On February 12, 2026, Margot Robbie captivated audiences at the Wuthering Heights premiere held at the State Theatre in Sydney by embracing a striking gothic-inspired look. The actress and producer’s choice of attire elevated the evening’s fashion expectations, combining historical design with dramatic flair for the high-profile event. Robbie’s appearance sparked conversation about fashion and film, notably highlighting the connection between her outfit and the aesthetic of the movie.
A Historic and Artistic Fashion Statement
Departing from typical casual Australian red carpet styles, Robbie donned a bridal cream corset dress crafted by Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi of Ashi Studio. The dress featured sheer sleeves, a delicate train, and cuffs reminiscent of the iconic Miss Havisham character, evoking a sense of gothic romance suitable for the film’s themes. Ashi Studio described the design as embodying rusted écru tones, with hand-painted bodice details intended to look centuries old. The ensemble was completed with artfully distressed tulle sleeves and skirt, lending an aged, almost ethereal quality to the outfit.
The Designer’s Victorian Inspiration Behind the Look
Mohammed Ashi, whose label was founded in 2007 and now participates in Paris Fashion Week’s official haute couture calendar, drew inspiration from Victorian and Edwardian eras in his recent collections. Although his latest show centered around themes from Nosferatu’s Dracula rather than Wuthering Heights directly, the darkness and romanticism of that period influenced the garments. Ashi shared,
“I started digging into the Victorian and Edwardian eras trying to understand the feeling of fashion and the aesthetics of the time,”
adding,
“I came up with this image of a woman as she progresses from moving from her bed in the morning, taking that first breath, the sunshine hitting her face.”
He emphasized the persistent element of “dark romance” throughout his designs.
Margot Robbie’s Thematic Wardrobe Throughout the Press Tour
Robbie’s gothic-inspired style extended across the Wuthering Heights press tour, where she showcased dramatic outfits from renowned labels such as Schiaparelli, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Turkish–British designer Dilara Findikoglu. Her looks consistently highlighted the film’s intense, bodice-ripping narrative and reflected a carefully cultivated visual identity alongside stylist Andrew Mukamal. This themed dressing approach echoes strategies fine-tuned during the 2023 Barbie press tour, designed to heighten audience interest and anticipation.
Stylist’s Perspective on Contrasting Looks for Premieres
Andrew Mukamal, Robbie’s stylist, explained the rationale behind the varying styles chosen for red carpet appearances, stating,
“There are moments where you’re more attention-seeking, while others you’re more low-key.”
This contrast was evident at the Sydney premiere, where fellow celebrity Hailey Bieber opted for a more familiar, sultry ensemble—wearing a black sheer lace dress with dramatic sleeves and a plunging neckline. Both Bieber and Robbie shared Mukamal’s styling expertise, yet each projected a distinct mood suited to the event’s atmosphere.
Jacob Elordi’s Tailored Style Complements the Event
Robbie’s co-star, Australian actor Jacob Elordi, maintained a sharp contrast with his contemporary and polished look. He wore a double-breasted, boxy blue-grey suit, paired with a matching shirt and tie. Adding a unique Sydney touch, Elordi accessorized with a gold tooth cap and white dress shoes, infusing a subtle hint of local eshay flair to an otherwise classic red carpet outfit. His consistent choice of labels like Chanel and Bottega Veneta further solidified his modern yet refined presence at the premiere.
Significance of the Premiere Fashion Choices
Margot Robbie’s gothic look and the overall fashion direction at the Wuthering Heights premiere signify a thoughtful alignment between costume, character, and public image. By adopting historical styles with a dark, romantic edge, Robbie and her team successfully bridged the narrative and visual elements of the film with contemporary fashion. This deliberate styling elevates the dialogue around film promotions and illustrates how costume choices can deepen audience engagement. As the tour concludes in Sydney, such bold expressions are likely to influence future red carpet trends and highlight the growing collaboration between film and high fashion.
