February 08, 2017 – Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele dons a custom gown and capelet by Monique Lhuillier, renowned bridal, ready-to-wear and accessories designer, in the new film Fifty Shades Darker, the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon, it was announced today. The film arrives in Philippine cinemas today.
Known for her glamour and modern elegance, Monique Lhuillier brilliantly captures Ana’s alluring beauty and vulnerability with this modern design. The liquid satin sheath gown with draped neckline and cross back in a silver hue exudes femininity and sophistication, while the handmade ostrich feather capelet adds exquisite glamour for Ana’s grand entrance in the film’s exclusive masquerade ball.
In keeping with the essence of her brand, Monique’s design evokes an enchanting, yet sophisticated, vision by weaving together sensuous and modern elements for the character of Ana. The fluid silhouette of the dress, which is topped with the elegantly embellished capelet, is distinctly Monique Lhuillier.
“I am so delighted to partner with Universal Pictures’ Fifty Shades Darker to design for the character of Anastasia Steele,” said Lhuillier. “Like the Monique Lhuillier woman, Ana radiates confidence and femininity, and so the gown I imagined for this iconic scene encapsulates that modern sophistication.”
“I often thought of Dakota in Monique’s stunning gown as a ‘beautiful siren of simplicity,’” lauded Cunliffe. “We sent Monique ideas and images that evoke old Hollywood, and she and her team took the inspiration from there—crafting this stunning confection. Ana’s cape itself was a challenge—each feather was sewn by hand—but I felt it would magnify Ana’s showstopping entrance at the ball, hearkening back to the 1930s screen sirens. Monique also beautifully resolved our need to create a gown which can effortlessly slip to the ground…another feat of engineering.”
ABOUT FIFTY SHADES DARKER
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades Darker, the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon. Expanding upon events set in motion in 2015’s blockbuster film that grossed more than $560 million globally, the new installment arrives for Valentine’s Day and invites you to slip into something a shade darker.
When a wounded Christian Grey tries to entice a cautious Ana Steele back into his life, she demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Christian’s past start to circle the couple, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.
Also returning from Fifty Shades of Grey are Academy Award® winner Marcia Gay Harden, Rita Ora, Luke Grimes, Victor Rasuk, Eloise Mumford and Max Martini, who are joined for the first time by Oscar® winner Kim Basinger, Bella Heathcote and Eric Johnson.
Fifty Shades Darker is directed by James Foley (Fear, House of Cards) and once again produced by Michael De Luca, Dana Brunetti and Marcus Viscidi, alongside E L James, the creator of the culture-spanning blockbuster series. The screenplay is by Niall Leonard, based on the novel by James. www.fiftyshadesmovie.com
ABOUT MONIQUE LHUILLIER
Monique Lhuillier is internationally recognized as one of America’s foremost designers. Established in 1996 by Monique Lhuillier and her husband, Tom Bugbee, the company is considered one of the leading fashion houses in design, quality and creativity. With a passion for creating collections that are both feminine and modern, Monique Lhuillier continues to design ready-to-wear, accessories and bridal collections that are luxurious, chic and true to her aesthetic. Fans include Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Bell, Anna Kendrick and the First Lady Michelle Obama among others. Monique’s signature design sensibility has led to the launch of licensed products including fur, fine jewelry and tabletop, transforming the company into a luxury lifestyle brand. Monique Lhuillier products are distributed through Monique Lhuillier stores, premium department stores and specialty stores throughout the world.
