Just a Thought - The Bridgerton Effect
I think what has really captivated people about Bridgerton is the idealistic and romantic parts of a bygone era and the feeling of nostalgia for a time we’ve never lived in.
Dear Reader,
Have you seen Bridgerton? If you haven’t seen it, I’m sure you’ve heard of it. It’s a series on Netflix (based on a book series) that came out last year. It was the talk of the town when it came out, thanks to the casting of some hot actors and actresses. And yes, it has… a lot of lovemaking in it, which could be the reason why so many are tuning in. But I think it’s more than just those two qualities that have caused Bridgerton to have a lasting impact on pop culture. I don’t even think it’s the show itself, but how… extravagant it is. The opulence portrayed in the show - the colours, the setting, the plotlines full of intrigue, secret affairs, and ball attending.
It decidedly does not feature the current issues we are going through on a global scale. Last year also saw the release of Emma. (2020) which has become a fan favourite along with a revival in titles such as Dido and Pride and Prejudice (the ‘95 version being the only one that matters, just saying). People are hosting (socially distanced) Bridgerton themed bridal showers and tea parties, and I’m sure there’ll be Bridgerton themed Halloween parties (at least on zoom). There has been a rise in etiquette courses and classes and a demand for fancy high heels. There has been a growing interest in what I can only call romancecore fashion, including the famous “strawberry dress” on social media – tulle, taffeta, puffy sleeves, corsets, little white gloves, hair bows, updos and more. I think what has really captivated people about Bridgerton is the idealistic and romantic parts of a bygone era and the feeling of nostalgia for a time we’ve never lived in.
Why? Because as technology takes over more and more of our lives, as the pandemic keeps us in our homes, and as the news becomes more and more desolate, it’s nice to watch or read about and then fantasize about getting dressed up (maybe even putting on a bra for the first time in months), and going out – dancing, laughing, hosting dinner parties, meeting new people, and perhaps even a midnight kiss with a stranger. It’s the sparkles, the lace, the cake, the wine; the frivolous things that have seemed out of reach in comparison to the anxious and sometimes scary world we’re currently living in. The show’s diversity, fashions, social events (even a bit of the lovemaking), are things I hope to see more of in the future. Not just in movies, or books, or shows, but in real life. And I think the mix of striving for a better future while making room for the whimsy of life would be a very good thing, indeed.
-Lady Hannesen
Krista Hannesen Editor in Chief, A Beautiful Life Magazine abeautifullifemagazine.com krista@atfacevalue.ca
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