When Morfydd Clark was younger, her grandmother, Valmai, would drape herself in a cape fashioned from a traditional Welsh blanket, often pairing it with Hawaiian shirts. 'She really marched the beat of her own drum, which I think is the best thing about fashion,' the actor told ELLE UK ahead of the 77th BAFTA Film Awards.
Taking a leaf or two from her relative's book, Clark chose a fiery-red dress, custom created for the The Rings Of Power star by Emilia Wickstead, to walk the BAFTA 2024 red carpet.
Having sat front row at the brand's AW24 show earlier that day during London Fashion Week (in a sleek, apple green gown) Clark told us how it feels like to wear one of the Kiwi designer's immaculate designs. 'There's something very poised about her clothes that make me feel very graceful, which is not something I'm necessarily naturally blessed with.'
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
Working with stylist Nicky Yates (who works with the likes of Phoebe Dynevor, Naomi Ackie and Daisy Edgar-Jones) no doubt helps this elegant transformation, too (though, we're not convinced of Clark's lack of grace in the first place) and has been a blessing to Clark as she's navigated the world of red carpet dressing post The Rings Of Power's success. 'Nicky's wonderful because she's an amazing stylist and just a lovely person. She has amazing relationships with so many different fashion houses, so I feel really lucky that I'm working with her,' she said.
Similarly, Clark's beloved glam team, Harry Payne and Lucy Patchett, have had a guiding hand in elevating the Swedish-Welsh actor into the refined yet sultry star we saw in front of the cameras last night. Usually more of an SPF-only person, Clark particularly enjoys seeing herself changed in this way. 'I've been told that I have a moth face, which is a face that can, for whatever reason, be very transformed by make-up,' she said. 'So it's always very exciting to see all of it come together, and not recognise myself in the mirror by the end.'
Away from the flare of flashing bulbs and custom-made gowns, Clark opts for shopping from vintage sellers which she's loathe to share the name of in print (something any keen vintage shopper can empathise with), as well as small brands like Susannah King and Penny Sage (the latter's Robin dress being a staple). More than buying, however, Clark is keen to slow down the churn of buy buy buy, and instead focus on outfits and styling tricks (like the oh, so fun red tight trend). 'I walk down the street and see the clothes that women are wearing and I'm just delighted: I love people wearing things that are happy-inducing. There's joy in the trends right now,' she admitted.
The 'trend' she's loving more than bright hosiery or bold scarlet red? Loving and caring for the clothes you already own. 'Gen Z have made me feel quite ashamed about the amount of buying that I used to do when I was younger because it was all very fast fashion,' she said, adding, 'Now it's [very in vogue] to really care for your clothes and feel proud of looking after them and fixing them.'
We couldn't agree more.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
