Bringing Bridgerton to Your Boudoir

Ahh…Bridgerton. We, the avid watchers, have patiently anticipated the return of Bridgerton Season 2 for the best part of two years, and finally it has returned to us. For those who don’t know, Bridgerton (2020-) is a Netflix series adapting the Regency romance novels of Julia Quinn with each novel divulging the meandering, heartfelt stories behind the aristocratic Bridgerton siblings. Last season we followed the tale of Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and her whirlwind, façade of a romance with the dashing Duke of Hastings (Rege-Jean Page) that blossomed into a beautiful, monumental love of a lifetime. Now this season we navigate the seemingly stoic eldest Bridgerton, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) in his quest to find the perfect wife. But he meets his match. We’re not going to give away any spoilers here, but what we have to discuss are those gorgeous gowns with their sharply cut and sophisticated square necklines and those delicate, sublime sequins and fine embellishment.

Kate Sharma (Charithra Chandran) certainly takes the trophy this season with her rainbow palette dresses, unique beading and elegant fabrics, so here, like the labouring and keen-eyed Lady Whistledown’s that we are, we have composed a collection of our favourite, dazzling looks that bedecked our screens as we binge-watched the season’s must-have.

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Presented at the first ball of the season, the Bridgerton costume designers certainly gave us a feast for our eyes. Kate is draped in a pale sage gown that beautifully compliments her complexion. The gown features a gossamer overlay with crystal and pearl embellishments and a beaded band to bedeck the bodice. Accessorising this look, Kate dons the period’s white satin gloves and delicate jewellery, completed with a gemstone tiara.

In the throes of passion in episode five, Kate dons one of the simplest designs of the season, but it is no less beautiful. With intricate and elegant tulip sleeves, Kate’s heavy satin gown with raindrop beading that delicately cascade over her aqua dress catches the light of the fire glowing amidst this intimate scene.

Perhaps the boldest look of the season, Kate looks the epitome of elegance in her two-piece riding garb and matching top hat. But if you look closer, the dark and sumptuous teal is a subtle match to Anthony’s double-breasted jacket hidden beneath his trench coat.

All that glitters is gold. Perhaps my favourite look of Kate’s, the vivid marigold gown of season eight. The orange satin is finished with a lace overlay sprinked with all-over gilded embellishment. The coordinating golden lace of the draped, ruched cap sleeves delicate ties in with the gold of her necklace and drop-charm earring and the whole look is beautifully polished with metallic gold gloves.

Dripping in sumptuous silver, Kate personifies grace and sophistication in this silver, satin column gown. Complementing the champagne accents of Lady Danbury beside her, Kate’s dress is adorned with a peppering of champagne beading and matching satin gloves.

Now for a daytime look, but never casual as this is Regency England. As a colour that crops up a lot in the season, we know all too well that Kate and purple go hand-in-hand, and this gown is no exception. Kate stuns in this mid-purple underdress with a luxe, velvet top piece. Her waist is cinched with a matching belt and as always, the speckles of gold on her sleeves’ trim and necklace draw attention to her understated, radiating beauty. The darkness of this gown also lies in stark contrast to the pastel lilac and tulle fabrics of her sister Edwina’s gown too demonstrating that ensuing tension between the sisters.

And to finish, this stunning rose piece. The delicate blush of this gown’s palette is certainly a variation on Kate’s staple colourings, but it is beautiful nonetheless. The soft pink fabric is overlain with summer blooms and flakes of silver filigree and polished off with white satin gloves and a statement necklace of golds and pinks. The very romance of this dress epitomises the love that is blooming within the tangled vines of arms that this scene conveys.