As Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights (2026) storm-sweeps into theaters this February, it arrives in a cultural landscape obsessed with “High-Fantasy Gothic.” With House of the Dragon Season 3 set to premiere this summer, audiences are primed for stories of toxic inheritance, ancient lineages, and fashion that feels both medieval and futuristic.
The “Vamp Romantic” Aesthetic
Costume designer Jacqueline Durran (the mind behind the Barbie and Spencer wardrobes) has ditched historical accuracy for what Pinterest calls the “Vamp Romantic” trend of 2026. The look is a “hodgepodge” of textures that shouldn’t work together, but do—much like the Targaryen court’s mix of leather, velvet, and dragon-scale armor.
Cathy’s “Red Latex” Look
Actually a modern plasticized synthetic, this blood-red dress is the film’s visual anchor. It mirrors the visceral, “body horror” elements of modern fantasy.
Heathcliff’s Georgian Edge
Jacob Elordi’s wardrobe leans into monochromatic Bottega Veneta-inspired silhouettes—clean, brooding, and purposefully out of time.
A Comparison: The Moors vs. King’s Landing
Why does Brontë’s 1847 novel feel like a 2026 TV spin-off? The parallels between the Earnshaws and the Targaryens are hard to ignore:
| Feature | Wuthering Heights (2026) | House of the Dragon (Era) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Theme | Obsessive, destructive love | Obsessive, destructive power |
| Visual Motif | Mist, Bone, Red Latex | Fire, Blood, Black Leather |
| Protagonist | The Brooding Outsider (Heathcliff) | The Rogue Prince (Daemon) |
| Jewelry | Hair-woven replicas & Signet rings | Valyrian Steel & House Crests |
Method Dressing on the Red Carpet
The press tour for Wuthering Heights has been a masterclass in narrative fashion. Margot Robbie has transitioned from Barbie Pink to “Cathy Crimson,” utilizing:
- The Taj Mahal Necklace: A heart-shaped diamond once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, worn to the LA premiere.
- Hair Jewelry: Replicas of rings woven from the hair of the Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Anne, and Emily).
- Designer Darker: Pieces from Schiaparelli, Alexander McQueen, and Dilara Findikoglu that emphasize “fractured” elegance.
Style FAQ: How to Nail the 2026 Gothic Look
Q: Is black lipstick back for 2026?
A: It’s less about matte black and more about “oxblood gloss” and smudged smokey eyes—a look the 2026 trend report calls “glossy glamour.”
Q: What are the key accessories?
A: Heirloom brooches and signet rings. Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie have been spotted wearing matching enamelled skull signet rings engraved with the quote: “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
Q: Is the fur hat trend here to stay?
A: Yes. Cathy’s “Russian Winter” look in the film has sparked a 200% surge in searches for oversized faux-fur headwear.
