Where are we? Once again, we find ourselves summing up the past year and creating vision boards for what’s to come. An interesting year that of 2024, full of iconic moments, bold personalities, and new fashion icons emerging from the most beloved movies and TV series of recent months.
These are the characters who have made a lasting impact, for completely different reasons, and have given us looks that stirred different emotions, but in every case, strong ones. Brat, demure, cottagecore, streetwear… Trends may come and go, but the style of film and TV characters remains, for us to admire over and over again.
And the top 10 of 2024 includes…
(To be read with the suspense-filled tone of an award presenter).
Tashi, Patrick and Art – Challengers
Tennis is great, the love triangle is great, the soundtrack is great, but can we talk about the silent protagonist of the film, fashion? It had to be this way, given that the costumes are designed by Jonathan Anderson, the creative director of Loewe. Not just sportswear (obviously), but also plenty of leisurewear that reminds us how comfort and style can go hand in hand, as well as luxurious outfits worn especially by Tashi. Adidas, Uniqlo, Chanel, Juicy Couture, Cartier, striped shirts, boxers, and the iconic “I told ya” T-shirt, which later inspired a Loewe drop. Is anyone really surprised that this is considered the most fashionable film of 2024? Exactly.
Sofia Falcone – The Penguin
Victim. Executioner. Sofia Falcone embodies the shades of the human soul and how easily one can shift from good to bad, depending on the circumstances (and family, in her case). Surviving Arkham Asylum, the Sofia who ascends to power to control Gotham’s underworld is vengeful and sensual, with a wardrobe that is vintage, elegant, feminine, dramatic, and rebellious all at once, including shoes and accessories. A killer style, for real.
Glinda – Wicked
The most “Popular” style of the year is undoubtedly Glinda’s: pink, feminine, meticulously detailed, and always attention-grabbing. Glinda’s looks are always at the center of attention. All of the costumes in the film stand out in their own way (Elphaba’s black, Fyero’s outfits, the Wizard of Oz’s attire), but the quintessential style belongs to Glinda. Designed by Paul Tazewell, they reflect the personality of a character who’s used to being in the spotlight: from the iconic Bubble Dress to the gown worn at the Oz Dust Ballroom, from school uniforms to the more “frivolous” dress for a visit to the Emerald City, Glinda shows us the power of self-confidence to go far and do good.
Max Pezzali and Mauro Repetto – Hanno Ucciso l’Uomo Ragno
The most surprising Italian TV series of the year (and I would argue, of the past few years) is an anthem to youth, carefree moments, and honoring passions that can lead us far. Max Pezzali and Mauro Repetto have come a long way since meeting in school in Pavia, from founding the 883 to their first big successes: all moments marked by precise looks with a retro (and rightly so) vibe, comfortable and rebellious, telling a story we can all relate to. Because, deep down, we are all “losers” with big dreams to chase.
Agatha Harkness – Agatha All Along
“The road is wild and wicked”: to face it properly, you need some serious statement looks, as Agatha Harkness teaches us. On her journey with her coven, as she regains her powers and reveals her true nature, Agatha is always impeccable, starting with her travel coat in shades of blue and purple. Not to mention the various outfits she “finds” herself wearing during the trials—ranging from retro looks to rockstar vibes, with nods to Elphaba. A style that enchants with its edgy, unexpected nature: just what you’d expect from a contemporary witch!
Elisabeth Sparkle – The Substance
Being beautiful, feeling beautiful, appearing beautiful: but in the end, is beauty a blessing or a curse? The most successful body horror of 2024 reminds us that being ourselves and truly appreciating ourselves is the true source of beauty and wealth. Elisabeth, however, doesn’t believe this and does everything she can to find an escape from herself: while her youthful alter-ego Sue, with her ’80s fitness looks, became the protagonist of recent social trends, Elisabeth steals the scene with her oversized yellow coat, red dress, blue bodysuit, and, overall, the use of primary colors (an honorable mention for the orange gloves). This is the scene she’s willing to do anything to maintain, even too much.
Jane Grey – My Lady Jane
The hidden gem of 2024 (unjustly canceled) is an anthem to feminism that makes us laugh, reflect, and fall in love, all through the romanced story with fantasy touches, and, above all, a happy ending for Lady Jane Grey. The Jane in the series saves herself and, in doing so, makes us fall in love with Tudor-era costumes that also include contemporary references: from the simpler outfits reflecting her rebellious spirit to the pompous ones for court appearances, through the wedding dress and the dominance of green, Jane Grey is undoubtedly a queen of hearts and style.
Eddie Horniman – The Gentlemen
While Sophie Richie has revived Old Money style, her male counterpart is Eddie Horniman, the protagonist of the Netflix series directed by Guy Ritchie, where tailored suits and the style of the British upper class accompany the characters in a series of twists and turns. Refined and sophisticated, Eddie flaunts Barbour jackets, heavy coats, tuxedos, tweed elements, and flat caps—true gentleman style. His attention to detail has sparked a renewed interest in aristocratic fashion, and we like it. A lot.
Skye Riley – Smile 2
The horror category of 2024 has been characterized by highly interesting and worthy products. Among them, the sequel to “Smile” stands out, a true success also thanks to Naomi Scott’s portrayal of the “cursed” pop star Skye Riley. Throughout her (horror-filled) journey that leads her to a world tour, Skye wears bold, sensual, and alluring performer outfits that reflect her nature. From the butterfly-effect sequined bodysuit to the red one, from Versace sunglasses to chunky heels, Skye is fully aware of her allure and isn’t afraid to flaunt it. But will it be enough to resist the curse?
Sylvie Grateau – Emily in Paris 4
For the fourth season in a row, Sylvie remains the true fashion icon of this series (sorry not sorry, Emily). Independent, strong, and confident, her style is characterized by sophisticated class and elegance, even when she indulges in more “eccentric” looks. A true Parisian, her style includes reinforced shoulder pads, luxurious fabrics, oversized sunglasses, gold jewelry, and minimalist yet never banal outfits. Sylvie never misses an opportunity to flaunt chic and essential looks, even when she steps out of Paris and heads to Rome. Forget “Emily in Rome”, we’re waiting for “Sylvie in Rome”!
What do you think?