Nicola Coughlan On The 'Bridgerton' Premiere Dress That ‘Almost Never Was’

In the weeks leading up to the Bridgeton premiere, earlier this week, I’d been incredibly busy with phone calls, video interviews and press junkets across the world. Then, days before the big night, I tested positive for Covid-19. I'd avoided getting the virus for over two years, as a result of shielding from family and friends in order to film Bridgeton’s first season. When the first season came out on Netflix, we celebrated with a ‘Zoom only’ premiere. I’d be lying if I said the positive test result and learning I wouldn’t be able to attend the season two premiere wasn’t devastating.

As the night went on, the reality of missing the premiere slowly crept up on me. Claudia Jessie – who plays Eloise Bridgerton and is my main buddy on the show – was also missing the premiere due to filming in Australia, so we messaged each other constantly throughout the night. It was hard to shake the overwhelming feeling of disappointment that I couldn’t have the red carpet moment we’d all worked so passionately towards for months.

I watched the premiere via a live stream as I was determined to celebrate the work myself and my Bridgeton colleagues had poured into the second season. On the night I wore a dressing gown and a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase ‘Kiss Me I’m Irish and Vaccinated’.

As an optimist, rather than simply sitting on my laurels, I decided that when I tested negative it would only be right to have a self-shot photoshoot for the look I would’ve worn to the premiere.

When it comes to red carpet events, the set-up is a far cry away from my early press days for Derry Girls. Back then, styling was an afterthought – a last minute pull from my wardrobe and ‘go’. Now, I am proud to say that it’s a more collaborative process, and one that really speaks to the different talents of each member of my team - stylist Aimee Croysdill, Neil Young and Halley Brisker on glam, and the wonderful Michelle Class on nails - and my own ideas. Together, we create a look that makes me feel like a confident version of myself every single time.

I love how my stylist can add new shapes and fabrics to a look and elevate it to the next level. It’s the same with my glam team. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great make-up artists, but Neil is amazing in the way he plays with colour, shapes and chooses a focal point. For example, if we choose to go for a prominent eye, he’ll apply a more pared back approach to the lip.

After my fateful ‘FOMO’ evening, my team and I wanted to find a way to reclaim my missed premiere moment, and throw up a real 'f*ck you' to COVID. The dress I would've worn on the night is custom Miu Miu, which is a true honour for me. I have several Miu Miu pieces in my wardrobe, so for the brand to design a bespoke dress for me was dream come true territory. When we shot my look at the photoshoot, at which point I had finally recovered from Covid-19, there was a real energy in the room and a mutual understanding that we wanted to make the photos look epic.

When Pat McGrath, aka the queen of experimentation and the make-up artist to make-up artists, approached me to front her newest Bridgeton collection earlier this year, it was one of those instant ‘Yes’ moments. For my ‘premiere’ look, we used this Limited Edition Bridgeton Satin Allure Lipstick in the shade Négligée. Pat is known for achieving the perfect undertone and, as a person with quite pale skin, a nude that doesn’t wash you out is a game changer.

‘Intention’ became the word of the day of on photoshoot. It was important that every part of my outfit made sense. Often on red carpet’s you’ll see an amazing dress and hairstyle, and then there will be a diamond necklace thrown on that doesn’t quite ‘fit’. This is why Mejuri felt like the perfect choice for the photoshoot. I wore stacks of gold rings, a ‘B’ signet ring and little hoops with an ‘L’ and a ‘W’ in diamonds in honour of Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown.

The photoshoot served as a reminder that 'the show must go on'. In the film and TV industry, you have to constantly be thinking ahead. At the moment I’m filming with Sex Education actor Aimee Lou Wood for an upcoming film titled Seize Them! And now, Bridgerton fans will be watching the second season. The last thing I wanted was to my FOMO on the premiere to eclipse new memories.

I know people who've lost their lives to Covid. Not too long ago many of us weren’t able to see family, friends and loved ones. So when sad things happen, like I don’t get a role or I miss out on a premiere due to Covid, as long as it’s not earth-shattering, I let myself be sad for a while and then I look to the future and challenge myself to find ways to reclaim joy whenever I can. It’s a good rule for life.

Nicola wears custom Miu Miu dress, Miu Miu shoes, a custom Awon Golding headband, and jewellery by Mejuri.

With thanks to stylist Aimee Croysdill, hair stylist Halley Brisker, make-up artist Neil Young, manicurist Michelle Class, couturière Bernie, photographer Elliott Morgan and The Lanesborough Hotel.

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