Couture is thriving in Netflix’s Bridgerton

Period drama Bridgerton started streaming on Christmas day on Netflix, and this lavish new series with its opulent costumes, its cocktail of romance, schemes, lust and scandals is exactly what we need right now. Let’s enter the elegant and decadent world of Regency Era British high society with a modern twist.

Adapted from Julia Quinn's bestselling romance book series of the same name, Bridgerton is produced by Shondaland, an American television production company founded by television writer/producer Shonda Rhimes, known for Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. A mix of Gossip Girl and Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton is set in the early 1800s Regency period, and the story follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family, as she makes her debut during Regency London's social season.

Bridgerton costume designer Ellen Mirojnick whose past work includes The Greatest Showman and Maleficent, had the massive task to create the outfits from scratch, and she actually made 7,500 costumes for the first season! Bespoke and visually-rich costumes, from lingerie to gowns and shoes. Mirojnick updated period silhouettes (from empire waist dresses to men’s waistcoats velvet jackets) with vibrant colors, modern fabrics, imaginative layering, opulent Swarovski embellishments, and sophisticated embroideries.  

Her inspiration came from the artwork of Irish painter Genieve Figgis, as well as from Chanel Spring 2018 collection and the 'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams' show at the Victoria & Albert Museum.  "There's a very clear aesthetic that we always look for that is fresh and young and aspirational," Mirojnick said during a press conference on December 24. "The aspirational aspect is: Would a modern girl wear it today?"

Mirojnick worked closely with renowned corset maker Mr. Pearl who designed the body-hugging lingerie on the show. And when it came to jewelry, artisan and jewelry designer, Lorenzo Mancianti made some amazing pieces, while some of the tiaras were provided by the Swarovski Archive.

Bridgerton Season 1 is now available to stream on Netflix.

Daphne Bridgerton played by Phoebe Dynevor in Bridgerton

Colin Bridgerton and Marina Thompson

Lady Cowper and her daughter Cressida

Daphne Bridgerton played by Phoebe Dynevor in Bridgerton
 

Queen Charlotte and her consorts

Viscountess Violet Bridgerton and two of her daughters

The Featherington family