Maisie Williams delivered a thoughtful combination of fashion, film history and red-carpet nostalgia at the London premiere of Practical Magic 2.

The British actress attended the star-studded event at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on August 26, 2026, wearing a custom oxblood dress by designer Ellie Misner. The dramatic look was directly inspired by an outfit Sandra Bullock wore to the Los Angeles premiere of Forces of Nature in 1999.

Rather than recreating one of Bullock’s most recognizable Practical Magic costumes, Williams and her stylist, Dino Bonačić, looked beyond the film and selected a memorable moment from Bullock’s personal red-carpet archive.

The result was a stylish tribute that celebrated the actress, the franchise and the enduring appeal of minimalist 1990s fashion.

Maisie Williams Recreates Sandra Bullock’s 1999 Red-Carpet Look

Bullock attended the 1999 Forces of Nature premiere in a fitted brick-red top paired with a long satin skirt. The streamlined outfit captured the relaxed sophistication that defined many late-1990s red carpets.

Ellie Misner reinterpreted that look for Williams as a floor-length oxblood dress. Although the finished design appeared to be a coordinated top and skirt, it was constructed as a single gown.

The sleeveless fitted bodice followed the clean lines of Bullock’s original top, while the draped satin skirt recreated the fluid movement and understated glamour of the 1999 ensemble. A trailing hem added contemporary premiere drama without taking away from the simplicity that made the original look memorable.

The deep oxblood color was also beautifully suited to the mysterious world of Practical Magic. Richer and darker than Bullock’s original brick-red outfit, the shade gave Williams’ interpretation a romantic, almost gothic quality.

A Fashion Tribute That Goes Beyond Method Dressing

Method dressing has become an important part of modern movie promotion, with actors frequently selecting outfits inspired by their characters, costumes or a film’s visual identity.

Williams took a more personal approach.

Instead of arriving in an obvious witch-inspired ensemble, she honored Sandra Bullock’s red-carpet history. The reference carried additional meaning because Williams plays Antonia Owens, one of the daughters of Bullock’s character, Sally Owens, in Practical Magic 2.

That relationship transformed the fashion moment into a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations of the Owens family.

It also demonstrated how celebrity archive fashion can be reimagined without producing an exact copy. Ellie Misner retained the spirit of Bullock’s ensemble while adjusting the proportions, fabric and construction to complement Williams’ individual style.

Fashion Sizzle has documented Williams’ experimental red-carpet evolution, including her architectural Thom Browne look at the 2022 Met Gala and her thigh-slit Paco Rabanne dress at Cannes Lions.

Bvlgari High Jewelry Completes the Oxblood Look

Williams elevated the Ellie Misner dress with a spectacular Bvlgari High Jewelry necklace.

The substantial silver-toned chain featured a vivid ruby-colored center stone that complemented the gown’s rich oxblood palette. Rather than appearing separate from the dress, the necklace became part of the overall color story.

Additional rings and a delicate bracelet completed the jewelry styling.

Williams wore her dark hair in a softly undone updo with loose strands framing her face. Her beauty look included luminous skin, softly defined brows and reddish eye makeup that continued the monochromatic theme.

The combination of rich color, polished jewelry and relaxed hair prevented the look from feeling overly formal. It remained youthful, slightly unconventional and consistent with Williams’ adventurous approach to fashion.

She has previously demonstrated her willingness to experiment with different designers and silhouettes, from the embellished outfit she wore to the 2016 London Evening Standard British Film Awards to her appearance at the Christian Dior Fall 2023 fashion show.

Sandra Bullock’s Enduring Red-Carpet Influence

Bullock’s influence was present throughout the Practical Magic 2 London premiere.

The Oscar-winning actress made her own major fashion statement in a strapless leopard-print Givenchy dress featuring a corseted bodice, oversized bow and dramatic slit. Her bold appearance marked a glamorous return to the movie-premiere red carpet.

Bullock has created memorable fashion moments across several decades. Fashion Sizzle previously featured her sparkling Zuhair Murad jumpsuit at the Ocean’s 8 London premiere and her glamorous Elie Saab Couture dress at the Ocean’s 8 New York premiere.

Williams’ decision to revisit one of Bullock’s lesser-known 1990s looks highlighted the timeless appeal of the actress’s style. More than 25 years later, the combination of a fitted bodice and fluid satin skirt still feels relevant.

A New Generation Joins the Owens Family

Practical Magic 2 reunites Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, continuing the story introduced in the beloved 1998 film.

Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest also return as the eccentric Owens aunts, while Williams and Joey King join the story as Sally’s daughters, Antonia and Kylie Owens.

The original film developed a passionate following because of its blend of romance, magic, humor and sisterhood. The sequel expands that world by introducing a younger generation of Owens women while preserving the emotional connection between the original characters.

That generational theme was reflected beautifully through Williams’ premiere dress. By transforming one of Bullock’s 1999 outfits into a modern custom gown, Williams acknowledged the past while establishing her own place within the franchise.

A Thoughtful and Memorable Fashion Homage

Maisie Williams’ custom Ellie Misner dress was more than an elegant red-carpet look. It was a carefully researched tribute to Sandra Bullock and a celebration of the fashion history surrounding one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

The oxblood color, fitted bodice, draped satin skirt and Bvlgari ruby necklace created a cohesive look that felt dark, romantic and appropriate for the magical occasion.

Most importantly, Williams did not disappear into the reference. She respected Bullock’s original outfit while making the new interpretation unmistakably her own.

The result was an intelligent fashion homage—and one of the most meaningful style moments from the Practical Magic 2 London premiere.

Stylist: Dino Bonačić
Designer: Ellie Misner
Jewelry: Bvlgari High Jewelry
Image Credit: Getty Images