With warm Summer weather and the possibility of international travel still a distant dream, now’s the time many of us are turning to TV to live vicariously through our favourite shows. That’s why the return of Riviera – BBC First’s hotly anticipated drama series – could not have been better timed. As soon as you see the enigmatic Georgina Clios – an art curator whose wealthy husband died mysteriously last season – you will be creating new Pinterest boards faster than you can say the name of a fancy French cocktail.
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For fans of the show, the fierce fashion in this female-driven series is a highlight. Georgina, played by Julia Stiles, is new money but her style is anything but gauche. Unlike the other characters, her clothes are used to help her blend in and not stand out. “Clothes are one of the ways that Georgina is able to fit in with the world of wealth and glamour. And fitting in is very important to her,” says Stiles.
Fashion plays a huge role in character formation. Set in the South of France, the production team decided to film on location. This meant that the show’s costume designer, Emmer Fryer, had to dress characters for form and function. Here are some of the looks to lust over, while wearing PJs in lockdown:
Don’t be surprised to see a resurgence of a blue shirt dress – in muted tones of course. Perfect for looking poised in hot weather, this should be a staple for anyone who wants to look polished and effortless.
The understated elegance of Constantine’s first wife – Irina Atman – is showcased in drop-dead tailoring that reaffirms her place as the matriarch of the Clios family. But expect her style to be anything but matronly. When she needs to make a statement, Irina knows that a red monochrome look will get the job done. The key to looking luxurious is having all the pieces as close to matching as possible.
Second season newcomer, Poppy Delevingne is already a flawless fashionista in her own right. Playing Daphne Eltham, her family dynasty may be riddled with secrets, but her hippy-chic style is very strait-laced. Think beach-house ready with classic white and blues, striped patterns and all things linen.
But the most important factor to fitting in with the Cost D’Azure set is confidence. Stiles channels her character’s assertiveness in a very strategic way. “She doesn’t come from a world of wealth and luxury, so her indifference to the villas and labels had to be learnt. Georgina wears the clothes, and not the other way around.”
The second season of Riviera returns to BBC First , DSTV Channel 119 on Sundays at 8pm. It picks up immediately after the first season finale with the death of another Clios family member. But this time, the blood is on the hands of our beloved Georgina.
Image Courtesy: Supplied