Last night saw the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards return to Claridge’s once again where we celebrated inspirational women from across the worlds of film, television, art, culture, literature and sport. This included England and Arsenal football star Alessia Russo, who pulled out all the stops when it came to her red-carpet look, embracing effortless elegance in a black ballgown and lots of jewels.
“I wanted to achieve an elevated, chic and timeless look for Alessia,” her stylist Crystalle Cox told us. “As the Harper’s Bazaar Sportsperson of the Year, this is such a monumental milestone for Alessia and it felt right to choose a dress that would make her feel comfortable and confident, but one that she would look back on with pride.”
The choice was a black textured couture ballgown by designer Peet Dullaert, which featured a high neckline and a train. The couture designer specialises in modern cuts, and was the perfect partner for this occasion. “I have been following Peet Dullaert for a while; the designer has previously dressed Rihanna and Kendall Jenner, so I was delighted with the team’s support and partnership on this.”
When it came to accessorising, Cox turned to Harry Winston – the brand sponsoring the event – whose white gold diamonds lent even more elegance to Russo’s look.
“I opted for the iconic teardrop earrings which added such a beautiful, distinct but not overbearing touch to the couture gown she wore,” she says. “Alessia also wore the matching teardrop bracelet and matching ring. The neckline of the dress isn’t one to work with a necklace, but it was incredible to see the necklace in person whilst we were dressing.”
While she might be best known for her day job as a football player, Russo is certainly making a name for herself when it comes to fashion – and it’s a part of her job that she’s clearly enjoying, Cox explains.
“Alessia loves fashion so it was really fun to try on a variety of gowns from an array of luxury designers, whilst playing with all of the accessories. She described the shoe selection as her ‘ideal shoe wardrobe’ – from Prada to Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Malone Souliers, you name it – we had a play around with it.”
See more fashion from the Bazaar Awards red carpet here.
