Netflix's Agatha Christie Reimagined: A Supermodel's Twist on a Classic Detective Story
The legendary detective Miss Marple, known for her unassuming demeanor and cloche hat, is getting a modern makeover. Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Agatha Christie's 'The Seven Dials Mystery' takes a bold approach by drawing inspiration from the iconic supermodels of the 1990s, specifically Kate Moss and Christy Turlington.
In this reimagined version, Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent, a character from Christie's 1929 novel, is styled to reflect the chic and simple elegance of the 1920s, with a modern twist. The show's costume designer, Sidonie Roberts, explains the vision behind Bundle's look, "Bundle’s our Twenties Kate Moss." This inspiration is evident in the black-and-white Prada campaign featuring Turlington, which became a "big touchpoint" for the character's style.
The series, Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, is a three-part drama that follows Bundle, played by Mia McKenna-Bruce, as she navigates a murder mystery. The show's director, Chris Sweeney, emphasizes the unique styling approach, "She’s not dressed up to the nines like a lot of period dramas can be." This modern take on a classic detective story aims to captivate a new generation of viewers, as Roberts adds, "It’s not often the younger generation want to watch a period drama and look at the main heroine and go, ‘I want to dress like that’."
The show also explores the contrast between Bundle's modernity and the eccentric style of her mother, Lady Caterham, played by Helena Bonham Carter. The costume designer, Amy Roberts, explains this visual metaphor for the changing times between the world wars, "Helena was very keen that this woman does stuff, so she becomes a gardener."
Agatha Christie's Seven Dials promises an elevated and ambitious take on the classic detective story, with a focus on style, drama, and a modern twist. The series is set to premiere on January 15th and will be a significant step in McKenna-Bruce's career, following her roles in CBBC dramas and upcoming projects with Natalie Dormer and Sam Mendes.
