The Best Outfits From ‘Cruella’, Ranked From Punk Perfection To Spot(s) On
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For those who are playing catch-up, Disney’s Cruella is actually a ~fashion~ film. Sorry to those who were expecting two hours of cute dog antics (us, tbh).
Throwing it back to 1970s London, we first meet Cruella (Emma Stone) as Estella, an ambitious gal trying to make a name for herself with her inventive clothing designs. Cue a meeting with the Baroness (Emma Thompson), an influential figure in the London fashion scene and head of the House of Baroness, who takes an interest in Estella’s designs and kicks off a devastatingly chic rivalry between the two. Thus begins Cruella’s spiral into evil, which she does while dressed in the gloriousness of retro Brit-punk fashion.
Shall we take a stroll through some of the looks that two-time Oscar-winner Jenny Beaven created for Disney’s Cruella? Perhaps even, rank them?
#10 The Boys Wear Clothes
Look, these are the outfits that give the biggest nod to Disney’s original 101 Dalmatians, and therefore we’ll give them props for the nostalgia factor and the confident inclusion of hats.
#9 Baby Villain Wears Beret
The cat-eye frames are kinda fun, if kinda smacking of the old ~she becomes a different person when the glasses come off~ trope. The beret and all-black ensemble combo is one of the most subtle outfits we see pre-Cruella Estella in. It’s fitting, given she’s still gaining her confidence as a designer, so points for storytelling through costume.
#8 Mark Strong Is Pretty Sexy You Know
Has anyone else thought Mark Strong was quite attractive since, oh, I dunno, around 2007? Is it the voice? The face? It’s not the hair. Perhaps here it’s the crisp, classic tux that’s making the Baroness’ right-hand man John look so dapper.
#7 A Suit Fit For A Villain
Nothing could suit a Cruella who’s coming into her own more than the power-silhouette created by the bling-stacked epaulettes dripping with chains. Military fashion for one of the most iconic villains of all time just makes sense. Please also see the bold, almost aggressive makeup.
#6 That’s A Baron-nice Outfit
The way Emma Thompson understands the assignment. Every time. Truly incredible. The gilded, quilted collar is both structural and soft, the oversized pearl necklace is a superb flex, and the leather glove and sunglasses details? Sublime.
#5 Anita (You Look) Darling
Anita Darling (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) is by far and away the unsung style hero of Disney’s Cruella. Shall we take a moment for the smooth blending of autumnal browns and taupes? Her confident layering of the ribbed turtleneck under the printed shirt under the trench? Somewhere, Harry Styles is shaking.
#4 Baroness Von Hell-DAMN
The way this dress’s back detailing and train gleams is so alluring. Something feels like it shouldn’t work here with the kind of cheesy angel/winged silhouette it creates, but we’re into it.
#3 She’s On A Bike, Take A Look At Her
Is anyone else getting Viktor & Rolf meme dress vibes from the “Future” text emblazoned on Cruella’s face? It’s a strong look.
Not only is Cruella the one wearing the pants now, but they’re also golden and sparkly. The exaggerated collar and shoulder pads on the leather motorcycle jacket are similarly powerful.
#2 The Photo Bomb(shell)
While the transition from the stark white cape to this red dress via a Katniss Everdeen ‘girl on fire’ moment is worthy of its own article, we’re taking a moment for the beautiful details of Cruella’s first big reveal. The dramatic E-girl hairstyle, the distressed dress that speaks to her DIY punk philosophy, the blood red gloves that hint at… well, you know.
#1 Cruella In Her Estella-ment
It all comes together. Contrasting black-on-black textures, the black and white hair, the blunt front fringe, the lace gloves, the cane. We’re ranking this look first because of how enigmatic and confident Cruella looks here. You see the person first, not the clothes – and the person will ruin you and make you glad they did. This is pure Cruella.
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See Emma Stone as Cruella – and more of the incredible costuming – when Disney’s Cruella releases in cinemas on May 27 and on Disney+ with Premier Access on May 28. Find out more at disneycruella.com.au.
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All images courtesy of Disney