**Alexa Chung Recreates Keira Knightley’s Iconic Green Dress Look From Atonement**
Keira Knightley’s return to the fashion scene has been making waves, but it’s not her latest Chanel ensembles that are grabbing headlines. Instead, it’s the iconic green dress she wore as Cecilia Tallis in the 2007 film “Atonement” that has resurfaced in a surprising way. At London’s Serpentine summer party, Alexa Chung channeled the aristocratic style of Tallis, donning a dress inspired by Knightley’s unforgettable look.
The mastermind behind Chung’s dress is Nensi Dojaka, an Albanian-born, London-based designer known for her lingerie-meets-tailoring aesthetic. “Alexa came to us with the picture of Keira in the film as an inspiration,” Dojaka revealed. “We share the love for this movie and that dress. It felt right for the event.”
Chung, who recently celebrated her 40th birthday in one of Dojaka’s signature spliced-and-diced dresses, was eager to collaborate again. “I liked the idea of wearing the same dress, which is very special to me, but in a color I’ve always adored yet rarely seen replicated,” she said, referring to the vivid, jewel-toned green that was a challenge to perfect.
To capture the depth of the original dress’s hue while maintaining its lightness, Dojaka opted for satin—a rare choice for her brand. She played with both the shiny and matte sides of the fabric to accentuate the panel-like finish of the original. The design was based on a cherry-red look worn by Mariacarla Boscono to close the Nensi Dojaka autumn/winter 2023 show. Chung’s dress featured the same underwear-inspired straps that hold the drapes and twists on the body. “We chose this specific design because it resonated the same feeling,” Dojaka added.
The green dress from “Atonement” is a piece of fashion history, even though it deviates from the style of the 1930s, the decade in which the film is set. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran and director Joe Wright took creative liberties with the gown, making it more low-cut and backless than the era’s typical attire. The dress was dyed a specific shade of green to symbolize the jealousy of Cecilia’s sister Briony, played by Saoirse Ronan. This iconic piece continues to inspire fashion mood boards today.
Chung’s recreation of the dress is another triumph for both her and Dojaka. Chung has been engaging her inner influencer on the fashion circuit, while Dojaka, an industry favorite, is navigating the challenges of a turbulent retail environment.
The original green dress worn by Knightley in “Atonement” has a storied history. It was designed to seduce James McAvoy’s character in a memorable library scene and has since become a symbol of cinematic fashion. The dress’s impact is so enduring that it was featured in the V&A’s Hollywood Costume exhibition, alongside other iconic pieces like Marilyn Monroe’s white halterneck dress from “The Seven Year Itch” and Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.”
The exhibition, which required extensive negotiations with galleries, museums, and studios worldwide, showcased these legendary costumes, drawing huge crowds. The green dress from “Atonement” stood out among these treasures, highlighting its lasting influence on both film and fashion.
Saoirse Ronan, who played Briony in “Atonement,” has also made a name for herself in Hollywood. Oscar-nominated at just 13 for her role in the film, Ronan has continued to impress with performances in movies like “Hanna” and “The Lovely Bones.” Despite her success, she remains grounded, balancing her career with a desire to stay connected to her roots and friends.
Ronan’s portrayal of Briony, a character whose jealousy and deceit have devastating consequences, was a pivotal moment in her career. The green dress, symbolizing Briony’s envy, played a crucial role in the film’s narrative and visual storytelling.
Alexa Chung’s decision to recreate this iconic look is a testament to the dress’s enduring appeal. By collaborating with Nensi Dojaka, Chung has brought a modern twist to a classic piece of cinematic fashion. The result is a stunning homage to one of the most memorable dresses in film history, proving that some styles are truly timeless.
Source: Vogue
