Olivier Awards 2015: Black is back as stars stun in sombre gowns

The biggest stars of the stage and screen were out in full force on Sunday evening as they arrived at London’s Royal Opera House for the Olivier Awards. Black was certainly the colour of the night with the best dressed stars all opting for elegant and sophisticated choices.

Former Bond girl and theatre star Gemma Arterton turned heads on the red carpet in a daringly low-cut, black, floor-length dress. Nominated for best actress for her role as factory worker Rita O’Grady in West End show Made in Dagenham, Arterton looked every inch the winner in her DSquared2 column dress. The dress featured a plunging necklace and an intricate latticed back. Arterton stayed true to her style, working her famous feline flick, a nude lip and a sleek chignon, making her one of the best dressed of the night.

Another star to opt for black was Cats star Nicole Scherzinger, who stunned in a Galia Lahav strapless gown. The dress featured a heart-shaped bodice, a peplum waist and a fishtail skirt that highlighted her slender frame. Scherzinger added edginess to the black dress with a chunky gold belt and bright red lips.

Debuting her new stylish hair cut was singer and songwriter Pixie Lott. Lott, 24, wore a black, long-sleeved, floor-length, wrap dress by Issa. The gown featured a plunging neckline and a sexy thigh-high slit. The singer gave her look an added pop of colour with a bright pink clutch and pink, jewel-embellished platform sandals by Sophia Webster.

Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael was a far cry from her period drama character Lady Edith as she stunned in a strapless, black lace Vivienne Westwood dress. Straight from the Vivienne Westwood spring/summer 2015 collection, Carmichael accessorised the dress with a black Westwood clutch and Kurt Geiger heels. She kept her hair and make-up simple, with loose curls and a soft pink lip.

Breaking the trend of black dresses, American actress Dianna Agron wowed in a white floor-length Alexander McQueen dress. The high-collared dress featured an intricate pearl neckline and belt which cinched in her waist, flattering her petite frame.

Alexandra Davis