Stunning Yet Controversial: Why Are Margot Robbie’s Outfits in the New ‘Wuthering Heights’ Drawing Criticism?
Stunning Yet Controversial: Why Are Margot Robbie’s Outfits in the New ‘Wuthering Heights’ Drawing Criticism?
The film that promises to set screens ablaze this Valentine’s Day has been found. On February 11, 2026, the world will see the new adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” directed by Emerald Fennell. This film promises to be as spicy as it gets, with Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie in the lead roles. The trailers alone suggest a fiery chemistry between the two.
This marks Margot Robbie’s first major project since the smashing success of “Barbie” in 2023. After the whirlwind surrounding the iconic doll’s movie, Robbie took a brief hiatus, during which she embraced motherhood and rekindled her passion for acting.
The Buzz Around “Wuthering Heights”
Even before its release, “Wuthering Heights” has been the talk of the town for months. The chatter began with the first teaser, which featured a sultry montage set to Charli XCX’s “Everything is Romantic.” Despite its Valentine’s Day release, critics who have previewed the film warn that Fennell has strayed far from romance, opting instead for a more sensual approach.
The film’s reception might mirror the initial reaction to Emily Brontë’s novel. Brontë’s depiction of cruelty, vengeance, and obsession was met with stark incomprehension by her contemporaries. However, Fennell’s star-studded cast and bold directorial choices will likely garner more forgiveness for her genre experiments. Brontë’s novel is notoriously difficult to adapt due to its non-linear structure, making Fennell’s interpretation highly anticipated.
Emerald Fennell’s Rising Star
Fennell is no stranger to acclaim. Her directorial debut, “Saltburn,” was a hit, and she won an Oscar for her screenplay “Promising Young Woman.” Early descriptions of “Wuthering Heights” label it as “aggressive” and “repulsive,” yet Robbie and Elordi’s performances are being hailed as career-best. The film is already generating Oscar buzz, particularly for its costume design.
The Costume Controversy
British Vogue recently unveiled Margot Robbie’s costumes as Catherine in “Wuthering Heights,” sparking another wave of discussions. The costumes were designed by the legendary Jacqueline Durran, a two-time Oscar winner for “Anna Karenina” and “Little Women.” Durran’s portfolio includes iconic looks for Keira Knightley in “Pride & Prejudice,” Marion Cotillard in “Macbeth,” Emma Watson in “Beauty and the Beast,” and Kristen Stewart in “Spencer.” She also collaborated with Robbie on “Barbie.”
Despite Durran’s impeccable credentials, her designs for “Wuthering Heights” have been met with mixed reviews. Critics argue that the costumes are anachronistic, overly theatrical, and excessively experimental. One notable example is a black dress reminiscent of “oil.” Durran intentionally deviated from historical accuracy, drawing inspiration from Victorian fashion and the 1950s.
Iconic and Unconventional
The costumes include a black mourning dress with lace, a velvet hooded cape reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood, a wedding dress with voluminous sleeves, a pink dress made of pearlescent gauze, and a corset adorned with crimson roses. While these designs may not be historically accurate, they are undeniably captivating. One outfit, featuring a voluminous dress and a fur hat, was inspired by the Russian royal family. Durran aims to evoke the emotions she felt when first reading “Wuthering Heights” as a teenager.
Robbie began filming “Wuthering Heights” just three months after giving birth. She disagrees with the notion that the film lacks romance, stating that audiences haven’t seen such a passionate love story since “The Notebook” and “The English Patient.” Robbie hinted that her on-screen chemistry with Elordi was so intense that it left her knees trembling at times. Among those eagerly awaiting the premiere is Robbie’s husband.
For more insights into the world of fashion and film, visit Vogue.
