Imagine Cathy Earnshaw strutting across the moors in red garters and a vintage Dior coat. Sounds like a Brontë nightmare, right? But Margot Robbie just made it a fashion dream. The actress, known for her bold style choices, has once again pushed boundaries by blending the wild spirit of Wuthering Heights with high-fashion glamour. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the clothes—it’s a statement about reimagining classic stories for a modern audience.
After redefining the press tour with her Barbie looks, Robbie and her stylist, Andrew Mukamal, have turned their attention to Emily Brontë’s timeless tale. While they’ve already wowed with custom designs from Chanel, Thom Browne, and Schiaparelli, their latest move is their most daring yet: pulling a vintage Dior piece from the archives. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a respectful nod to Brontë’s world, or a bold departure that risks losing the essence of the story? Let’s dive in.
For the London photocall of Wuthering Heights, Robbie stepped out in a striking ensemble from John Galliano’s spring 1992 Dior collection. Picture this: a full-length toile coat with pale pink shearling accents, paired with a black micro miniskirt and—yes—a garter belt fastened to red thigh-high hosiery with a pink ribbon. It’s as if Penny Lane from Almost Famous had a fashion baby with Empress Joséphine. The question is, does this outfit honor the novel’s rugged, untamed spirit, or does it veer too far into fantasy?
One notable twist? Robbie’s footwear. Instead of the two-toned shoes Helena Christensen wore in Galliano’s original “Napoleon and Joséphine” runway show, Mukamal opted for pale silver, pointy-toe pumps. This small change highlights Robbie’s willingness to take creative liberties, much like the film’s unconventional costumes. But is this a step too far, or a brilliant reinterpretation?
Robbie’s approach to method dressing is as unconventional as her roles. By blending vintage luxury with a rebellious edge, she’s sparking conversations about how we adapt classic stories for today’s audience. Does her bold style enhance the narrative, or does it overshadow it? We’ll let you decide.
As we marvel at Robbie’s fashion choices, don’t forget to explore the broader world of style and culture. Check out The Run-Through with Vogue podcast for the latest hot takes, or dive into the Vogue Runway app for exclusive content, quizzes, and group chats. For industry insiders, Vogue Business Membership offers unparalleled insights into fashion’s evolving landscape. And if you’re craving a trip down memory lane, the Runway Image Archive features over 1.2 million images from past and present shows.
Written by Hannah Jackson, a fashion writer at Vogue whose work has graced the pages of Elle, The Cut, Architectural Digest, and more, this piece invites you to think critically about fashion’s role in storytelling. So, what’s your take? Is Robbie’s vintage Dior look a masterpiece or a misstep? Let us know in the comments!
