Moulin Rouge fashion: 4 iconic looks that continue to inspire style 25 years later

There is a certain charm to films set in a particular time period from The Great Gatsby to Gentlemen Prefer Blondes mdash the bedazzled outfits glamorous hairstyles and effortlessly classy menswear As Coco Chanel famously said ldquoFashion fades only style remains the samerdquo Few films have embraced this idea quite like Baz Luhrmannrsquos Moulin Rouge 2001Divya SachetiReleased internationally in September 2001 the musical romance transformed the Parisian cabaret into a world of maximalist and extravagant fashion Twentyfive years on its bold aesthetic still continues to influence contemporary dressing from dramatic corsetry and embellishment to theatrical silhouettes Stylist Divya Sacheti revisits four standout looks from the film that still inspire fashion todayFemme ChicThe Satine effectFew cinematic dresses have achieved the cult status of Satinersquos red satin gown from Moulin Rouge 2001 Worn by Nicole Kidman as Satine during the dramatic El Tango de Roxanne sequence the gown captured Baz Luhrmannrsquos theatrical Parisian glamourDesigned by Catherine Martin and Angus Strathie it featured liquid satin sculpted corsetry a plunging neckline and sweeping length After half a decade these elements continue to appear in fashion from redcarpet gowns to evening wear ldquoThe drama of a fitted red dress can still work beautifully today when it is balanced with cleaner lines paredback jewellery and understated accessoriesrdquo explains stylist Divya SachetiBurlesque blingIs it truly fancy if it does not have bling The crystalcovered showgirl bodysuit costume worn by Nicole Kidman as Satine adds a flamboyant touch to the filmrsquos cabaret aesthetic The look features a structured corset delicate noodlelike straps a plunging sweetheart neckline and highcut legs with blackandsilver embellishment and cascading fringe adding movementSheer fishnet stockings complete the fitted lingerieinspired silhouette while the shine of the crystals catch the light with every movement ldquoIt is the combination of sparkle fringe and lingerieinspired cuts that gives this costume its unmistakable burlesque glamourrdquo adds Sacheti Decades later Kendall Jenner wore the exact fit at Vogue World Hollywood in 2025Male DomainDancing with the devilItrsquos not Moulin Rouge fashion if we skip the villain protagonist the Duke of Monroth played by Richard Roxburgh His look blends classic tailoring with cabaret glamour and theatrical masculinity A richly embroidered black velvet jacket deep burgundy shirt and highwaisted trousers create a decadent sensual silhouetteThe velvet adds depth while the ornate embroidery brings a flamboyant quality The rich burgundy breaks up the darkness without taking away from its intensity ldquoThe dark textures rich colour and structured tailoring come together to make the Dukersquos look seductive confident and deliberately extravagantrdquo Sacheti points outThe Victorian fitsWith its long black tailcoat openneck white shirt and structured waistcoat Christianrsquos look in Moulin Rouge gives menswear a romantic theatrical edge Played by Ewan McGregor Christian wears the ensemble when he is mistaken for the wealthy Duke at the Moulin RougePointed boots complete the sharp silhouette The look is defined by longline tailoring structured layers and statement details ldquoThe appeal lies in taking those elements mdash the longline jacket waistcoat and statement details and reinterpreting them rather than simply recreating a period costumerdquo says Sacheti