The Devil wears Dolce
I am nothing if not predictable, Show me a movie or a TV show with a stunning wardrobe and I will watch it even if the plot / acting is a bit on the lame side. Recent favourites include the latest Downton Abbey film, Nothing quite beats the decadent attire of Gentry in the 1930s. Anna Robbins did not disappoint, The Emmy nominated costume designer has an amazing talent for combining historical accuracy to reflect the period with enough wow factor for the big screen, I also enjoyed Lady Edith giving Lady Mary a run for her money in the glamour stakes.
Thanks to their deep pockets streaming service Netflix always serve up a visual feast in their own productions, They no doubt have a wardrobe budget that dwarfs the likes of the BBC and ITV and it shows, Most recently when Suranne Jones took up the role of Prime Minister in Hostage it was Costume Designer Annie Hardinge who imagined the structured and very luxurious closet of the imaginary PM, Dressing her in brands such as Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham and Veronica Beard, Her wardrobe was so slick it was more FLOTUS than PMs wife.
I then moved onto The Girlfriend on Amazon starring Robin Wright who stars as a successful American art gallery owner living in London, Costumes are always best when the character happens to be rich, There was a level of swank and luxury even in Wrights everyday looks thanks to a very large helping of Ralph Lauren pieces and costume designer Joanna Johnston, Who on researching this piece I discovered was also responsible for the wardrobe on the adaptation of Thursday Murder Club, While the clothes were more subtle, Thanks to them being residents at a (very upscale) retirement home, But with Helen Mirren's character sporting Silk Blouses from Vince and Satin skirts from Sandro it was still a very stylish affair.
Now you know my weakness for motion picture garb you will understand why I was so excited to see Meryl Streep attending the Dolce & Gabbana catwalk show in Milan, Dressed in character as Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, She is reprising the role of sharp tongued fashion editor for the sequel (due in spring 2026) and I couldn't be more excited. I was always more interested in Streep's wardrobe than that of the film's protagonist played by Anne Hathaway, I feel the same about Emily in Paris. Who cares what Emily is wearing when you have Sylvie? Played by the Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu who portrays all the French chic in real life she does in character and with series 5 coming in December I am ready for more of what the woman responsible for the wardrobe department, Marylin Fitoussi has to offer, The clothes are unrealistic in that they are extortionately expensive and ostentatious and I. Cant. Wait.
