Netflix’s new costume drama Bridgerton has provided a much-needed dose of escapist eye-candy during Lockdown 3.0.
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, it’s a sweet shop-hued period piece populated by rakes, royals, dandies and debutantes that goes way, way beyond the confines of the genre with a diverse (and gorgeous) cast, queer romances, female ambition, hyper-stylised sets and some extremely saucy sex scenes. Think Gossip-Girl-meets-Pride-And-Prejudice.
It’s a wonderful reboot of a period that British television audiences know and love, given a refresh by creator Chris Van Dusen and renowned executive producer Shonda Rhimes. The story is adapted from Julia Quinn’s bestselling Bridgerton novels, which opens in 19th Century London and centres on debutante Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the respected Bridgerton family.
From the pastel palette favoured by the women in the Bridgerton family to the wonderfully citrus and berry colours worn by their rivals, the Featherington females, the costumes – by costume designer Ellen Mirojnick – are a fresh and joyful take on familiar Regency-era silhouettes.
The good news is that Netflix has confirmed a second season of the show. Until then, we’ve mined the new-season collections for Bridgerton-inspired pieces to see you through the spring.
