Breaking Down TVs Most Loveable Psychopath's Wardrobe Following the Finale of Killing Eve
- Amber Louise
- Apr 19, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 13, 2023
I just finished binge-watching the final season of Killing Eve, and let’s just say, Villanelle's wardrobe may have been the cherry on top of a very sexy, psychotic, and bloodied cake. Throughout four seasons of this hit BBC drama, Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer, held a special place in my heart. Sure, she’s a psychopathic assassin with no moral compass, but she’s funny and really well-dressed. How could you not root for her? Rather than talk about the atrocious finale (I cannot and will not talk about it), reminiscing on some of her most killer looks (pun intended) throughout the series seemed a much better option.
Villanelle's wardrobe was anything but boring. From three-piece suits to voluminous pink dresses, she tapped into a large variety of styles that still felt distinctly her. Costume designers Phoebe De Gaye, Charlotte Mitchell, and Sam Perry dressed her in looks suitable for any occasion or assassination.
Within seconds of season one, I knew something was charming but deeply chilling about Villanelle. She sat there, spooning gelato into her mouth with a certain look in her eye. I was obsessed. The dark brown wig, black and white sleeveless cowl-neck blouse, and Omega watch said it all: This was one stylish assassin.
Episode two of season one arguably contains Villanelle’s most iconic look of the entire series—styled by Pheobe De Gaye—in the form of a bubblegum pink Molly Goddard dress. Paired with chunky black Balenciaga boots, it was high fashion in a way that no other television drama had ever been. As a viewer, you got the impression that Villanelle was not your typical low-profile assassin. Instead, she demanded attention, being both playful and horrifying, which is explored through her wardrobe. After killing a Chinese businessman in episode three, Villanelle changed into a matching burgundy Marc Jacobs tracksuit that screamed incognito in style. She slayed, quite literally.
Possibly the most memorable season for fashion is season two, specifically when Villanelle and Konstantin take a trip to Amsterdam. Styled by Charlotte Mitchell and dressed in a deep orchid Alexander McQueen asymmetrical blazer, Ann Howell Bullard red lip tee, and Etro floral trousers, Villanelle was her typical screen-stealing self. I paused and rewound about three times, completely in awe of this look. She often played with her looks, bringing a childish side with certain details like the lip tee, but pairing it with edgy pieces like oversized blazers and chunky boots. This juxtaposition is yet another reflection of her character, demonstrating that she is cheeky and fun, but in the most disturbing way. Later, sitting beside the canal, she sported a pink Rosie Assoulin Peek-a-Boo shirt accompanied by a long William Vintage fuchsia skirt and large vintage Christian Lacroix gold earrings to complete the look. It was almost another Molly Goddard moment. “Get a real life!” were her exact words when a girl approached to ask to take a photograph… Iconic.
Her outfit to meet Eve’s husband, Nico, was the crowning achievement for season two. Not only did she master the androgynous and preppy style, but she also created a look that said “I’m in charge.” Dressed in a white vintage button-up, cream vintage cable-knit jumper, brown rose-printed tie, and Raey khaki trousers, Villanelle used a powerful outfit to assert her dominance. This wasn’t a new theme for season two. In fact, she started to experiment more with a professional wardrobe consisting of structured blazers and trousers when she started working with Eve.
Sam Perry took over the show’s wardrobe for seasons three and four and did not disappoint. Season three had Villanelle living in Barcelona for a while, where she, yet again, played with her personal style. It’s almost as if her outfits were tailored to the places she was visiting. Wearing more florals and colourful patterns, she explored her femininity in a cobalt blue and pink floral dress named ‘The Villanelle’ by the fashion brand The Vampire’s Wife.
Upon returning to London, she settled back into a more masculine wardrobe, spearheaded by a 3-piece light grey pinstripe suit by Chalayan Studio complimented by a white tank top and chunky black Proenza Schouler oxfords. Once again, she was asserting her power by wearing structured pieces, but she was hiding her feelings behind her wardrobe too. Struggling with her feelings for Eve and the future of her career, she used a strong wardrobe and powerful perfume to conceal her insecurities. Later in the season, in Scotland, Villanelle dressed for a day of golfing and murdering in a Charlotte Knowles green check and shearling jacket with matching Gucci trousers and G/FORE ribbon golf shoes and green gloves… Possibly the most over-the-top she’s ever been if you can believe it.
Although I loved Villanelle’s 3-piece grey suit in season 3, I can’t deny that her navy pinstripe suit custom-made by Holly Robins Bespoke Studio and William Adams Bespoke in season 4 takes the #1 spot in my books. With a classic blue shirt buttoned halfway up under the waistcoat, and wavy hair, she was more undone than her usual self. It was the most stripped-down and honest version we'd ever seen of Villanelle, which was fascinating in itself. Describing herself to Martin, a psychiatrist, as a “rainbow in a world full of beige people,” she believed—even though she’d been called a monster her whole life—that the way she was wasn't all bad, just different. And, she couldn’t have been more right. Especially when she wore matching multicoloured striped trousers, a tank, and a short sleeve button-up, by Kenneth Ize an episode later. She'd finally embraced that even though killing was bad, she was really, really good at it.
Villanelle always has been and always will be the heart and soul of Killing Eve. From her wardrobe choices to her bewilderingly complex personality, she never becomes boring. I’ve only scratched the surface of her wardrobe, so if you haven’t seen Killing Eve (and even if you have), I suggest binge-watching ASAP. Villanelle is one of the most consuming character’s I’ve ever watched… and her wardrobe is to die (or kill) for.
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