The highly anticipated film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights was released in theatres on 13 February 2026. Directed by Emerald Fennell, and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Cathy and Heathcliff respectively, the film was focus of critical discussion from before filming even began. Costume design is a central element of this discourse.
Costumes were designed by Jacqueline Durran, two-time winner of the Academy Award for Best Costume Design in Anna Karenina (2012) and Little Women (2019). Across her design portfolio, within which period dramas are dominant, there is a diverse mix of approaches to period accuracy. Some, like Cyrano (2021) are faithful to the time period in which it is set, whereas some like Little Women prioritise artistic expression over truth.
Her newest project falls into the latter category. The inspiration for the costumes moves from Elizabethan to Victorian to contemporary high fashion, with the inaccuracy of the costumes reflecting the films deviation from its historical and literary influences.
In discussion with British Vogue, Durran stated, “The challenge was to distill that into looks that told the story that Emerald wanted to tell.” The eclectic costumes are integral to the highly stylistic film Fennell has created. The director had a vision for costume and set, which contrasts heavily with that of previous adaptations. With the help of Durran, she did not hold back.
The significance of realism in costume design is a point of contention, with some believing it is critical element of period dramas and some viewing artistic expression as a priority. There is no doubt that this debate will continue across the next few years and we will just have to wait and see if Wuthering Heights will add to Durran’s list of awards.
“Jacob Elordi-66121” by Harald Krichel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.