Embodying the two-faced nature of her character Cathy Ames, Florence Pugh brings both light and dark colors onto her period-inspired ensembles on the red carpet.

When a film production has wrapped up and actors have bid goodbye to the characters they are playing onscreen, the assumption is that the connection stops there. No more going to set to get dressed and have their hair and makeup done that encapsulates the role they are playing—but not according to Florence Pugh and the art of method dressing. For her East of Eden press tour that lasted over the course of roughly two weeks, Pugh made sure that each red carpet appearance was memorable and powerful in terms of aesthetics and message.&nbsp;
Every carefully curated look is a step closer to the world of&nbsp;East of Eden, a story exploring free will and morality based on John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel. Released on October 1, 2026 on Netflix, the seven-episode limited series delves more deeply into Pugh’s character Cathy unlike the original novel. In this adaptation, Zoe Kazan intentionally wanted Cathy to be looked into more as an antiheroine rather than an antagonist; more about her background and traumatic experiences are revealed, explaining her manipulative tendencies. This inspired stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray to curate pieces that reflected not only the character’s complex duality but also the mood and themes of the series, drawing from its atmosphere to create a wardrobe that felt true to the story.

At the series’ screening at The London West Hollywood, Pugh embraced romantic dressing in an archival butter-yellow Rodarte two-piece from the label’s Spring 2017 collection, complete with delicate frills. It featured a cropped top blouse and a high-waisted, ruffled skirt, adorned with tonal polka dots, winding stem embroidery, and floral appliqués. With a high ponytail, minimal jewelry, and silver pointed-toe heels, the sheer fabric and skin-baring details added a subtle edge to the otherwise soft, ethereal look, echoing the series’ nature symbolism.

For a darker turn, the actress showed up at the BAFTA screening in London wearing a voluminous, ruffled black gown from Rodarte’s Fall 2026 collection. The silk taffeta fabric reflected light against the black, lending the ensemble a subtle sheen that enhanced its dramatic, sophisticated appeal. The top of the dress features exaggerated off-shoulder draping, while the dramatic tiered skirt swayed gently with her movements. A red lip, rosy cheeks, and a Bulgari statement necklace completed the overall gothic appeal.

During the 2026 Netflix Upfront event in New York, a floor-length silk white dress was worn by Pugh, which was designed by Simone Rocha. The puffy long sleeves and flower printed on the center emphasized the delicate, nature-inspired aspect of the series. An updo, soft glam, and dangling earrings solidified the softness of the entire look—evoking the delicate femininity through which Cathy conceals her darker nature.

For a Q&amp;A and photo call for the series at the British Library in London, she opted for an iridescent blouse-and-pants look from Rodarte’s Fall 2019 collection. This ensemble stands out for its mix of light and dark elements, pairing a layered, tiered capelet-collared white blouse with black high-waisted palazzo pants. The statement accessory was a bold Rodarte logo belt, which added definition to the silhouette while tying the contrasting pieces together. The interplay of light and dark once again matches with Pugh’s role of Cathy, balancing an air of delicate femininity with a more commanding presence.

For the New York premiere at The Plaza Hotel, she opted for a much more striking appearance, choosing bolder colors and silhouettes. In custom Vivienne Westwood Couture, she wore a yellow chartreuse embroidered corset with a matching chartreuse bolero. While the bolero added volume and height, the corset remained fitted and structured, complementing the actress’ body. The gunmetal silk skirt hugged her lower body, before flaring into a short train that trailed elegantly behind her on the red carpet.
Styled with Bulgari jewelry and soft metallic glam, the high-contrast look balanced vibrant color with darker, dramatic elements.

Florence Pugh Embraces Light and Dark for the 'East of Eden' Press Tour

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