Hathaway reinventing the red carpet: mccartney’s furry peplum takes center stage
Anne Hathaway, perpetually shrouded in the breathless speculation of paparazzi, graced London this morning sporting a look that’s less ‘Runway darling’ and more ‘vintage revival.’ But there’s a method to the madness, a calculated embrace of a trend poised to dominate the fall season.
The 2010s are back – and it’s all about the waist
Sources within costume designer Molly Rogers’ team confirm that Hathaway’s current aesthetic is firmly rooted in a renewed appreciation for the dramatic silhouette popularized a decade ago. Forget minimalist chic; the prevailing direction is unapologetically voluminous. We’re seeing echoes of Rihanna’s daring shapes and Victoria Beckham’s architectural tailoring across the collections of Dior, Givenchy, and, of course, Stella McCartney herself.
The key? The strategically placed peplum. It’s a deceptively simple device – accentuating the thinnest point of the waist while expanding outwards at the hips – yet it delivers a potent dose of visual drama. It’s a far cry from the fussy, overtly theatrical peplums of the early 2010s; this iteration is surprisingly understated, almost a whisper of the trend.
A luxe touch: fur and satin
Hathaway’s ensemble – a knitted set from Stella McCartney’s Fall 2026 collection featuring a knee-length skirt and buttoned cardigan – elevated the look with a subtle yet impactful addition: faux fur. The cardigan, in particular, boasted a dramatically fanned-out silhouette at the waist, adding a layer of unexpected luxury. Paired with burgundy satin pumps and oversized sunglasses, the effect was undeniably red-carpet worthy, but with a distinctly modern, less ostentatious sensibility. It’s a ‘stealthy-chic’ approach, a quiet assertion of style that feels incredibly current.
Rogers emphasized that the revival isn't a slavish imitation of the past. “It’s about taking those foundational shapes and reinterpreting them for the 2020s,” she explained. “The goal is to create a silhouette that’s both flattering and surprising – a subtle nod to history, but undeniably forward-looking.”
This isn’t simply a fleeting trend; it’s a shrewd acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of fashion. And judging by Hathaway’s execution, it’s a trend that’s here to stay – albeit with a decidedly more sophisticated twist. The designer's focus on luxurious materials and refined proportions suggests a future where volume is embraced, but never at the expense of elegance.