The Art of Method Dressing

In 2026, method dressing is not as popular as it once was, but there is definitely an online space for it. Actresses like Zendaya and Margot Robbie are known for their tactical decisions regarding what wear to different premieres, often dependent on which country they're in.

Now, in an age of 24/7 screens, marking a movie in a physical, tangible way is refreshing, and something that audience members seem keenly interested in seeing. Instead of just using an Instagram account to convince a viewer to come see a film, method dressing allows a moviegoer to grow interested in a physical object rather than just a concept or trailer.

The term "method dressing" was first coined by the writer André Wheeler, but began earlier with Geena Davis and her dress at the premiere of A League of Their Own in 1992. The baseball-chic slip dress became a template for future actresses and future red carpet looks. Fast forward to today, design teams and actors across all movie genres use method dressing in their own way.

Earlier in the year, Margot Robbie stunned for the release of Wuthering Heights and the film's press tour. Robbie and her stylist, Andrew Mukamal, created a modern gothic chic wardrobe to ensure that she dazzled alongside the star-studded cast that included Jacob Elordi and Charli XCX. The duo also worked together to create her iconic method of dressing for the Barbie movie premieres in 2023.

However, there was something very different about the way that Margot Robbie was styled for Wuthering Heights. Each generation consumes fashion differently, but creating a timeless lookbook is incredibly impressive. Robbie stunned in a variety of ranging pieces from vintage Galliano (from the Spring 1992 Runway Collection) to replica pieces of jewelry worn by the Brontë family.

In an interview with Vogue magazine, Robbie explained that Mukamel, while very talented, is also "a history major, so he really does his research." Research and cohesion of current culture are at the heart of efficient method dressing. While Robbie and Mukamel have curated an incredible style of their own, today, Zendaya owns the red carpet. Recent premieres of Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey have given Zendaya and her longtime stylist, Law Roach, a chance to further display that method dressing is ever-evolving.

Law Roach has described himself as an image architect. Each outfit is a statement that allows Roach to display his knowledge of culture, history, and fashion.

In the above image, Zendaya and Roach take on the angelic aspects of the character she plays, Athena. The Goddess of Wisdom is known for her strength and purity, which is often associated with the color white.

For previous movies like Dune, Zendaya and Law Roach curated red carpet looks to fit every aspect of the film. "We adopted method dressing," Roach told Vogue in 2024. The duo has been working together for thirteen years. In his conversation with Vogue about using vintage as much as he does, Roach says it's for sustainability, audience impact, and that:

“Beautiful clothes should live the longest lives possible, and as many lives as possible."

He talks about how the duo doesn't buy from vintage dealers, but instead supports small businesses.

At the premiere of Spider-Man: A Brand New Day in London, Zendaya and her husband, Tom Holland, chose both of their wardrobes selectively. The couple marketed the movie through spider-web-themed designs, and it was an instant success.

After watching Zendaya elevate the world of method dressing with her recent premieres, we are left with a few questions. For starters, will it remain a tradition dominated by Margot Robbie and Zendaya, or will new, smaller faces begin to market movies from the carpet as well? Is method dressing strictly limited to action films? In a way, method dressing is another way to breathe life into material items such as clothes. However, can this technique be used for all genres of film and not just a film packed with action like Spider-Man or The Odyssey?