More like "Mothering Heights".
The genius of Margot Robbie's press tour outfit game.
I love that the best dressed woman and man in Hollywood are both from Queensland. Doesn’t that just level things out a bit?
I’m talking about Margot and Jacob, of course. I’ve been keeping quiet on Instagram while taking in the absolute splendour of their “Wuthering Heights” press tour because I really wanted to absorb the direction of it before I added any commentary to an already crowded — and yet unanimously adoring — conversation.
What is it about these two that makes them so adorable? Not in a cutesy way, but in a protect-them-at-all-costs, glowing comment section kind of way.
On all fronts, this has been the most memorable PR circuit since Barbie. And I think there are a few reasons for that.
For one, they’re keeping us well fed. Both are bona-fide A-listers, and getting to lay eyes on them feels rare and exclusive, but we’re being spoiled. So many appearances, so many outfits, so many social media soundbytes.
They’re selling the shit out of this movie, but it’s not like they had to. Who doesn’t want to watch two hours of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi eye f*cking each other in the mist?
But what’s really layered onto the appeal of this particular press tour is the use of fashion with such intention. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.
First came the Australian Vogue cover, styled (naturally) by Christina Centenera, with all the best runway looks secured: Dario Vitale’s one and only Versace collection, the sexy Tom Ford cut-out dress, the brand new Bottega Veneta and Chanel, Prada and Chloe.
Then the appearances began — a further flourishing of the inimitable partnership between Margot and her stylist Andrew Mukamal.
They started off subdued, with a Roberto Cavalli minidress with cape sleeves, the opulent jewels and tendrilled hair a teaser of things to come.
The drama only built from there.
The dark lace of a high-neck Alexander McQueen dress, modernised with aviator shades. An edgy, girlish outfit by emerging designer Mark Gong.
Two opposing feathered looks by Victoria Beckham which hinted at a passage from the novel (Cathy is feverish with madness and tears her pillow open with her teeth, plucking out the different coloured feathers.)
And then they cranked it up another notch. Margot wore a custom Dilara Findikoglu red snakeskin leather bodice and miniskirt, channelling an iconic quote from the book: “I’d rather be hugged by a snake”.
That’s when it hit me.
Margot and her stylist are master storytellers, and every look continues the narrative. This isn’t just a modern twist on Victorian styling — a corset here or a bustle there — this is art. This is Met Gala level execution.
A few years ago, after the juggernaut that was Barbie, I wrote a piece for Mamamia about how Margot and her stylist have elevated method dressing on the red carpet to a level no one else can achieve.
Zendaya has come close (the tennis-themed Challengers tour comes to mind), but the Australian actress is in a class of her own.
Case in point: for the London premiere of “Wuthering Heights”, she wore a custom Dilara Findikoglu look which was woven with braided hair, a nod to the Victorian-era craft of ‘hair work’.
The colour of the hair perfectly matched her bracelet, which was a replica of “The bracelet of Charlotte” — a piece which belonged to Emily Brontë’s sister Charlotte, and contained Emily and Anne Brontë's hair.
Mukamal collaborated on the design with the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
The conceptual nature of these outfits is next level. They deserve their own Taschen coffee table book — and I hope they get one so I can buy it.
I haven’t even touched on the rare archival looks — John Galliano circa ‘92, Vivienne Westwood circa ‘88. Mukamal has connections. He’s done the work. And I think we can all agree he is a genius.
There’s effort and intention behind every detail, and the same goes for what Jacob is wearing, care of stylist duo Wendi Ferreira and Nicole DeJulio — the Chanel shirts and cropped jackets from the womenswear collections, the custom Bottega Veneta.
But I think what’s so appealing about Margot and Jacob, in this high fashion context, is the complete lack of labour they bring to what could look so laborious on another celebrity.
Despite the drama of it all, the billions of eyes on them, they’re having fun with it. The whole thing feels intellectual and deeply reverential but also quite cheeky, and not the slightest bit aloof. It’s page one from the Australian playbook of not taking yourself too seriously.
It’s just so endearing. I wish it never had to end, but I also want them (and their stylists and glam teams) to take a well-earned nap.
What has been your standout look from the “Wuthering Heights” press tour? Let me know below, I’d love to know.
Until next time,
Txx
Margot's Catherine-inspired mourning jewellery has been the most wonderful part...the replica of Charlotte Bronte's mourning bracelet and Elizabeth Taylor's taj Mahal necklace worn at choker length. To me, the jewellery made the outfits make sense and placed them in context. Also, the beautiful matching siggnet rings depicting skeletons embracing, the ultimate showmance props!