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Gugu Mbatha-Raw Embraces Retro Inspiration in Green Gown & ‘Glass Slippers’ for ‘Surface’ Premiere

Gugu Mbatha-Raw took the 'Surface' Premiere carpet in a Renaissance-themed Alexander McQueen gown and invisible heels.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Gugu Mbatha-Raw attends Apple TV+'s "Surface" New York Premiere at The Morgan Library on July 25, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
circa 1920:  Marion Davies (1897 - 1961), American actress and protege of William Randolph Hearst, with her new car.  (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
high heels, 1920s
Gugu Mbatha-Raw Embraces Green Glamour in Glass Slippers for 'Surface'
5th October 1931:  A fashionable woman examining shoes made from various reptile skins at the Shoe and Leather Fair, in London.  (Photo by J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
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For the Apple TV+ series “Surface” in New York on Sunday at The Morgan Library, Gugu Mbatha-Raw arrived on the red carpet channeling a Renaissance painting.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Gugu Mbatha-Raw attends Apple TV+'s "Surface" New York Premiere at The Morgan Library on July 25, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

The leading star of the thriller came dressed in such a vivacious Alexander McQueen gown complete with striking details, including its rich color of this green. The bust of the dress curved around the center, with a bone framing as her right sleeve hung off her shoulder, wrapping around her arm and continuing behind her back.

The other sleeve was neatly perched on her shoulder, which gave a languid and effortless amount of grace to the gown. The side of the dress had a bow feature that wasn’t overly prominent, but visible enough as it created its own pleated shape on the gown.

The great thing about this dress was how it didn’t sweep the floor as the pleated draping around her ankles only overlapped her heels.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Gugu Mbatha-Raw attends Apple TV+'s "Surface" New York Premiere at The Morgan Library on July 25, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

For her accessories, the “Belle” actress wore a pair of adorning green earrings with an irregular shape to match the ruby bangle on her left wrist. The additions of green, especially in a darker shade, helped to hone in the rich bright green palette that was produced by the dress.

For her hair, she did an interesting style that featured two braids to the back, as they framed around her jawline. The choice of these braids added even more of a Renaissance nod. To cool down the bright colors, she finished her makeup off with a shimmery eyeshadow and a smoky eyeliner along with a nude lip.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Gugu Mbatha-Raw attends Apple TV+'s "Surface" New York Premiere at The Morgan Library on July 25, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

There’s nothing like an invisible heel. Mbatha-Raw’s choice was favorable as the silver metal across the toe and ankle added futuristic interpretation to the wisely historical look. It blended two contrasting aesthetics and the pointy heels were the best choice as they held their own and didn’t overpower the garment. The invisible touch allows much versatility.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Reese Witherspoon attend Apple TV+'s "Surface" New York Premiere at The Morgan Library on July 25, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

To end the night, the actress took a picture with Reese Witherspoon, who shined on the carpet with an off-white midi dress and shimmering accents, as she paired her dress with another pair of pointy heels.

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