Ahead of her appearance on the red carpet for the closing of the SXSW festival in London, Zawe Ashton has a very special announcement to make, shared exclusively with Vogue: she and her husband Tom Hiddleston are expecting their second child.

Given the momentous nature of the news, choosing the right look for the occasion was paramount. To reveal her growing baby bump, the glowing British actor will take to the red carpet in a resplendent, sleeveless sky-blue silk crepe gown with tumbling frill details, worn beneath a svelte, puddling cape in matching fabric.

Photo: Rhys Frampton

Designed by Emilia Wickstead, the look’s poignancy derives not only from the significance of the occasion, but also from the fact that Ashton and the designer are longstanding collaborators and friends. “We met years ago at the British Fashion Awards when she dressed me and we attended together,” Ashton reminisces. “We had the most fabulous night and instantly felt like kindred spirits. We aligned so much on fashion and womanhood, and I’ve always loved her designs. They embody a seamless blend of classic and contemporary, and she’s also just an incredible craftsperson. You feel the level of detail that goes into every piece when you wear them.”

“Dressing Zawe is always a joy, but this moment feels especially meaningful and full circle,” Wickstead says. “Zawe wore a soft pink gown from us during her last pregnancy—quietly glowing, with a little secret only she knew. Now, to celebrate her second in this beautiful blue from our pre-fall collection, and to share it with the world, feels like a sweet continuation of that story. I’m so honored to be part of it. Zawe is also such a vibrant, clever and special friend and muse of the brand—she’s been wearing Emilia Wickstead for years, and I love being part of her journey.”