter neckline, sharply contoured peplum waist, and 3D rectangular embellishments that shimmered like gilded crocodile scales. It was futuristic, yes—but also primal, like something a queen might wear to a coronation in a sci-fi epic. If there’s such a thing as a revenge dress in 2025, this was it.
Her accessories followed suit: gold Jimmy Choo Minny sandals, a Skydiamond Double Love 1.22ct double band solitaire ring, and a Skydiamond 0.25ct eternity band, all echoing the metallic motif without overwhelming it. A slim IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35mm watch added a whisper of precision to the otherwise feral glamour.
Hair was worn in soft, cascading waves—glossy, but not overly styled. Makeup leaned bronzed and dewy, with a subtle smoky eye and a nude lip that let the dress do the talking. The overall effect? Controlled drama. No theatrics, just presence.
And the cultural context? Let’s not ignore the subtext. Ashley’s role in the film was reportedly cut during final edits, but her appearance on the carpet—radiant, regal, and unbothered—spoke volumes. In an Instagram post the next day, she wrote: “I couldn’t have been prouder watching everyone shine… all while wearing my couture Balmain gown that made me feel just as radiant”.
So, was this a fashion moment or a quiet act of rebellion? Maybe both. Either way, Simone Ashley didn’t just attend the premiere—she reframed it.
Share what you think