Victoriana Looks in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Films
H&M Tie-Detail Frill-Trimmed Blouse in Black/Striped £29.99. CURRENTLY SOLD OUT, there is an all-white version here.
New Look Pale Grey Denim Split Hem Maxi Skirt £32.99
Poor Things
I was not prepared for the brazenness of ‘Poor Things’. Yes, the trailer softens the blow, but the costume vision…whoa. Bella Baxter’s ‘furious jumping’ could not be better-matched by her bold mango yellow and her extreme flouncy tops.
H&M cleverly came out with black-and-white Victoriana-inspired clothes around the same time. Immediately I wanted the above top. At first no one noticed it, then suddenly it sold out. I was glad I ordered two sizes as some people found the top constricting for their chests. Not me. My bust size has increased since having a child, but sticking to my true size means the waist has more emphasis - the peplum looks better. I only loved the larger size for its flouncier, bigger sleeves (especially at the shoulders).
Wearing black and white can be stark, but thankfully, the costume vision in both of Yorgos Lanthimos’ films: ‘The Favourite’ and lately Oscar-winning ‘Poor Things’, give us some sartorial direction on how to soften the noir et blanc look. (Another movie which showcases black-and-white looks stylishly is ‘Priscilla’, which I highly recommend, and not because Jacob Elordi is in it!)
River Island Blue Stripe Lobster Embroidered Jumper £45. Some sizes available.
I have not seen ‘The Lobster’ yet but here is a River Island top that reminded me of it! This sold out quickly in a few days, but hopefully more shops do a similar design!
H&M Ribbed Jersey Dress in White/Black £19.99. Some sizes available. Reclaimed Vintage Cut Out Socks in White with Black Bows on ASOS £9.99. SOLD OUT
The Favourite
Have you seen ‘The Favourite’ on Netflix? If not, please do. The lush black-and-white costumes interpreting the three main characters played by Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone, are directional; the film is set in early 18th century England.
I first came across the above dress from H&M on Em Sheldon’s YouTube video (she tries on several of these, do check it out!). The Reclaimed Vintage stockings on ASOS got me excited, but sadly the white does not quite match the dress and I cannot return the socks I have tried on…I sized up on the H&M dress.
As a Christian who also loves the movies, I wondered what philosophy informs Yorgos Lanthimos’ films, and found this excellent article by Timothy Lawrence, featuring a discussion between him and Joshua Gibbs, based on Yorgos Lanthimos’ films (before ‘Poor Things’.)
Peachy
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Peachy 〰️
Suggested H&M items that smack of Victoriana. I would size up for the Ribbed Jersey Dress. You may prefer the tops in your size, or larger to go over skirts. I have not tried some of these yet:
Suggested Items, all at H&M:
H&M Frill-Trimmed Jumper in Cream £18 (from £29.99)
H&M Crochet-Look Top £19.99
H&M Ribbed Jersey Dress in Black/White £19.99, also comes in White/Black
H&M Frill-Trimmed Textured-Knit Jumper in White/Stripe £19.99, also comes in other colours
&OtherStories Layered Ruffle Blouse in Cream £87, also comes in Black
H&M Flounce-Trimmed Blouse £44.99
Comment HERE and tell me if you are inspired by films in your fashion choices! Have you seen any of these Yorgos Lanthimos’ films yet?