Harry Potter reunion: Emma Watson’s style evolution, from child star to ethical fashion icon

Emma Watson has reunited with co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint for a TV special celebrating 20 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first film in the phenomenally successful series.

Appearing in Return to Hogwarts alongside a slew of other cast members, the 31-year-old looks elegant in a high-necked white and black dress teamed with statement earrings, a chic up-do and a bold red lip.

It’s a reminder of just how far the actor has come since she shot to fame playing messy-haired Hermione Granger in the eight movies based on JK Rowling’s books.

To mark the momentous reunion (available on Sky and streaming service Now), here we look back at Emma Watson’s incredible fashion and beauty evolution…

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in 2001, when Watson was just 11 years old.

Playing Hermione Granger, the actor was usually seen on screen in Hogwarts uniform or casual outfits, but while promoting the films and on the red carpet the youngster embraced lots of Noughties trends like colourful slip dresses, low-slung jeans and ballet flats.

Following the completion of the final Harry Potter film in 2010, Watson said goodbye to Hermione Granger in dramatic fashion, unveiling a super-short pixie hair cut.

In her 20s, Watson’s red carpet style continued to evolve, with the actor favouring sleek, monochrome minidresses and dramatic gowns (her asymmetric Prabal Gurung number at the 2013 Met Gala was a stand-out) as well as some edgy, tailored outfits.

Watson has donned some fabulous outfits in her post-Potter movie roles, from Paris Hilton-inspired velour tracksuits and Uggs in 2013’s The Bling Ring to sweeping gowns in two critically acclaimed remakes: Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Little Women (2019).

Taking part in the Green Carpet Challenge (which tasks celebrities with wearing sustainable and ethical garments on the red carpet) since 2015, Watson has become a committed sustainable fashion advocate.

She chose a Calvin Klein dress made out of recycled plastic bottles for the 2016 Met Gala and an Emilia Wickstead gown crafted from discarded fabric the following year for the Beauty and the Beast premiere.

The actor later partnered with ethical fashion app Good On You and in 2020 took on a sustainability role on the board of directors at Kering, the parent company of luxury fashion brands including Balenciaga and Gucci.

Making a rare public appearance at the first Earthshot Prize ceremony last October, the 31-year-old presented an award and chose an edgy ensemble by London-based designer Harris Reed, comprising an asymmetric tulle dress made from vintage wedding gowns and black flared trousers.

While Watson’s fashion-forward outfit divided opinion, it’s clear the actor is committed to sustainable style both on and off the red carpet.