Margot Robbie’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Red Carpet Looks: A Playful, Not Precise, Dive into Fashion History
Margot Robbie and stylist Andrew Mukamal are offering a unique take on period costuming while promoting Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” sparking conversation about historical inspiration and modern fashion.
The promotional tour has seen Robbie embrace a range of historical references, though, as one source noted, these allusions are more akin to “prompts on an online dating profile-not under any circumstances to be taken seriously, but a fun jumping off point.” While the film’s initial costumes drew criticism for thier historical inaccuracies, Robbie’s red carpet appearances offer a playful counterpoint, blending eras and aesthetics with a distinctly contemporary flair.
Robbie’s approach isn’t about strict replication.She’s been seen incorporating elements from Tudor England, the 18th century, and even the 1960s into her ensembles. Such as, a Roberto Cavalli dress featured a square neckline reminiscent of tudor fashion, paired with an 18th-century-inspired ruby pendant necklace by Fausto Puglisi, and a decidedly modern mini-skirt.
The actress’s recent looks stand in contrast to her meticulous recreations of Mattel doll outfits during the 2023 “Barbie” press tour. Though, for those with an interest in fashion history, these current ensembles are proving to be engaging “key texts” ripe for analysis. Both “Barbie” and “Wuthering Heights” are distributed by Warner Bros., a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Revelation.
Perhaps the most striking example of Robbie’s historical engagement came at the London premiere of “Wuthering Heights,” where she wore a boned corset dress designed by Dilara Findikoglu. The dress featured a translucent slip crafted from Victorian lace, but the details extended beyond mere fabric. Braided synthetic hair, dyed a “dishwater blonde” matching the shade of the Brontë sisters Anne and Emily, was incorporated into the design. This wasn’t simply an aesthetic choice; the braided hair referenced Victorian mourning jewelry, often crafted from the hair of the deceased, serving as a “sartorial memento mori” that acknowledged mortality while celebrating life. robbie also wore a replica of a bracelet Charlotte Brontë had made in remembrance of her sisters.
earlier in the week, at a London photo call, Robbie showcased another era, drawing inspiration from the late 1700s with a John Galliano brocade frock coat styled with a black mini skirt, scarlet red stockings, and satin Manolo Blahnik pumps. An archival fur-trimmed jacket from Galliano’s Spring-Summer 1992 collection, secured with hook-and-eye fastenings, served as the focal point. While created in the ’90s, the collection itself was inspired by the romance between Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine, figures who lived during the same period as Emily Brontë’s setting for “Wuthering Heights.”
mukamal’s engagement with the source material extends beyond the garments themselves. He has been sharing quotes from the Brontë novel on his Instagram account, providing insight into the conceptual framework behind each look. In January, Robbie appeared in feathered Victoria beckham designs, accompanied by a caption quoting a passage about Cathy’s emotional turmoil. Similarly, a red snakeskin ensemble from Dilara Findikoglu was presented alongside a quote from Heathcliff – “I’d rather be hugged by a snake” – a line delivered in the novel.
While historical accuracy isn’t the primary goal, Robbie and Mukamal’s approach is undeniably engaging, offering a fresh and imaginative interpretation of period fashion. It might not be historically accurate, but it’s certainly fun.
