Style lessons from the best on-screen villains
Who knew an assassin’s outfit would be something we’d want to steal? Killing Eve has changed our perspective on killer clothes. GEORGIA SIMMONDS investigates the wardrobes of the big screen’s most stylish bad girls
MIRANDA PRIESTLY The Devil Wears Prada
Tailoring for the office? Groundbreaking. But a formidable (OK, feared) boss requires a wardrobe that projects utmost seriousness and this look delivers every time. Enter Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly in a beautifully cut pinstripe suit, proving that if you’re decked out in immaculate tailoring, you can get away with almost anything. Add some Priestly-approved, knuckle-dusting jewelry for extra oomph.
Talk the talk: “By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.”
Killer kit: Command the room in tailored separates from Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Valentino.
VILLANELLE Killing Eve
Nobody suspects the girl in hot pink tulle, right? Jodie Comer’s perfectly pitched Villanelle knows the power of a well-chosen outfit (Molly Goddard was the totally unexpected yet utterly perfect choice): it’s a key component in the elaborate ruses she pulls off with fascinating ease. We’d take her whole wardrobe, but we’ll settle for that dress, the aqua pussy-bow blouse paired with denim shorts she donned in Italy, and the jacquard suit she wore while pounding the pavements of Berlin.
Talk the talk: “You should never call a psychopath a psychopath. It upsets them.”
Killer kit: Try Molly Goddard, Ganni and Cecilie Bahnsen for pretty-with-an-edge pieces.
MAY DAY A View to a Kill
Cigarette pants and stilettos are perennial codes for badass, and Grace Jones as May Day pulls off the look with gusto as an uber-strong henchwoman in this Roger Moore-era James Bond flick. One look at Jones owning an ’80s power shoulder and you’ll agree it’s a look that goes the distance, as evidenced by the plethora of Jones-worthy outfits on the SS19 runways. Cinch your waist with a leather belt and favor second-skin everything.
Talk the talk: Cue loaded silence – May Day is a woman of few words…
Killer kit: All the clues lead to Balmain, Alexandre Vauthier and Isabel Marant.
AMY DUNNE Gone Girl
Rosamund Pike as the ultimately terrifying Amy Dunne has a wardrobe of pared-back classic pieces that whisper: ‘I have my s**t together’. Spoiler alert: she doesn’t, but you’ll still marvel at the elegant appeal of greige (the most subversive of neutrals). Add some pearls and braid your hair to amplify the wholesome, butter-wouldn’t-melt appeal of the look.
Talk the talk: “To fake a convincing murder, you have to have discipline.”
Killer kit: Craft the perfect capsule wardrobe with pieces by Theory, The Row and Joseph.
MALEFICENT Maleficent
As the ultimate bad fairy, Angelina Jolie offers out-of-this-world bone structure and eyes so piercing you probably shouldn’t look directly at them. The bit you can channel? Sleeping Beauty’s nemesis/savior keeps it traditional in head-to-toe black, lashings of leather and sweeping capes, offering gothic inspiration aplenty. Spike-heeled boots and oil-slick silk satin are your way in. Don’t forget the vivid red lip, but probably best to leave the horns at home.
Talk the talk: “I call on those who live in the shadows. Fight with me now!”
Killer kit: Bring the drama in Balenciaga, Gareth Pugh and Alexander McQueen.
BONNIE PARKER Bonnie and Clyde
One half of the criminally iconic pair in Arthur Penn’s taboo-smashing 1967 film is the savvily chic Faye Dunaway as Bonnie Parker. From her tenacious attitude down to her crisp, ‘I-mean-business’ tailoring, form-fitting knitwear, natty neckerchief and signature beret, every woman wanted to be more Bonnie back in ’67. The character’s legendary style remains a winning one, whatever kind of situation needs handling.
Talk the talk: “Some day, they’ll go down together; they’ll bury them side by side. To a few, it’ll be grief; to the law, a relief; but it’s death for Bonnie and Clyde.”
Killer kit: Retro-cool vibes courtesy of Prada, Chloé and Gucci.
EVA ERNST The Witches
As the Grand High Witch (a role we’re pleased to report Anne Hathaway is taking on for the 2020 remake), Anjelica Huston was mesmerizingly malevolent in sleek, all-black everything. It’s a classic look for a reason, regardless of whether you’re a witch or a mortal. From the slinky cocktail dress to the stacked silver jewelry and sparkling diamonds, it’s all oh-so covetable – until the gloves and wig come off and things get truly horrifying.
Talk the talk: “Who spoke? Who dares to argue with me?”
Killer kit: All black everything from Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Givenchy.
SERENA JOY The Handmaid’s Tale
We’re transfixed by Serena Joy’s complex villainy – the kind where glimmers of humanity keep bobbing to the surface and confusing things – and we’re also obsessed with her impeccable style: clean A-lines, made-for-me tailoring, elegant boat necks or sharp collars, all in that striking blue-green color palette. Is an ankle-skimming wool cape too much, you ask? Not if you can muster Joy’s flawless ballerina posture to swish around in it.
Talk the talk: “Even the righteous need a little show business.”
Killer kit: Create your prim and polished style with Emilia Wickstead, Roksanda and Erdem.
O-REN ISHII Kill Bill Vol. 1
Wearing head-to-toe white helps you move stealthily in snowy landscapes, as Lucy Liu as O-Ren Ishii proves. But it’s a strong look whatever the season: fresh and sophisticated, oozing an ‘I don’t make a mess of things’ confidence. Turn heads for all the right reasons in meticulously pressed long layers, minimalist cuts and an obi-inspired belt to lock in the look.
Talk the talk: “You may not be able to fight like a samurai, but at least you can die like a samurai.”
Killer kit: Petar Petrov, Gabriela Hearst and Maticevski are the masters of elegant structure.
CERSEI LANNISTER Game of Thrones
Forget ’80s-inspired style: we’re toying with the idea that pseudo-Elizabethan gowns are a strong look thanks to Lena Headey’s turn as Cersei Lannister. Whatever your thoughts on her power plays and long-game manipulations, she certainly gives good sleeve – channel a little of her amour approach with the season’s full-sleeved tops. (N.B. If that top happens to be pink, all the better: it’s the color all our favorite feminists are reclaiming.)
Talk the talk: “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.”
Killer kit: Brandon Maxwell, Rosetta Getty and Giambattista Valli make gowns fit for a (killer) queen.
CATHERINE TRAMELL Basic Instinct
Sharon Stone’s iconic performance as calculating killer Catherine Tramell is seared onto the collective consciousness, thanks in no small part to that provocative leg-crossing scene. Throughout the film her neutral wardrobe of oversized sweaters and silk Hèrmes scarves is a masterclass in understated elegance. Then the white mini dress steals the show, proving that high necks and high hems are a perfect match – but we don’t advise going commando.
Talk the talk: “Killing isn’t like smoking. You can quit.”
Killer kit: Channel sexy and sophisticated in Balmain, Bottega Veneta and Michael Lo Sordo.
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown.