Jennifer Lawrence drowns her youthful figure in unflattering embellished 'Smarties' gown at the Hunger Games Catching Fire premiere
By HANNA FLINT and JASON CHESTER
She wasn’t present at a photo-call conducted earlier that day, but Jennifer Lawrence made up for her absence on Monday night when she arrived in London’s Leicester Square for the premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
With the chilly weather in mind Jennifer decided to keep her red coat on as she signed autographs for fans at the event before peeling it off to reveal a sweeping backless dress from Christian Dior.
Its intricate design included a multi-coloured beaded pattern across its lower half, while its backless upper half was comparatively plain - despite the exposed back appearing to reveal the absence of a bra.
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Distinctive: Jennifer Lawrence stands out in a striking gown from Christian Dior at the UK premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire on Monday evening
Unfortunately its generous cut did little to accentuate Jennifer's youthful figure, while the embellished pattern covering its half resembled the messy aftermath of explosion in a Smarties factory.
The actress completed her look with a pair of conventional blue heels, and she put them to good use by sashaying across the red carpet for a brief interview with host Edith Bowman - during which she thanked fans for braving the cold weather.
Hundreds of those fans had camped overnight in chilly conditions, and they were were present on a wet and windy night in the capital to catch sight of the cast as they made their way across the red carpet.
Leading lady: Jennifer was the centre of attention on Monday evening after making her way across the red carpet in London's Leicester Square
Star attraction: The actress looked turned heads thanks to her embellished Dior gown - all the more distinctive thanks to its sweeping backless design
Camera friendly: The actress poses for photographs shortly after arriving at the event on Monday evening
The Silver Linings Playbook star admitted she loved having the chance to play a strong female character.
Speaking on the red carpet, she said: 'It's really exciting, we don't see a lot of females in positions like this hero part that Katniss [Everdeen] is.'
But she said her fellow cast members had not been overwhelmed by her Oscar and saw it as a way to tease her.
She said: 'No, not at all, no. If anything, it made me a target.'
Josh Hutcherson, who was also in attendance, agreed: 'No, not at all, we were not awed at all. First of all, because we expected it so much because she's so brilliant.
'But on top of that, she's our friend. We were so happy for her and congratulatory, but it was right back to work. We didn't really have time to get shocked and awed at all.'
Quite an entrance: Elizabeth Banks stands out in a stunning gown from designer Jason Wu
Standing out: Elizabeth's dress accentuated her flaxen hair and pale skin tone at the premiere on Monday night
A sweeping statement: Elizabeth appeared to steal Jennifer's thunder thanks to her zesty gown at The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Those in attendance included Liam Hemsworth and Elizabeth Banks, who turned heads in a zesty yellow gown.
Indeed, leading lady Jennifer appeared to have been upstaged by her co-star - whose distinctive dress color perfectly matched her flaxen hair and pale skin tone.
The actress's outfit was all the more eye-catching thanks to the two open panels on either side of her waist, while her bold use of make-up - in particular the deep red slash of lipstick - gave her look an added splash of colour.
Main man: Josh Hutcherson looked dapper in a smart two-piece suit at the Hunger Games: catching Fire UK premiere
Co-stars: Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth were on hand for the film's launch in London on Monday evening There's always time for fun! Lawrence with Elizabeth Banks, Jena Malone, Willow Shield and producer, Nina Jacobson
Hutcherson, who plays Peeta Mellark, looked dapper in a smart two-piece suit as he cheerfully signed autographs for fans lucky enough to get standing room within touching distance of the film's stars.
Young actress Willow Shields also stood out as she greeted fans and photographers in a lemon yellow dress accessorized with a pendant hanging from a long chain around her neck.
The 13-year-old star chose to match her striking dress with a pair of powder pink heels that appeared to clash with the red carpet.
Lady in red: Jena Malone arrives for the UK premiere at Odeon Leicester Square
Red on red: Actress Jena Malone's semi-sheer dress was designed by Monique Lhuillier
Fringe benefits: The actress's dress came with a fringed shoulder and hem detail
Jena Malone also made something of a statement in a flame red dress from Monique Lhullier that was all the more striking thanks to its fringed shoulder and hem detail.
Much like her co-stars Jena chose to pare back the accessories, and by doing so ensured that her outfit granted the lions share of attention.
The less is more mantra appeared to adopted by another actress on the night.
Indeed, British star Natalie Dormer made something of an entrance in a black semi-sheer dress with spotted detail and embellished arms.
Transparent: Actress Natalie Dormer arrives in a semi-sheer dress on Monday evening
Line-up:The cast pose for a photo together after arriving on the red carpet
Happy to be here: Sam Claflin and wife Laura Haddock were in high spirits on the red carpet on Monday evening
Young love: Sam sweeps his wife off her feet at the premiere in London's Leicester Square
Making an entrance: Willow Shields, Primrose 'Prim' Everdeen in the new film, arrives at the UK premiere on Monday evening
In attendance: Donald Sutherland makes an appearance at the event. The actor plays President Coriolanus Snow
New cast-member Sam Claflin made an entrance with wife Laura Haddock - who looked stunning in an elegant white Sophia Kah gown with an intricate embellished design running across the back.
The British actor was in high spirits, even appearing to sweep his new wife off her feet as he gracefully swept her off her feet before they made they way inside the Odeon.
He told the MailOnline: 'On the Finnick Odair scale of buff-ness from 1-10 I reckon I'm on a two. It was really nerve-wracking when I got the call as I wanted to do him [his character in the film] justice.'
Head-lock: Jennifer wraps her arm around Josh as he pulls a stunned expression
Delighted: Producer Jon Kilik credited the cast for making the franchise the success that it has become
Clowning around: Jennifer jokingly splits her costars up much to their amusement
Monochrome: Stanley Tucci, who plays Caesar Flickerman in the film, and his wife Felicity Blunt
Speaking to host Edith Bowman shortly before the event got underway, producer Jon Kilik credited Jennifer Lawrence and her cast-mates for making the franchise such a success.'
'The actors are what it's all about and with this cast it's magic,' he told Bowman.
Jennifer, who got the chance to wear a number of extravagant outfits in the film, told the press: 'I enjoyed some of it, but the dresses are so lovely in fittings, but when you wear them for 12 hours a day you want to burn them.
Perfect pyramid: McBusted stars Dougie Poynter, James Bourne, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Matt Willis, and Harry Judd
Stunning: Ashley Roberts wowed in an orange strapless dress (L) while Jamelia opted for a leather-effect pencil skirt and lace crop top
Family times: Gary Lineker braves the rain with his step-daughter Ella
She said: 'I am just like the worst talker in the world, as I start listening to myself, I'm like you suck.'
Talking about her family, she said: 'Family is incredibly important to me. I wouldn't be here because my parents wouldn't have taken out a second mortgage to let me do this. They're my rock.'
She added: 'I love this movie so much and I'm excited to show it, so I might not get nervous as there's nothing to be nervous about.'
While Jennifer's absence was noted at the photo-call earlier that day, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson were in attendance.
Side boob: Ellie Goulding flashes some skin in a revealing floor-length gown
Print fever: Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor showed off her pins in a navy dress (L) while designer and model Jasmine Guinness sensibly opted for a leopard-print coat (R)
Flirty: Model and actress Meghan Markle looked amazing in a cute frilly dress
A little bling: Louis Smith looked smart in a dark green suit and white shirt, complete with gold chain detail
The co-stars were joined by new cast-members Jena Malone and Sam Claflin to talk about the second installment of the sci-fi franchise.
Elizabeth - who plays the opulent Effie Trinkett - was far less extravagant than her onscreen character, but still looked stylish - and trying to cling on to summer - in a floral dress.
Liam was casual in a brown jumper and jeans, and may well have been feeling a little fragile after partying with several friends at London's Bijou night club on Sunday night.
Excitable: Peaches Geldof arrives with husband Thomas Cohen and a family friend
Coordinated: Actress Kelsey Hardwick and The Wanted's Tom Parker pose together
Keeping it casual: Jonathon Ross with daughter Honey Kinny, who tweeted about her excitement ahead of the premiere
The actor and his friends were seen enjoying a lot of Belvedere Vodka, and were reportedly approach by a number of girls all eager to meet the handsome star.
Jena oozed sex appeal in a bodycon red dress, no doubt channelling her sensual character Johanna Mason, who in the book embarrasses Katniss by walking around naked when they first meet.
She posed with Willow Shields, who plays the younger Everdeen sister, who avoided a trip to the Hunger Games when Katniss volunteered in her place at the beginning of the first book and movie.
Suits you! Union J look smart in dark blazers and ties
Tailoring: Helen Fospero covers up in skinny jeans and an embellished black jacket
Night off: Brendan Cole arrives with a leggy female companion
Playing it cool: Conor Maynard chose a black and grey biker-style jacket and jeans
Sam Claflin joins the film as Finnick Odair, the handsome tribute from District 4, who returns to face the 23 other past winners of the Hunger Games for the Quarter Quell fight to the death.
Stanley Tucci and Jeffrey Wright also joined their cast members, with new director Francis Lawrence - no relation to Jennifer - who replaced Gary Ross for the second film in the trilogy which reunites with Katniss and Peeta, as they tour Panem as victors but are soon forced to face the deathly arena once more, as rebellion grows amongst the Districts.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is released in the UK on November 21 and in the US the following day.
Where's Katniss: Jennifer Lawrence didn't attend, but Willow Shields, Stanley Tucci and Jeffrey Wright joined the rest of their cast at the press event
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2501232/Hunger-Games-Catching-Fire-premiere-Jennifer-Lawrence-drowns-youthful-figure-unflattering-embellished-Smarties-gown.html#ixzz2kNo1e1ql
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