During the ongoing Wuthering Heights press tour, Margot Robbie made a striking appearance on Monday at the Paris premiere, wearing a gown that could have easily been mistaken for a piece from the film’s wardrobe. The dress echoed the movie’s dark, moody atmosphere, drawing attention for its thematic connection to the story and character of Cathy. This choice further cemented Robbie’s commitment to intertwining her fashion with the film’s essence during the promotional events.
Design Details Behind the Burgundy Velvet Gown
The show-stopping dress came from Matthieu Blazy’s newly launched Chanel couture collection, marking the designer’s debut for the iconic brand. Rather than selecting a runway piece, Robbie opted for a custom creation that perfectly matched the red carpet setting. The gown featured rich burgundy velvet with a structured bustier and a gathered skirt flowing over an ivory silk faille underlayer. Its back displayed an elaborate bustle, enhanced with burgundy feathers and petals, culminating in a dramatic train that melted seamlessly into the carpet. A coordinating red velvet choker added to the ensemble’s refined yet casual elegance.
Stylist Collaboration and Method Dressing Approach
Robbie’s longtime stylist, Andrew Mukamal, continued their successful partnership with this carefully curated look. Since their collaboration on the Barbie press tour, they have been recognized among top method dressers alongside figures like Law Roach and Zendaya. This gown thoughtfully referenced the gothic romanticism of Wuthering Heights while expressing Robbie’s character, Cathy, through fashion choices that extend beyond mere costume replication.
Blending Historical and Modern Influences in the Dress
Although the dress invoked Victorian elements such as the wasp waist and full skirt, it incorporated modern touches like the sleeveless design and draping reminiscent of Charles James’s work. The film’s costumes, designed by Jacqueline Durran, deliberately mix styles from various eras, mixing Victorian fashion with old Hollywood and contemporary aesthetics. Durran described Cathy’s wedding dress as
“an amalgam of Victorian and 1950s fashion—from [Franz Xaver] Winterhalter to Charles James,”
highlighting this blend of historical references.
Color Significance and Fashion Strategy for the Premiere
The deep red hue of Robbie’s dress plays a significant role, aligning with Durran’s use of this color throughout Cathy’s wardrobe in the film. Robbie shared with Vogue that the particular shade was also chosen to harmonize with the premiere’s red carpet itself, reinforcing a deliberate connection between the attire and the event’s atmosphere.
Implications of Robbie’s Turn Toward Method Dressing in Promotion
This appearance marks one of Robbie’s closest approaches to method dressing throughout the Wuthering Heights promotional tour. While previous outfits have hinted at Victorian gothicism, this gown represents a more explicit nod to the film’s style and mood, albeit with nontraditional adaptations. The choice highlights Robbie’s dedication to embodying Cathy visually, amplifying the film’s themes as anticipation builds toward its 2026 release.
