You all — especially our Patreon supporters, whose requests we take very seriously! — have been asking for an in-depth review of The Duchess (2008) for a while now, but I’ll admit to being overwhelmed by the prospect. There’s a ton to unpack, both in terms of plot and character, but also in terms of costumes, costumes, costumes — designed by Michael O’Connor. Luckily Trystan came up with a great idea, which is that I discuss the film one costume at a time. So, here’s our series: The Duchess Deep Dive, in which I will go through the movie, one costume at a time, focusing on those worn by the principle female characters. I’ll be talking about the costume itself, as well as hair, makeup, and accessories, both how they work in the film and how they compare to real fashion of the 1770s-80s.
For a quick overview of what I thought of the film, you can check out my short review. At some point in this process, I’ll take some time out to talk about how well they got the history right or not.
I’ve been putting off writing more posts in this series because while the next couple of costumes are beautiful, they’re more of the same. So I thought I’d do a quick fast-forward post where I share those costumes, so we can move on to the more 1780s-type dresses that happen in a few scenes. If you’d like to read more about the styles worn here, including dresses and hair, check out my earlier posts, which have lots of research.
This is the “montage of short scenes in which Georgiana and Bess are besties.” First, it’s awkward dinner with your BFF and hubby:
Next, Bess comes to stay:
Next, we go to the opera!
And finally, they’re just roommates…
Next time – the chemise à la reine! Sort of!
Got questions about any of these costumes? Details you want to savor? Let us know in the comments! We’ll be back with more research in our next post.
Thank you for the deep dive. I’ve been waiting for it. Love Georgina’s purple. And I totally hated Bess for what she did ti Georgina.
I blame the Duke and other men.
This movie highlights the privileges rich women were allowed by the men in their life. Everything a woman has is because of a man’s ‘generosity’, including her children. Bess is forced into the Duke’s arms so she can have an opportunity to see her children. And men like the Duke, were thrilled when things like beautiful women ‘dropped’ into their beds like manna from heaven. It’s exploitation at its finest. AND IT’S WRONG.
(The rape scene was not necessary because it’s clear how much exploitation was/is blatant. Sadly it’s not so blatant today but it has definitely not gone away).
Ending on a high note, the purple is sublime. I lurve me some purple. 💜
I’ve never seen the movie because when I started to watch it, it became obvious that noboy had taught her how to walk in those outfits. Ladies glided. But with the tall hairstyle, it wobbled on her head like a jelly. It was so distracting I couldn’t cope. But I must have another go.
It’s thought that the two women and the duke lived in a true menage, but obviously nobody knows for sure. Back then, marriage was seen as a partnership. It was the Victorians that turned women into chattels, and then women, not surprisingly, rebelled. Women could own their own property through a complex series of trusts, which could keep a husband or father away from the principal, though they would mostly have control of the interest. It was undoubtedly wrong, but there were women lower in rank than the aristocracy who lived completely independently. No entails, no worries about passing everything on through sons.
I would recommend you try watching it again and try and get past how she walks as I’m interested in your review of the movie and story. :)