Picnic at Hanging Rock (2018) Mrs Hester Appleyard's fete costume (purple)

In Picnic at Hanging Rock (2018), Mrs Appleyard (Natalie Dormer) projects an image of rigidity, structure and control. This is reflected in her ornate sense of dress. Here, you can see the underpinnings that contribute to the silhouette of this highly structured garment – a separated skirt and jacket that are given shape by a generous bustle and a cinched corset. In stark contrast to the soft, airy shapes and natural fabrics of the picnic dresses that the young students wear, Mrs Appleyard’s costumes communicate one thing: control.