The Wellington actor’s star is on the rise, as she steps out in a series of incredible looks for her latest projects, including major film Jojo Rabbit and Netflix series The King. Here’s the behind-the-scenes scoop on her best looks yet.
Thomasin McKenzie has been busy lately. After being cast in the highly-anticipated World War II drama-comedy Jojo Rabbit by fellow New Zealander Taika Waititi, the Wellington-based actor has stepped out in a series of show-stopping red carpet gowns and sparkling suits to celebrate the release of the film.
Add to this, the regal looks being put together for the premiere of Netflix’s new historical film The King, where she joins castmates Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp, and appearances for the biographical western film True History of the Kelly Gang led by Russell Crowe, as well as various other A-list events, and you start to get the picture of a tightly-packed schedule for this Wellington school leaver.
Ever the down-to-earth star, Thomasin spoke of the red carpet craze with both joy and incredulity when on the phone with Fashion Quarterly. “It’s kind of a weird thing,” she mused. “I’m on the red carpet wearing fancy dresses and people are like screaming my name and stuff and then I walk along, I walk to the supermarket or something and nobody knows who I am… I’m in the spotlight when I’m promoting something. But when I’m just being myself then no one cares, which I kind of love. It’s a weird juxtaposition.”
We track Thomasin’s best fashion looks to date.
Ralph Lauren for the premiere of True History of the Kelly Gang – September 11
“I love the dress by Ralph Lauren that I wore to a premiere for a film I did called the True History of the Kelly Gang,” Thomasin tells Fashion Quarterly. “It was a beautiful kind of iridescent blue dress, which I felt like Cinderella in.”
Jason Wu for the world premiere of Jojo Rabbit – October 16
In an ethereal tulle gown by Jason Wu, Thomasin looks every inch the star at the world premiere of Jojo Rabbit.
Marco de Vincenzo for Jojo Rabbit’s premiere at the London Film Festival – October 5
When we asked Thomasin if she enjoyed dressing up for the red carpet she said: “Totally, I think creating the look is the best part of the red carpet – feeling like you’re creating a character and feeling confident.”
Oscar de la Renta for the premiere of The King – October 03
“I think my favourite recently has been a beautiful massive gown that I wore to a premiere of a film I did called The King,” says Thomasin. “I’ve completely blanked on who the gown was by but you can probably check it, I think it was Oscar de la Renta!”
Brock Collection at the British Academy Britannia Awards – October 25
We love this fairy-tale dress from LA-based brand Brock Collection, worn with a very sweet up-do by hairstylist Chad Wood. Thomasin’s jewels are by Jennifer Meyer and heels are Louis Vuitton.
Rodarte at the Annual Governors Awards – October 27
Debuting a new bob, the actor attended the Annual Governors Awards in a saccharine Rodarte gown.
Off-duty style
What about when she’s not in the spotlight? Thomasin says she follows New Zealand fashion, and names Maggie Marilyn, Karen Walker and Nom*D some of her favourite labels at the moment.
While she hasn’t had much time for her own sewing hobby lately, she still loves being able to mend her own clothes. “I do find it satisfying when I’ve got a rip in my clothing or something and I get to fix it myself!”
