Peaky Blinders’ Fashion

Every few years, there comes along a TV show that literally changes the game when it comes to fashion, and Netflix’s Peaky Blinders is currently said game changer. The 1920s-set show has inspired countless fashion choices as of late, from flapper chic to gangster cool to that ubiquitous newsie cap. Costume designers Stephanie Collie and Alison McCosh have brought these looks back to the forefront, and we’re completely and utterly here for it. Let’s look at some highlights that have cemented this show’s impact on the world of fashion.

 

Arthur                                             Grace

John                                                       Ada

One of the reasons why the impact has been so huge is that it depicts a bygone era of fashion in a contemporary, “Hollywood-ised” way. The costumes are 100% accurate, but they’re also relatable to today’s audience. Collie and McCosh have brilliantly combined the accuracy of the looks with the idea that anyone can put the looks together in his or her own way.

 

Finn                                                            Lizzie

Interestingly enough, Collie took inspiration from Peter Doyle’s Crooks Like Us – a book that focused mainly on the lives of Australian convicts of the 1910s/1920s era. Instead of a literal, direct translation, Collie and McCosh heightened and exaggerated the looks. For example, men of the era would have always worn a tie with those stiff collars, but with Cillian Murphy and that gorgeous face, they decided to go without it, and we’re absolutely ok with that. Also, the trousers back then were quite a bit shorter than depicted on the show, but they went with a more fitted silhouette in order to make it more relatable to today’s audience. Historically accurate? Yes, for the most part. Interpreted and tweaked slightly for greater impact? Also yes.

 

(Tom Hardy as) Alfie                           May

What also resonates so strongly with today’s fashion sensibility is the idea of status. For the Peaky Blinders, it’s all about showing their worth. The characters would absolutely go without in order to have that fantastic suit or beautiful dress because for them, it’s about status. It shows where they stand in their neighborhood. The character Ada (Sophie Rundle) doesn’t exactly live well, but fashion gods be damned if she doesn’t make sure to put some luxury into her outfits. The delicious fur coat she wore in season one was actually an original from that era.

 

(Adrian Brody as) Luca

Gina

 

As Peaky Blinders continues to make its mark on television, so too does it continue to inspire our fashion game. The 1920s have always been a reference for dressed-up gangster chic, but Peaky Blinders’ elevated approach to it has put it firmly in the forefront of fashion idea go-to’s. If you haven’t yet seen this brilliant show, make sure to check it out. If not for the show itself, your closet will thank you.

Aberama Gold                                     Linda

 

Tommy