Jade Thirlwall Reveals All About Her 'Bridgerton'-Style Diesel Dress At The Brit Awards
Ahead of the 2025 Brit Awards, Jade Thirlwall is reflective. 'It feels completely different on my own and like I’m starting again,' she tells ELLE UK before the ceremony, where she is nominated for both Song Of The Year and Best Pop Act. 'I feel deserving but I'm not sure I expected a nomination so early on in my solo career.'
The Little Mix-alum is no stranger to the biggest night in British music, having first attended the ceremony over a decade ago aged just 18. But now, aged 32, she is gearing up for her first solo performance there, which will see her take to the 02 stage to perform her debut top 10 single, 'Angel Of My Dreams'.
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'I know I wanted to push the boundaries and be experimental as a solo artist, which has been quite liberating as you’re a bit restricted in a group,' she says. But first, she'll hit the red carpet, wearing a baby blue Regency-esque gown designed by Glenn Martens for Diesel.
The dress, which looks like it could have been plucked from the set of Bridgerton, is complete with a tightly-corseted waist, dramatic ruching and a lengthy train. It's nothing short of a showstopper, mirroring both that aforementioned new age of liberation for Thirlwall, and her performance on the night.
'It was a one-of-a-kind look made specifically for the Diesel campaign shoot... It's been pulled from the archives especially as it matches the vibe of "Angel of my Dreams", which I’m performing,' Jade smiles.
'I told my lovely stylists [Zack Tate and Jamie McFarland] that I wanted something bridal, but still like me. It’s larger than life, exaggerated and theatrical. It feels made for me.' Having worked with Tate and McFarland for over a decade, styling is always a collaborative and enjoyable process for Thirlwall. 'They just get it and we have fun with it.'
Wearing a design by Martens 'perfectly' complements this new era of solo pop stardom for Thirlwall, who describes the creative director of Diesel (and as of last month, Maison Margiela, succeeding John Galliano) as someone who 'pushes the boundaries, and is unafraid to take risks'.
Though she is an avid beauty fan, Jade opted for a more natural take on her makeup and hair for the red carpet. 'I feel like the dress should do the talking as it is so full on, and we didn’t want it to feel too costume-like with the hair and makeup.'
She credits her make-up artist, Sophia Sinot, as understanding the blend of glam and theatrical makeup that still feels cool. 'I like looking like I don’t have much on the skin then letting my eyes and lips do the talking.'
Thirlwall approaches her getting ready process as if she's going on a night out. 'I'm playing music, have my friends – who are my team – around me, doing a face mask, drinking lots of water and just creating casual, fun vibes. But, it doesn’t matter how much time I give myself to get ready, there’s always a rush at the end.'
As for her red carpet handbag essentials? Powder, lip balm ('It's cold out there and the Brits carpet is outside, which I still don’t understand,' she quips), a digital or Polaroid camera and crystals. 'I feel like it calms me as I still find red carpets a little bit nerve-wracking.'
Thirlwall lists 'divas' like Diana Ross and Donna Summer as her style inspirations for her on-stage looks, while describing Zoë Kravitz, Doechii and Zendaya as 'nailing it' on the red carpet right now. 'I love that Zendaya has a close connection with her stylist [Law Roach], and I feel you can tell when artists have a great team behind them who they evolve with.'
As an awards show guest, she is usually in and out as fast as possible. 'I’m getting better but it’s a lot for the social battery. You have to be constantly switched on, especially somewhere like the Brit Awards and in the group, I was used to having the others. Once I became a solo artist, I realised I have to make an effort and not just eat bread at the table.'
As for what she wants reactions to her performance to be, Thirlwall says, 'I want to give it my all and to give my fans what they want [and] for people who don’t love me or my songs to think "F*ck me, she’s giving it a good crack." Is it too much? Maybe. But, it’s me.'
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