Maybe she was trying to achieve an air of old-fashioned poise and elegance. Sadly, even Queen Victoria would be unimpressed with Nicole Kidman's lace ensemble.
The star, who was a surprise guest at the Woman of the Year Awards yesterday, looked as if she was wearing purple, yellow and white lace doilies that had been stitched together.
Miss Kidman was at the Central London event to present physicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell with a lifetime achievement award. She may also have got some inspiration from the distinguished scientist - as the 48-year-old actress is currently starring as chemist Rosalind Franklin in the West End play Photograph 51.
And to save any potential confusion over the hors d'oeuvres, the Oscar winner wore a name tag, - complete with her occupation as 'actress' - just like all the other guests.
Lorraine Kelly, Jo Brand and Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain were also among the guests at the annual event, now in its 60th year, which is held to honour remarkable women across all industries.
