wrapped the season three press tour last night with a toast–to her co-star , to her best friend from childhood and to her family, who all made the journey to London to see Nicola get her in the titillating period drama that has got the world humming along to rousing orchestral covers of Pitbull. Voicenoting post-red carpet, Coughlan is both overwhelmed and full of adrenaline, but every inch of her radiates Hollywood star. Championing bridal “mermaid” glamour, Coughlan and her longtime stylist, Aimée Croysdill, worked with Rodarte to create a custom champagne-colored gown that had “Botticelli meets Renaissance” connotations that felt perfect for a celebration of a fabulously OTT show about high society.
“Instead of method dressing, we’re going in the opposite direction,” shares Coughlan, who has worn no fewer than 68 looks on this year’s promo trail. “I quite like to get as far away from the characters I play as possible, so this one is very far from Pen [Penelope Featherington].” With soft waves–“my hair has been through a lot”–perfected by hairstylist Halley Brisker and pink and purple-tinted summertime make-up masterminded by Neil Young, Coughlan said Rodarte’s hyper-feminine, gothic-tinged vision seemed like a natural step on from the whimsical looks she wore on the first leg.
“I loved that, but when it’s my leading lady moment, like Pen to speak, I wanted to step up to the bar and deliver some really fun looks.” (Easter eggs, includ.