First Official Image: Sherlock Holmes 2

There have been two big costume reveals in the last few days, so it hardly seems surprising that Sherlock Holmes 2 (working title) should round out the week with its first official image courtesy of LA Times.

What can we earn from this shot then? Not a lot, obviously. What we know of the plot, that this sequel is set in 1891, one year after the original film, that Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) is pursuing possibly history’s first supervillain Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) and sidekick Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) is settling down with Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly), is as vague as it is enticing. Moreover with Stephen Fry on board as Holmes’ genius brother Mycroft, he will probably receive the more showy costume treatment this time round. Although, there are a few worthwhile points to note here, particularly in regards to Watson.

Decked in a herringbone tweed 3pc suit with high crown dark brown bowler hat and matching leather gloves, Watson has clearly evolved the ‘country gent’ look as his signature appearance. The high crown bowler suits Law’s face shape and is quintessentially of late Victorian London, mainly because it was never as visible anywhere else in the world. He is still wearing a detachable stiff collar, certainly popular by the close of the 1800s, plus some rather interesting barrel cuffs. His leather gloves were an indispensable accessory for the Victorian gentleman, generally in chamois or kid.

As for Holmes, he continues to channel the new Romantic vibe of the 1830s, though unusually for him in a high buttoning tweed waistcoat (probably Harris). This particular shot has been taken from a scene set in the country (shot at Didcot Railway Centre, less than an hour’s train ride from London) so that may explain his attire. Holmes’ high spread collar on that lightly striped shirt seems scruffy but was acceptable wear towards the end of the 19th century. It would normally have had a press first, mind. And some cufflinks. No cravat this time either, but instead the increasingly seen four in hand necktie.

Perhaps what we should glean from this official image is just how similar Jenny Beavan’s costume design appears to Sherlock Holmes 1, and this is no bad thing. Plus Clothes on Film can exclusively reveal (or not as the case may be) that a particular favourite costume from the first movie will definitely be returning. Can you guess what that might be..?

Sherlock Holmes 2, directed by Guy Ritchie is released on 16th December. Seems a long way off but it will be here before you know it.

Source: LA Times