I'm captivated by Nicole Kidman's "Revenge Dressing" period, and you should be as well.
Recently, there has been much discussion regarding the decline of the movie star. But what occurs when these box office sensations, the true stalwarts of cinema, move beyond the screen completely? This is precisely what Nicole Kidman, the Oscar-winning actress from Sydney who now resides in Nashville, has demonstrated over the past few weeks. Establishing herself as a pinnacle of popular culture, she has entwined herself in every aspect of the cultural zeitgeist, from making meme-worthy headlines about her discreet nights out in Ibiza to making numerous memorable appearances as a front-row ambassador for Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel. In simple terms, she has become the model of what it means to be a star in the modern era.
Recently, however, her relationship with fame has evolved into a more liberating experience. Free from the constraints that have traditionally limited leading ladies in their 50s— as she remarked while accepting the Best Actress Award for her role in Big Little Lies at the 2018 SAG Awards, “20 years ago, we were pretty washed up by this stage in our lives”—Kidman has dismantled these constraints and seems to be operating freely, doing whatever she desires. For instance, her unexpected appearance in the music video for Troye Sivan’s latest single, “She’s The Best,” showcased her charisma as she strolled down the street with a Vogue Slim cigarette or held the Australian singer under blue lights while wearing a Conner Ives demi-couture coat, captivating every scene with her knowing expressions and sly smile that reflected the song’s title.
The cinematography even alluded to that sultry moment from Halina Reijn’s Babygirl, where she watched in a bathrobe as Harris Dickinson danced topless to George Michael’s “Father Figure.” Nowadays, even prominent pop stars are eager to honor her in their work, with emerging Slovak singer Adéla featuring a track titled “Nicole Kidman” on her upcoming debut album, Prima. Kidman was also spotted at Charli XCX’s concert in NYC before gracing the red carpet at the Met Gala days later, donning a bespoke design by Karl Lagerfeld for her Chanel No.5 ad in 2004.
While this may seem to overshadow her remarkable film achievements and collaborations with some of the greatest filmmakers of our time, such as Stanley Kubrick in Eyes Wide Shut, Gus Van Sant in To Die For, and Baz Luhrmann in Moulin Rouge!, it truly feels like no one is enjoying a more vibrant autumn than Nicole. She is managing the responsibilities of raising her two daughters, including Jonathan-Anderson-for-Dior muse Sunday Rose, while also working on the upcoming Practical Magic sequel. She has navigated her separation from Keith Urban while simultaneously training to become a death doula. Throughout it all, she has continued to wear an array of striking wigs for the sake of art and theatre, all while genuinely relishing the experience.
What’s left is to recreate that iconic moment where she joyfully raised her arms in the air after leaving her divorce lawyer’s office following her split from Tom Cruise, right?
In fact, I would argue that the stage of life Nicole Kidman is currently in bears some resemblance to Princess Diana’s life after her separation from King Charles III in 1996. Isn’t the act of defiantly asserting your worth, boldly showcasing your talent, and celebrating life during Euro Summer akin to attending a party in a stunning black Christina Stambolian LBD the night your ex-husband publicly confirmed his affair? If there’s a lesson here, it is that living well and fabulously is indeed the best form of revenge. In honor of this new chapter in her life, scroll through to view and shop items inspired by her iconic film roles and her most memorable moments. (This includes the pinstripe suit she wore while delivering the unforgettable line, “we come to this place for magic,” in the AMC Theatres commercial.)
Shop Pieces Inspired by Nicole Kidman's "Revenge Dressing" Era
Rixo
Micah Embroidered Jacket
This Rixo coat, inspired by Troye Sivan's lavish Conner Ives coat from the "She's The Best" music video, is set to be a fall staple.
With Nothing Underneath
The Dress Shirt
After Nicole Kidman donned a Chavert x Chanel men’s shirt at Matthieu Blazy's debut collection, I realized I needed to invest in a tuxedo shirt.
Emulate her custom style as Satine in Moulin Rouge! with this flapper dress inspired by 19th-century fashion.
Reiss
Linen-Blend Single-Breasted Suit Jacket
Suits are also approved by Nicole Kidman, as evidenced by her outfit at this year's Wimbledon tennis championship.
Reformation
Aqualune Dress
Of course, she never turns down a chance to wear a sleek column dress like this one.
Oséree
Lumière Plumage
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