If you haven’t watched the newest Netflix series hit, The Queen’s Gambit, yet, do it; not only is the TV miniseries excellent but also, we’re obsessing about the best 60’s looks of the protagonist. Keep reading to know why there’s so much talk about The Queen’s Gambit, and get the best looks of Beth Harmon, the star of chess played by Anya Taylor-Joy.
First of all, what is the Queen’s Gambit?
Queen’s Gambit is the name of an opening move in chess. With this move, the player sacrifices a pawn to later gain control of the center of the board.
The Queen’s Gambit story
Based on a novel by an American writer – and chess player – Walter Tevis, The Queen’s Gambit tells the story of an orphan, Elizabeth Armon. The little girl learns how to play chess with the janitor of the orphanage where she is sent to live. It turns out Beth is a chess prodigy.
As a teen, she is adopted, starts playing and winning tournament after tournament while having to overcome personal traumas and addictions. It is an empowering coming-of-age story that will have you hooked till the end. Even if you don’t know anything about chess, the Netflix series is fascinating, and we’re sure you will love The Queen’s Gambit best looks!
The fashion in The Queen’s Gambit
Played by the Argentinian-British-American actress Anya Taylor-Joy, Beth Harmon goes from being a poor orphan to a successful player who likes to spend her prize money with fashion. Not only is Beth intelligent and beautiful, but she also has great taste in clothes. Her feminine and impeccable looks make the young player stand out even more in the male-dominated world of chess from the ’50s and ’60s. Keep scrolling to see The Queen’s Gambit best looks by costume designer Gabriele Binder.
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Chess, more than a game
Beth’s entire world is chess, so it’s only natural that we see her wearing checkered garments that relate to a chessboard, such as this dress paired with a white shirt.
She also wears the same dress with a black pussy-bow shirt and the stylish black and white Oxford shoes she can finally afford. The A-line silhouette is present in most of the best looks of Beth Armon.
Peter Pan collar
As a young champion, Beth chooses a minimalist dress with contrasting Peter Pan collar to pose for the cover of Life Magazine. A classic look that we could wear this fall with boots and an oversized blazer.
Exploring the ’60s fashion
Although the pretty chess genius is usually in colour-block looks, she also experiments with some prints and colours typical of the ’60s. Here, she wears a printed shirt with, yes, you guessed it, squares.
Fashion and chess
Comfortable clothes to study chess games with style, or for us, to work from home. Anya Taylor-Joy wears a cosy knitted turtleneck and cigarette trousers. The colours; black and white, like a chessboard, of course.
The square theme of the cheeseboard also comes subtly in the stunning knit-dress, very ’60s, that is back in fashion this season. By the way, this dress, one of best looks in The Queen’s Gambit, is inspired on a piece by Pierre Cardin from the mid-sixties.
The Queen and the hangover
Gabriele Binder, the costume designer, talks about the white cashmere coat and hat. She explains that they were intentionally put together to mimic the profile of a White Queen piece in chess.
The mint and black dress with a bow is inspired on a Pierre Cardin dress. The chic garment was originally designed between 1966 and 1968 but is totally contemporary. Beth wears it in a tournament in Paris, where she plays after a night of heavy drinking. Although feeling terrible, she looks absolutely stunning in this dress.
Checkered coat
The original design of this late 1960s plaid coat is by Samuel Robert. Beth wears it in Moscow, as she already is an international chess star. An elegant wool coat embellished with details for the strong woman that she has become.
Photos @the.queensgambitnetflix