Imagine Cathy Earnshaw strutting across the moors in red garters and a toile coat—it’s a far cry from Emily Brontë’s vision, but Margot Robbie is rewriting the rules of period drama fashion. And this is the part most people miss: Robbie isn’t just wearing costumes; she’s making bold statements that challenge our expectations of how classic characters should look.
Fresh off her groundbreaking Barbie press tour, where she and stylist Andrew Mukamal redefined red carpet fashion, Robbie is once again pushing boundaries with her Wuthering Heights promo looks. While Chanel, Thom Browne, and Schiaparelli have crafted custom ensembles that nod to Brontë’s world, Robbie’s latest choice is her most daring yet: a vintage John Galliano masterpiece from his 1992 spring collection. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this fusion of high fashion and literary classic genius or sacrilege?
At the London photocall, Robbie channeled a blend of Penny Lane’s bohemian spirit and Empress Joséphine’s regal elegance. She donned a full-length toile coat trimmed with pale pink shearling, paired with a black micro miniskirt and a garter belt that fastened onto red thigh-high hosiery with a delicate pink ribbon. The question is: Does this outfit honor the spirit of Wuthering Heights, or does it distract from the story’s timeless themes?
One notable deviation from Galliano’s original runway look was Robbie’s footwear. Instead of the two-toned shoes Helena Christensen wore in the ‘Napoleon and Joséphine’ show, Mukamal opted for custom pale silver, pointy-toe Manolo Blahniks. This choice underscores Robbie’s willingness to take creative liberties, much like the film’s unconventional costume design.
Robbie’s approach to ‘method dressing’—where her outfits reflect and amplify the characters she portrays—is as unorthodox as it is captivating. But is this a refreshing reinterpretation of classic literature, or does it risk overshadowing the narrative itself? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For fashion enthusiasts eager to dive deeper, the Vogue Runway app now offers over 1.2 million runway images, quizzes, and exclusive content. And if you’re a professional in the fashion and beauty industry, Vogue Business Membership provides unparalleled insights into the industry’s future. What’s your take on Robbie’s bold fashion choices? Are they a brilliant homage or a step too far?
