How to dress for a special occasion – just ask Isabella Rossellini
Image: via Bulgari Instagram
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards for her role in papal drama Conclave; Isabella Rossellini showed up in a glorious, floral coat-dress made especially for her by Dolce & Gabbana and statement jewellery from Bulgari. While I was a bit underwhelmed by the movie itself (wonderful though the visual choreography is), its success brings us Rossellini on the red carpet. Where she demonstrates how to dress for a special occasion and still hang onto your style. Standing out from a sea of plunging necklines and staggeringly high heels, Rossellini looks relaxed, happy and radiant. She looks like herself.
I rarely pay attention to the Daily Fail but a little bird (my assistant, Helen) tells me that the tabloid called the look ‘outlandish’, and placed Our Isabella on their worst-dressed list. Heathens. But, hardly surprising from a publication that doesn’t know its Max Mara from its elbow.
For me, Rossellini elegantly rules the red carpet in gentle-womanly pinstripes, a classic monochrome tuxedo or show-stopping opera coat. She is proof that dressing to please yourself is an approach we can all benefit from. And, it is so important for younger women (for all women) to have inspiring role models who defy the pressure to conform to society’s sexist expectations. We’re here to celebrate superb talent and sartorial sense. Grazie, Isabella!
Photo courtesy of BAFTA on Facebook. ( I think the pinstriped suit might be Dolce & Gabbana, too).
Whatever the occasion, we are inspired by Isabella Rossellini:
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Conclave won four BAFTAs: best film, outstanding British film, adapted screenplay and editing.
Discussion (31 Comments)
Wholeheartedly agree! And she perfectly proves the adage, “Your best accessory is your smile.” She truly looks happy to be there, wherever she is.
Christine March says:
Intrigued by her performance in Conclave (which we watched recently and loved) I’ve recently done a deep dive into Isabella and her accomplishments. She is my new hero. A uniquely interesting woman who is living life on her own terms. I adore her.
Raphael Manfredonia says:
La Donna Isabella once again shines her talented artistic personality. I am blessed to know her.
Rach with an E says:
She looked.amazing and very much herself. Might be inspired to get some vintage inspired floral fabric and make myself a kaftan type dress to waft about in this summer….
Nicola says:
Remembering her being too old at 43 to model for Lancôme but rehired as their CEO at 63. Even the ring matches her BAFTA outfit! The Guardian said accompanying a photo “ Conclave co-stars Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini do the red carpet together – Rossellini’s floor-length flowers are a rare bit of print on the red carpet, and it’s much the better for it”.
JACKIE SUMERFIELD says:
I think Isabella stands out because she dresses to please herself. The majority of the ‘stars’ looked very much the same, similar outlandish dresses and footwear and make up including the hair. Not an individual look among them. All their attention was focussed on ME and do I look good? whereas Isabella looked comfortable and if she was enjoying herself.
Philippa Thomson says:
She always looks classy, stylish and relaxed. I admire her for many reasons.
Carol Markel says:
Isabella is the coolest! Did you know you can book a cottage on her farm, Mama Farm, where she raises sheep and pigs? It’s in Bellport, Long Island.
Mrs Tonia says:
I agree with your praise of her choice of evening outfit. She’s about my age. She chose to cover up and wear a stylish floral dress rather than the plunging necklines of the starlets. She certainly knows her style. Choice of Italian designers for an Italian also a good call. I’m going to the big D & G exhibition area the Grand Palais in Paris next month so will be interested to see their exuberant outfits on display.
Anne Healion says:
Like her wonderful mother, Ingrid Bergman, Isabella is her own woman. She’s eternally beautiful and stylish. Comfortable in her own skin. Brava.
Rita Angelina Huerta says:
Yes! Isabella is absolutely fearfully & wonderfully made for such a time as this ..
Psalm 139:14Anne says:
I too found the film visually stunning but overall underwhelming and was delighted to read your description of it. I also agree that Isabella looked appropriately gorgeous and elegant in her stunning cost dress. What an icon…
MaureenC says:
She is pure class. The Daily Hate got this about as right as they get everything else! Of the younger BAFTA nominees I thought Saoirse Ronan stood out for the elegant simplicity of her whole look and her dress which didn’t have a plunge neckline.
Sarah Cleverdon says:
I have admired her for a long time. It is useful to see someone of my age adapt to growing older without surgery as it is very difficult to find a role model that looks normal. It helps that she is a beautiful woman but her cheerfulness, talent, glamour and social conscience are an inspiration.
Beverlyw says:
The beautiful long sleeved floral dress – the page could not be found at Nordstrom. Who is the designer?
Hi Beverley – I’m not sure which dress you mean but if you screenshot it and send through to my info@ address, we should be able to identify it.
Debs C says:
She looked glowing and happy, unlike many of the others at the BAFTA event, many of whom looked cold, hungry and uncomfortable, as no way were they doing much more than posing in some of the outfits shown! Style and fashion are very different and Isabella Rossellini definitely has style.
Catherine says:
Never mind the outfits. Can we please talk about that necklace? Oh my, that necklace…
Rebbecca says:
I will click through to anything, literally anything, featuring Isabella Rossellini. Such an interesting woman. I have always found her to be so beautiful, in large part because of her intelligence, but of course because of her style and confidence as well. Have Conclave on my to-watch list, can’t wait to see her in it!
Angela Kennedy says:
I agree with every word. Along with her radiant smile , she added gravitas to the whole Bafta scenario. I love that she steers away from fads and fancies and dresses to please herself.
I disliked so many of the barely-there dresses , not elegant , just trying too hard to steal the show. Only exception was Saoirse Ronan who looked beautiful and seems to have appreciated that ‘less is more’, is not all about revealing (more ) ie everything .
I loved ‘Conclave’, and ISABELLA deserves awards galore for her calm assured performance. I note that she plans to take her son and daughter in law to the Oscar ceremony , I will cheer her on .
Love her !!!Linda Hind says:
A delightful and classy woman. I enjoy her Instagram which follows her life at her farm and beyond. She sold shawls and wraps made with wool from her sheep. She’s a peach!
I will click through to anything, literally anything, featuring Isabella Rossellini. Such an interesting woman. I have always found her to be so beautiful, in large part because of her intelligence, but of course because of her style and confidence as well. Have Conclave on my to-watch list, can’t wait to see her in it!
Anne 
Annie 
Liz 
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I don’t get overawed by many celebrities, but I think Isabella might be an exception. She is the coolest person ever. She’s only in Conclave for about 5 minutes, but you really remember her after the film. The world is a much brighter, more interesting place with her in it.