Since Carrie Bradshaw made Manolo Blahniks a household name on SATC, high fashion has barely even made a guest appearance on our TV screens. Leaving us with a dark fashion void needed to be filled, Sarah Jessica has attempted to bring some substance of style back with her role as Frances Dufresne on Divorce. Unfortunately her shirt dresses (which I do love) just don’t gove enough pow to capture the sartorial zeitgeist quite like say the John Galliano newspaper dress for Christian Dior that Carrie wore.
Who would have predicted that in a twist of fashion faith a female assassin would become the newest TV style icon? Killing Eve’s Villanelle played by Jodi Comer is as obsessed with fashion as she is with her assassination assignments. Don’t expect the blunt bob, black leather jacket and skinny jeans uniform here.
Instead Villanelle plays with her style just as she does her victims. In her greatest fashion moment she stepped out in a pink, pouffe Molly Goddard dress matched with studded Balenciaga biker boots for a visit to her shrink. The ostentatious look created the perfect juxtaposition of girliness meets edgy cool – just like Villanelle herself.
Her love of fashion doesn’t end with the grand gesture. We see her continue her fashion journey in a Dries Van Noten brocade suit and later in a Miu Miu bomber jacket. Villanelle’s style is on point; finally giving us a TV style icon who is willing to break the boundaries.
What makes the Molly Goddard style moment unforgettable is how relevant the contrast of the style is for the current climate. Since the #metoo movement fashion has been in a bit of a flux of what direction to take. Hedi Slimane was berated by critics and on social media for bringing his creative style of tight fighting, shorter hemlines to the more refined label of Celine. Yes it didn’t quite fit with what had gone before but I think if it had been different times the brash sexiness may not have created such a stir.
With this in mind it feels as though being overtly sexy is just not the message woman want to put across – for now at least. But we don’t want to lose our femininity either. This is why the the contrast of the ultra feminine Molly Goddard dress in shocking pink (it could not have been in any other colour) worn with the robust biker boots is a clear fashion metaphor for what woman want to be, feminine but strong.
This look is a clear winner for me this spring/summer. I have compiled a few pieces from the high street and online which will easily emulate the Villanelle look. Your midi-dresses from last spring/summer are the transitional piece for this look. Just match with a chunky trainer or boot and you’re good to go. And with Killing Eve back on our screens I cannot wait to see what fashion statement Villanelle makes next.
Big sleeves, jacquard print in bright pink – what else could you ask for?
The biker boot is not only comfy but brings that rocker feel to an otherwise feminine look. Throw in a few jewels and studs for good measure.
The draped prairie style is a spring/summer must have.
The chunky sneaker trend isn’t going anywhere. It’s ugly appeal works well for this contrasting look.
The Anine Bing label epitomises the Villanelle style. This entire look covers all the basics for femininity with an edge.
A leather jacket adds the edge needed to a floaty dress.
This full length embroidered dress would fit perfectly for a wedding guest look. As a splurge it would be waste to only wear once so why not throw out the rule book by matching with a chunky trainer for an easy day-time summer feel.
A denim jacket is a spring/summer must have for any look. Part of H&M Conscious Collection it’s made from an organic cotton blend making wearing sustainable clothes easy.
Happy shopping and as always I would love to hear your thoughts on the look x