This March, on Netflix, an exciting new series by Guy Ritchie premiered. It's a series that extends the world of his 2020 film The Gentlemen onto television. Although the series has the same name, it features brand new characters and plot lines, but it also has the same Guy Ritchie-esque gangster charm many of us know and love from the movie. Take a look at the trailer below (Warning: very strong language).
The series follows the adventures of the aristocratic Horniman family over eight episodes. After the ninth Duke dies, Eddie Horniman (played by Theo James), soldier and second son, is surprised (as is everyone else) to find that he has inherited the title and estate over his feckless older brother Freddy. Shockingly, it's not the only secret that his father has been hiding. Eddie, the newly minted tenth Duke of Halstead, is stunned to discover that his ancient family holdings are being run as a cannabis farm by a large and powerful gangster family headed by Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) in her incarcerated father's absence (Ray Winstone). At first, Eddie tries to extricate himself from the arrangement. However, after discovering Freddy is in debt to the tune of eight million pounds to a bunch of different gangsters, Eddie concedes that the unconventional arrangement is his only way forward. Throughout the series, we see the escapades this somewhat ungentlemanly life (and his brother Freddy's antics) lead him into.
The costumes were curated and designed by LouLou Bontemps (@maisonbontemps). The stories of the Hornimans, Susie Glass, and the other characters are skilfully embedded into each outfit.
Geoff Seacombe (Vinnie Jones)
Geof Seacombe is the grounds and gamekeeper of Halstead Manor. The Hornimans have employed him for decades; he knows all of the family's business and secrets (including a massive one he is involved in himself!). The large number of injured animals he takes care of in his cottage on the grounds shows his sweet temperament, including, surprisingly, foxes and hedgehogs, which leads to some amusing moments. Despite how he formally addresses the family members (Your Grace, Miss Charlotte, etc.) and how stoic and distant he appears, it is obvious that he cares deeply for all of the Hornimans. Nothing is hidden from Geoff. He knows everything that goes on on the estate and is aware of the criminals inhabiting the dairy farm. When he sees Eddie struggling with this new criminal venture, Geoff supports and guides him.
Geoff's style is as you would expect for a gamekeeper. His clothes consist of various Barbour-style jackets, well-tailored but functional shirts and trousers, and flat caps, all in outdoorsy shades of browns and greens.
Stanley Johnston (Giancarlo Esposito)
Stanley Johnston ("Johnston with a T"), also known as Uncle Stan, is a wealthy American businessman. It's not for an episode or two that we discover that he's not quite what he appears. Uncle Stan's money is made through dealing methamphetamine. Stanley wants in on Bobby Glass' business empire and is not afraid to use some underhanded tactics to get his way.
Stanley Johnston's style reflects his sophistication and his passion for everything concerning the British aristocracy. He tries to emulate the noble lifestyle by keeping a manservant, making connections with the highest echelons of society (including a princess!), and having a membership to the most exclusive gentlemen's club in London. In each of the scenes he appears in, we see him in a variety of bespoke and expensive suits styled with ties or cravats, always sporting a luxury watch.
In this scene, we also get a tantalising glimpse into the process of making a hand-tailored suit.
Geoff Seacombe and Stanley Johnston's styles are obviously very different from each other and reflect their own unique situations in life. Geoff's clothes are well made but practical for his outdoorsy job. Stanley's clothes are sumptuous in an understated, quiet, luxurious way that allows him to mix with the crème-de-la-crème of society.
The Takeaways
Have you watched The Gentlemen on Netflix? Will you be watching? Watch for the other characters' outfit choices and style evolutions. Would you wear any of Geoff Seacombe's or Stanley Johnston's outfits?
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