Downton Abbey: A New Era – A Cinematic Journey Through Time, Style, and Elegance
The beloved British period drama returned to the silver screen in 2022 with Downton Abbey: A New Era, delighting fans with another chapter in the lives of the Crawley family and their devoted staff. This sequel to the 2019 film continues the tradition of sumptuous storytelling, impeccable performances, and breathtaking costumes that transport viewers to the golden age of British aristocracy.
*Image Sourced Moviestills
*Image Sourced Moviestills
The Plot: Two Stories, One Grand Adventure
A New Era cleverly weaves together two parallel storylines that take the Crawley family on unexpected journeys in the late 1920s.
The French Riviera Mystery
The film opens with a surprising revelation: the Dowager Countess, Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith), has inherited a villa in the South of France from a mysterious former acquaintance. This unexpected bequest raises eyebrows and questions about Violet's past. A delegation from the family, including Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), and Tom Branson (Allen Leech), travels to the sun-drenched French Riviera to investigate this intriguing inheritance and uncover secrets from Violet's youth.
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Hollywood Comes to Downton
Meanwhile, back at Downton Abbey, the estate faces financial pressures that require creative solutions. The family agrees to allow a British film production company to use the Abbey as a location for their new motion picture. This decision brings the glamour—and chaos—of 1920s cinema directly to their doorstep. The arrival of director Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy), leading lady Myrna Dalgleish (Laura Haddock), and the film crew creates delightful fish-out-of-water moments as the traditional world of Downton collides with the emerging world of "talkies."
The transition from silent films to sound pictures provides both comedy and drama, particularly when the production faces technical challenges. Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery) takes charge of managing the production, while some staff members, including butler Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) and lady's maid Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt), find themselves unexpectedly involved in the filmmaking process.
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The Stellar Cast: Familiar Faces Return
The film reunites the ensemble cast that made the television series and first film so beloved:
The Crawley Family:
- Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham – delivering her signature wit and wisdom
- Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
- Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
- Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot
- Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Pelham, Marchioness of Hexham
- Allen Leech as Tom Branson
- Penelope Wilton as Isobel Merton, Baroness Merton
The Downton Staff:
- Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, the former butler
- Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes
- Robert James-Collier as Thomas Barrow
- Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates
- Brendan Coyle as John Bates
- Kevin Doyle as Joseph Molesley
- Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore
- Sophie McShera as Daisy Mason
New Additions:
- Hugh Dancy as Jack Barber, the film director
- Laura Haddock as Myrna Dalgleish, the silent film star
- Dominic West as Guy Dexter, the movie star
- Nathalie Baye as Madame de Montmirail
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*Image Sourced Moviestills
The Clothes: A Masterclass in 1920s Fashion
One of the most captivating aspects of any Downton Abbey production is the costume design, and A New Era is no exception. Costume designer Anna Robbins created over 250 costumes for the film, meticulously researching and recreating the fashions of the late 1920s.
The Evolution of 1920s Style
By the late 1920s, fashion had undergone a dramatic transformation from the restrictive Edwardian era seen in the early seasons of the television series. The post-World War I period ushered in a new aesthetic that celebrated freedom, modernity, and a more relaxed silhouette.
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*Image Sourced Moviestills
Women's Fashion:
The ladies of Downton Abbey showcase the quintessential elements of late 1920s style:
- Dropped Waistlines: Dresses featured waistlines that sat at the hip rather than the natural waist, creating the characteristic straight, boyish silhouette of the era
- Shorter Hemlines: Skirts reached mid-calf or just below the knee—a shocking departure from the floor-length gowns of previous decades
- Luxurious Fabrics: Silk, satin, velvet, and chiffon in rich jewel tones and pastels
- Embellishments: Intricate beading, sequins, embroidery, and Art Deco-inspired geometric patterns
- Cloche Hats: The iconic close-fitting bell-shaped hats that epitomized 1920s millinery
- Evening Wear: Glamorous gowns with bias cuts, low backs, and delicate straps for formal occasions
The French Riviera scenes allowed for lighter, more relaxed daywear in cream, white, and pastel shades, while the evening scenes at Downton featured sumptuous dinner gowns that sparkled under candlelight.
*Image Sourced Moviestills
*Image Sourced Moviestills
*Image Sourced Moviestills
Men's Fashion:
The gentlemen maintained the formal elegance expected of their class:
- Morning Dress: Tailcoats, striped trousers, and waistcoats for daytime formal occasions
- Lounge Suits: Three-piece suits in tweeds and worsteds for less formal daytime wear
- Evening Dress: White tie and tails for formal dinners, or black tie (dinner jackets) for less formal evening events
- Country Attire: Norfolk jackets, plus-fours, and shooting suits for outdoor pursuits
- Accessories: Pocket watches, cufflinks, tie pins, and the ever-present hat—whether a top hat, bowler, or flat cap depending on the occasion
*Image Sourced Moviestills
*Image Sourced Moviestills
*Image Sourced Moviestills
The Servants' Attire
The below-stairs staff maintained their traditional uniforms, which reflected their roles and the hierarchy of the household:
- Butler and Footmen: Black tailcoats, waistcoats, and striped trousers, with white gloves for formal service
- Lady's Maids: Simple black dresses with white aprons and caps
- Housemaids: Practical cotton dresses with aprons, with different styles for morning and afternoon duties
- The Housekeeper and Cook: More substantial black dresses befitting their senior positions
The Hollywood Influence
The arrival of the film crew introduces a fascinating contrast in styles. The movie stars bring the emerging Hollywood glamour to Downton—more relaxed, modern, and daring than the traditional aristocratic dress. This juxtaposition highlights the cultural shift occurring in the 1920s as cinema began to influence fashion and popular culture.
The Art of Bespoke Tailoring in the Downton Era
The impeccable fit and quality of the costumes in Downton Abbey: A New Era reflect the importance of bespoke tailoring during this period. Wealthy families like the Crawleys would have patronized the finest tailors on Savile Row in London, where master craftsmen created garments using traditional hand-tailoring techniques that are still revered today.
Each suit, coat, and dress would have been individually cut and fitted to the wearer, with multiple fittings ensuring perfection. The fabrics—sourced from prestigious mills—were selected for their quality, drape, and durability. This attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship is what gives period costumes their authentic look and feel.
For modern audiences inspired by the elegance of Downton Abbey, bespoke tailoring remains the gold standard for achieving that perfect fit and timeless style. Whether recreating a 1920s look or seeking contemporary formal wear, the principles of custom tailoring—precise measurements, quality fabrics, and expert craftsmanship—ensure garments that are truly one-of-a-kind.
A Fitting Farewell
Downton Abbey: A New Era serves as both a celebration of the series' legacy and a poignant farewell to beloved characters. The film balances humor, romance, drama, and nostalgia while showcasing the stunning visual splendor that has always been a hallmark of the franchise.
The costumes, in particular, remind us of an era when dressing well was an art form, when quality and craftsmanship mattered, and when clothing reflected not just personal style but social position and occasion. In our modern world of fast fashion, there's something deeply appealing about the care, attention, and artistry that went into every garment worn by the residents of Downton Abbey.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Downton, A New Era offers a sumptuous feast for the eyes and a heartwarming story that reminds us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place.
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