Timeless Threads: The Bold Costume Design of Fennell's Wuthering Heights

Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights stirs controversy with its avant-garde costumes by Jacqueline Durran. Inspired by various eras, including the 1950s, the costumes challenge historical accuracy, prioritizing visual storytelling and emotional resonance. The film embraces a stylized cinematic world, blending romantic historical silhouettes with contemporary high-fashion aesthetics.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Sydney | Updated: 17-02-2026 12:34 IST | Created: 17-02-2026 12:34 IST
Timeless Threads: The Bold Costume Design of Fennell's Wuthering Heights
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  • Australia

Controversy surrounds the costumes of Emerald Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights,' designed by Oscar-winning Jacqueline Durran. These designs, characterized by blend of eras, from the 1950s haute couture to modern synthetic materials, defy traditional historical accuracy, opting instead for a visually striking and emotionally resonant narrative approach.

The film's costumes are central to the narrative, with Cathy, portrayed by Margot Robbie, donning over 50 outfits, each telling a piece of her story. Heathcliff, played by Jacob Elordi, embodies the bad-boy Byronic hero through a more restrained yet poignant wardrobe. This stylistic choice reflects a broader trend in cinematic adaptations to prioritize visual storytelling over strict historical fidelity.

Ultimately, Durran's work on 'Wuthering Heights' invites audiences to lose themselves in a world where fashion serves as a narrative force. Embracing its aesthetic boldness, the film blends romance, historical influence, and contemporary high fashion, creating a rich tapestry that offers a fresh take on classic literature.

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