Simone Ashley’s Bridgerton Premiere Dress Is An Ode To Naomi

It’s been a little over a week since Simone Ashley attended her second Met Gala, and the buzz hasn’t faded.

Photo: Instagram.com/simoneashley

“It was an incredible experience,” she shares with Vogue. “Being invited back is a privilege, and with each visit, I learn more and more about fashion.” Dazzling her fellow guests (and the internet), Ashley wore a midnight-blue sequinned gown by Prabal Gurung, her near floor-length hair a nod to Cher and Botticelli’s paintings. From the Met red carpet to the New York premiere of her hit Netflix show Bridgerton’s third season, Ashley was ready to stun in another noteworthy ensemble on Monday night – and this time she amped up the sparkle.

To attend the premiere alongside co-stars including Jonathan Bailey and Nicola Coughlan, the actor chose a glorious Prada look: a strapless, floor-length column crafted from silver metallic fabric and adorned with intricate beading that shimmered as she moved. Simone Ashley completed her look with silver sandals and classic silver earrings and rings, all of which added up to a vision of sophisticated simplicity. So, who was on the moodboard? “It was Naomi Campbell at the 1995 Met Gala in Versace couture,” she reveals. “I’m inspired by seeing someone with skin like mine own every look – Naomi’s poise and presence are incredibly powerful to me.”

Simone looking heavenly in Prabal Gurung at the 2024 Met Gala. Photo: Getty

Naomi’s Versace dress at the Met Gala in 1995 inspired Simone’s premiere look, seen below. Photo: Getty

As for the glam? Simone wanted her dress to be centre of attention. She opted for a sleek, slicked-back hairdo and embraced a muted, dewy make-up style. Even her nails, usually a canvas for playful expression, were minimalist. “I often go for bold, fun nail colours like chrome, pastels or neon, but with such a statement dress, I wanted really natural nails,” she explains. “The more understated the overall look, the cooler it all would appear together.”

After her character Kate Sharma fell for Anthony Bridgerton in season two, the spotlight shifts to Penelope Featherington (Coughlan) and her enduring crush, globe-trotter Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) in the new season of Bridgerton. What can fans of Kate expect this time around? “She’s become softer, truly embodying a more grown-up woman,” Simone reveals. “But I’m thrilled for everyone to see Nicola and Luke absolutely nail their performances – they’ve done an incredible job, and I’m so proud of them.”

Below, take a closer look at Simone’s big night in New York.