Hold onto your smelling salts, "Bridgerton" fans, because we're about to spill the tea on how Colin Bridgerton transformed from a sweet, slightly naive younger brother into the smoldering rake that set our hearts aflutter in Season 3. It wasn't just those brooding glances and newfound confidence; the show's costume and makeup wizards meticulously crafted his transformation, turning him into the most irresistible bachelor in Mayfair.
Believe it or not, Colin's early seasons' wardrobe was deliberately designed to downplay his handsomeness.
“In seasons one and two, we emphasized everything round,” reveals hair and makeup designer Erika Ökvist. “His hair was quite round. His face had the ruffles around the neck and jawline, so we couldn't really see this chiselled jaw that [Luke Newton] does have.”
Ruffles? Hiding that jawline? It's almost criminal! But the "Bridgerton" team had a plan, and it involved a strategic dose of travel, maturity, and a dash of pirate-inspired swagger.
Season 3 saw Colin returning from his European adventures a changed man, both inside and out. Gone were the boyish ruffles and pastel hues, replaced by a wardrobe that screamed "confident and ready to mingle."
"He’s gone away, matured, and come back as a man both physically and mentally,” explains Ökvist. “When somebody has got that, that’s when they’ve got swagger and are sexy. You don't have to hide it. You can let them show it.”
Costume designer John Glaser adds, “We kept those elements of the long coat and the swagger and movement like a pirate. He’s like Errol Flynn. Somebody that’s pretty dapper but not wearing nice suits."
Think less "boy next door" and more "smoldering adventurer who's seen the world (and probably kissed a few ladies along the way)."
But Colin's transformation wasn't just about ditching the ruffles. Glaser revealed that they drew inspiration from an unexpected source: the Marlboro Man.
“In reality, he’d be smelly, his clothes would be dirty, he’d be unshaven – but, this is Bridgerton, so you have to glamorise it a little bit,” Glaser explains.
“So, we went straight to the Marlboro Man – we’re not supposed to talk about smoking, but that guy’s on a horse in the dust and dirt. He’s a bit sweaty, and he has a lot of swagger.”
So basically, they took the ruggedness of a cowboy, added a dash of Regency-era elegance, and voila! Colin Bridgerton, heartthrob extraordinaire.
Colin wasn't the only one who underwent a style evolution in Season 3. Penelope, our favorite wallflower turned society queen, shed her bright, youthful colors for a more sophisticated palette.
“After her first big reveal, we see her in this darker green colour. If you look closely, you’ll notice that her hair in that scene is now a slightly different shade of red,” Glaser explains. “The underlayer of that outfit is actually an iridescent fabric that’s green and copper, and it sort of blends in with her hair.”
And as Penelope embraces her newfound confidence and agency, her style evolves even further.
“After that, for her new look, we wanted softer, more neutral colours,” Glaser continues.
“Are her dresses green? Are they blue? We didn’t want to reveal anything about where her story might be going… We also pushed her a little forward in time, to 1817, in terms of her silhouette, and dropped the empire waist.”
Penelope’s transformation mirrors her inner journey, as she sheds the constraints of her mother's expectations and embraces her own unique sense of style and self-worth.
The "Bridgerton" glow-up is more than just a superficial makeover; it's a reflection of the characters' internal growth and evolution. As they navigate the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations, their outward appearance reflects their inner transformation.
But it's not just about looking good; it's about feeling confident, empowered, and ready to take on the world (or at least the Ton!).
So, what do you think, dear readers? Did you notice Colin and Penelope's transformations in Season 3? Do you think their new looks reflect their characters' growth? And most importantly, are you ready for more swoon-worthy makeovers in Season 4? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
