Margot Robbie’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Tour: PR Sparks Debate Amidst Fashion Prowess

LONDON (Azat TV) – Margot Robbie, recognized as the world’s highest-paid actress in 2023 for her versatile performances, has once again commanded global attention with her promotional tour for Emerald Fennell’s new film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights. The tour, which culminated around the film’s Valentine’s Day release, has been notable for two distinct, yet intertwined, strategies: an elaborate, historically-inspired fashion showcase and a highly publicized ‘mutual obsession’ narrative with co-star Jacob Elordi. This dual approach has ignited widespread discussion, polarizing fans and industry critics alike over its effectiveness and authenticity.

Known for her magnetic screen presence and diverse roles, Robbie’s latest press circuit has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Catherine Earnshaw, the wild and passionate heroine of Brontë’s novel. This ‘method dressing’ has seen the actress, alongside her long-time stylist Andrew Mukumal—the mastermind behind her iconic Barbie press tour—reimagine late-18th century fashions with a modern gothic glamour. The looks, which spanned global premieres and junkets, drew heavily from historical references while incorporating contemporary silhouettes, creating a unique aesthetic that sits between old and new.

Method Dressing Redefines Gothic Glamour

The fashion narrative for the Wuthering Heights tour was a significant undertaking, involving collaborations with renowned designers and a deep dive into fashion archives. Mukumal sourced pieces from John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 1997 and 1992 collections, tapped Dilara Fındıkoğlu for moody, vintage-inspired creations, and worked with Thom Browne and Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry on custom looks. Other notable designers included Ashi Studio, Vivienne Westwood, Maison Margiela, Chanel, Mark Gong, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, and Victoria Beckham.

Key highlights of Robbie’s wardrobe included a custom Ashi Studio bridal-inspired gown for the Australian premiere, a vintage Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 1988 leather corset and hoop skirt for a London Q&A, and a transparent nude custom Dilara Fındıkoğlu dress at the London premiere. Accessories were equally symbolic, featuring a replica of the Charlotte Brontë bracelet—a piece of mourning jewelry made from the author’s sisters’ hair—and Elizabeth Taylor’s 1967 Taming of the Shrew cape, paired with her Taj Mahal diamond necklace, once gifted by Richard Burton, for the world premiere, according to AOL.

The ‘Mutual Obsession’ Narrative

Beyond the sartorial spectacle, the press tour for Wuthering Heights gained considerable traction for the highly visible ‘mutual obsession’ narrative between Robbie and her co-star Jacob Elordi, who portrays Heathcliff. The pair, playing infamous literary lovers, appeared to extend their on-screen chemistry into their promotional appearances, sparking a flurry of romance rumors. In January, Robbie told Fandango that she felt ‘quite lost like a kid without their blanket or something’ when Elordi wasn’t nearby. Elordi, in the same interview, confessed to a ‘mutual obsession,’ stating, ‘I was enamoured by her.’ Robbie also recounted how Elordi made her ‘weak at the knees’ during a scene where he lifted her with one arm.

This narrative was further fueled by gestures such as Elordi filling Robbie’s room with roses on Valentine’s Day during filming, a detail Robbie shared in Vogue Australia. Additionally, Robbie gifted Elordi matching signet rings engraved with Brontë’s words: ‘Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.’ This carefully curated intimacy, however, has not been without its critics, especially given that Robbie is married to Tom Ackerley, who is also one of the film’s producers, as reported by BBC News.

Fan Reactions and Industry Scrutiny

The ‘showmance’ aspect of the press tour has elicited a mixed bag of reactions from the public. While some fans viewed it as effective in generating buzz and praised the actors’ chemistry, many others expressed discomfort, describing the display as ‘weird and tacky,’ or giving them ‘the ick.’ Film fan Rebecca Greene noted to BBC News that the display went too far, particularly as Wuthering Heights is not advertised as a romance, but rather a ‘dark and toxic story.’ Actress and producer Ashlee-Rose Brisley echoed this, suggesting the romanticized portrayal might mislead audiences expecting a ‘light and fluffy’ film.

Critics of the strategy also pointed to a growing ‘showmance fatigue’ among viewers, who are increasingly adept at spotting manufactured romances. Amy Brookbanks, a PR expert, noted that unlike more subtle campaigns, Robbie and Elordi’s approach might have ‘taken everything too far.’ However, despite the irritation expressed by some, many fans confirmed they would still watch the film, indicating that the promotional efforts, regardless of their perceived authenticity, have successfully grabbed attention and driven interest. Entertainment reporter Indigo Stafford suggested it was a ‘mixture of both clever PR and method acting,’ noting that Robbie’s husband being a producer may alleviate concerns for some.

The strategic blend of Margot Robbie’s high-fashion ‘method dressing’ and a controversial ‘showmance’ for the ‘Wuthering Heights’ press tour exemplifies the evolving and often contentious landscape of celebrity promotion. As a top-tier actress, Robbie’s choices highlight the immense pressure to generate viral content and audience engagement, even if it means navigating a fine line between authentic artistic commitment and calculated PR, particularly when a film’s critical reception might be mixed.