Dua Lipa’s two London Literature Festival looks: red Chanel, black Prada and books onstage
For conversations with Zadie Smith and Mustafa, Dua Lipa switched between red knitwear and black separates. The looks offer ideas about colour, shoes and dressing for a seated event.
Dua Lipa brought the book-club conversation to London Literature Festival at the Royal Festival Hall. On October 24 she appeared separately with novelist Zadie Smith and poet and musician Mustafa, giving the two conversations different visual rhythms with a red knitted dress and black separates.
Both conversations have now taken place. The photographs show her stage outfits on the day, rather than upcoming performances of the same events. For readers interested in fashion and books, the appeal extends beyond brand names to the way clothes support an occasion centred on words.
Red knitwear and lace-up boots give a soft silhouette an anchor
For the conversation with Zadie Smith, Lipa wore a red Chanel fall 2026 knitted dress with black knee-high lace-up boots by Le Silla. In the photographs, the strong block of red contrasts with the boots’ dense lines. Red earrings echo the dress, while swept-back hair keeps the focus on her face and upper body.
Dua Lipa and Zadie Smith in conversation on the Royal Festival Hall stage
The useful idea does not require finding the same pieces: keep one clear main colour, then let footwear set the intensity. The knit brings softness and the black leather boots add definition. Flat shoes would change the mood again. Choose with the venue’s walking routes and the comfort of sitting for an extended period in mind.
Black Prada and floral socks place detail where a seated audience can see it
For the evening conversation with Mustafa, she changed into a black Prada Re-Nylon tank and pencil skirt, with bright pink straps visible at her shoulders. Daisy-embroidered socks met white satin heels trimmed with feathers. The black base highlighted the details, while a bun and large earrings maintained a clean outline.
Dua Lipa wearing black separates with daisy socks and white feather-trimmed heels
At a seated stage conversation, necklines, earrings, sock tops and shoes can all become focal points in photographs. For a book club or lecture, that approach can be scaled down to patterned socks or one bright inner layer. There is no need to stack every element together to give a simple black skirt personality.
Reading trails from White Teeth to Nour
Zadie Smith’s White Teeth was her debut novel, published in 2000. The other conversation centred on Mustafa’s 2025 poetry collection Nour. Southbank Centre describes its themes as including faith, love, grief and everyday rituals, and provides a PDF link so that interest can continue beyond the event photographs.
To begin reading through this event, choose a novel or poetry according to your preferences, then check the edition’s language and a legitimate way to obtain it. Lipa’s Service95 Book Club also offers monthly selections and author interviews. The stage outfits provide an entry point; the lasting connection is finding a book you want to keep reading.
Questions and answers
Can I still attend these two Dua Lipa conversations?
The October 24 conversations with Zadie Smith and Mustafa have ended. Check the organiser’s current programme and ticketing separately for other festival events.
Which labels made the red and black looks?
The red knitted dress was Chanel; the black Re-Nylon tank and pencil skirt were Prada. The red look also included Le Silla black knee-high lace-up boots.
What is Mustafa’s Nour about?
The 2025 poetry collection addresses faith, love, grief and everyday rituals. Southbank Centre’s event page links to a downloadable PDF.
